Top 3 Digital Projects Realized by Ukrainian Developers

In pre-war times, Ukraine's digital sector boasted a thriving ecosystem that included over 4,000 local companies and more than 100 global giants. This thriving sector was a source of pride for both the nation and the state. Notably, global technology leaders such as Microsoft, Ericsson, Google, Samsung, and Boeing maintained subsidiaries within Ukraine.

Ukraine's tech industry has emerged as a dominant force within the diverse tech sector. The main IT hubs in Ukraine, including Kyiv, Lviv, Dnipro, and Kharkiv, have played a pivotal role in sustaining the country's economy, albeit with considerable challenges. The ongoing war has cast a shadow over Ukraine's economic prospects, with a 30% decline in GDP in 2022 .

However, there is a glimmer of hope, especially when focusing on the resilience of the tech sector. Before the war, Ukraine's tech companies were significant exporters of services across the continent. A 2022 report from the IT Ukraine Association reveals that the tech sector was experiencing remarkable growth, with an annual increase of around 30%. It contributed over 4% to the nation's total GDP.

The IT Ukraine Association further notes that in the initial months of the war, the tech industry generated export revenue ranging between $6 and $7 billion. At present, tech services constitute the primary export from Ukraine, underscoring the industry's vital role.

As of January 1, 2023, the tech sector has contributed UAH 32.2 billion ($870 million) in taxes and fees to Ukraine's consolidated budget, reflecting a 16% increase compared to 2021. This data underscores the enduring significance and growth of the IT industry within the Ukrainian economy.

Developers in Ukraine were ranked fourth globally in the number of certified IT professionals .

IT outsourcing companies have specialized skills in the cloud and deal with big data and AI. Ukrainians were the first to roll out digital certificates for COVID-19 vaccination that were recognized all over the European Union.

In 2019 the Ministry of Digital Transformation was established, and the president declared the course for turning Ukraine into a digital state. Diia application is the most important digital project launched in Ukraine at the state level, and we’ll speak about it a bit later.

The banking sector is the one most actively responding to global economic changes and the digitization of financial services. Ukrainian cutting-edge neobank Monobank is an outstanding example of banking mobile app development. This is one of the most successful Eastern European projects FinTech and one of the fastest-growing neobanks globally. We’ll also speak about it further on.

Russia’s invasion has posed new Stfalcon was at the forefront of one of such tasks, we are going to share our case in section 3.

But let’s first speak about the development in Ukraine.

Development in Ukraine in 2024?

Before the war started, Ukraine had already developed electronic means of communication in many sectors of life. Several Fortune 500 companies still outsource software development to Ukrainian developers. Ukrainian software developers have a reputation for having both hard and soft skills, which puts them at an advantage even over professionals from other nations.

Thus, Ukrainian software developers have a huge experience that has been substantiated by successes in the tech field, e.g., Grammally, Ajax, GitHub, Wix, Diia, Monobank, and the Air Alert application.

Secondly, the cost of quality coding and superior software solutions is relatively cheaper especially in Europe and in USA.

But that’s not all, let’s check some more benefits Ukrainian software devs can provide:

Extensive Technological Proficiency

Ukrainian app developers possess a wealth of experience in a diverse array of modern technologies, showcasing their versatility in a wide range of frameworks and programming languages. They consistently update their skills to remain competitive in a spectrum that encompasses Java, JavaScript, C#, C++, Python, PHP, Swift, Ruby, TypeScript, Kotlin, and many more.

More than half of Ukrainian developers specialize in backend development, while nearly 20% are dedicated to web and front-end projects. Approximately 8% excel in mobile development, and a substantial number are proficient in quality assurance, data processing, system development, and other domains. This multifaceted expertise ensures that Ukrainian software developers can cater to various project requirements.

Furthermore, Ukrainian developers stand out for their deep industry knowledge. While fintech and banking projects are prominent in the country, there is also a considerable presence in sectors like digital health media and entertainment, adding diversity to their portfolio.

Exceptionally Skilled in Tech

Ukraine's developer landscape comprises over a quarter of senior-level professionals and more than 42% in the mid-level category. Seventeen percent of developers have between 5 to 10 years of experience, while around 30% possess more than three years of professional expertise. Only a mere 1% have one year of experience or less, underscoring the high competence of the talent pool.

Exemplary Code Quality

In a SkillValue developers' skills assessment conducted in January 2022, Ukraine secured the 4th position in terms of the highest success rate of developers. This assessment, which analyzed 20,557 quiz results and algorithm exercises, placed Ukraine ahead of the United States, highlighting the nation's proficiency in software development.

Consequently, Ukraine serves as a cost-effective offshoring destination with a track record of delivering top-tier code and expertise, ensuring high project performance.

Elevated Level of Technical Education

The majority of Ukrainian specialists hold at least one specialized higher education diploma, with over 85% actively pursuing further learning through courses. Many engineers also bring foreign education and international work experience to the table, contributing to their well-rounded knowledge and skills.

Fluent Communication in English

Hiring developers from abroad can sometimes pose communication challenges, but this is not the case with Ukrainian professionals. Approximately 80% of developers in Ukraine have a strong command of English, minimizing the risk of misunderstandings and facilitating smooth collaboration.

Dedication, Motivation, and Resilience

Even before recent events, Ukrainian developers demonstrated unwavering passion and a profound interest in emerging technologies, stating that their work was a driving force in their lives. In the current context, Ukrainian specialists exhibit even greater motivation, driven by the desire to contribute to their country's recovery and support their national digital infrastructure. The Ukrainian Government's post-war initiatives center on digitalization, encompassing "Digital Infrastructure, Internet recovery, and development," "Digital Economy," and "Public Services and Registers," with plans spanning the next decade up to 2032.

In light of this commitment and resilience, Ukrainian software developers are sure to approach your project with enthusiasm, alongside their commitment to rebuilding their national digital landscape. Now, let's delve into two of the most influential Ukrainian projects that have laid the foundation for the country's digital development.

Digital Solutions from Ukrainian Developers?

As previously highlighted, our focus now shifts to three remarkable digital endeavors: the Diia platform, which streamlines government services and digitizes vital documents;? Monobank , a cutting-edge neo bank; and the Air Alert application , a creation of Stfalcon.

Diia

In 2019, Ukraine's newly elected President Zelensky introduced the "State in a Smartphone" project, which led to the development and launch of the Diia app by Ukrainian developers before the onset of the war.

The website and the application are aimed to simplify traditional bureaucracy and digitize 14 essential documents such as passports, driver’s licenses, vehicle registration certificates, taxpayer identification numbers, etc. It provides the citizens with a single portal for public services, you can even register as an entrepreneur there. Over 70 online services are available on the portal: you can pay taxes, debts, or fines, take opinion polls through the app, or even watch state TV.??

The Diia app has emerged as the primary means of identification and essential document storage for millions of Ukrainians, assuming significant importance during wartime. Each digital document within the Diia app holds the same legal validity as its physical paper or plastic counterpart.

This government development service signifies Ukraine's aspiration to lead globally in offering digital services to its citizens and businesses. Ukrainians stand as pioneers, being the first worldwide to utilize digital IDs without encountering any internal (and even many external) constraints.

Monobank

Monobank, as the pioneering mobile-exclusive bank in Ukraine, stands as the world's swiftest-evolving neo-bank. It registers a monthly client growth of 100,000 to 120,000 individuals. In October 2017, the bank initiated an exclusive beta testing phase, which concluded within a month.

To become a Monobank client, all you need to do is download the application from either the App Store or Google Play. Subsequently, you can capture photos of your essential documents, including your passport and personal tax number. The delivery of your card is optional, as it is not an obligatory step in the process.

The Mono mobile app provides a diverse range of banking services, encompassing money transfers, bill payments, and credit services, among others. Notably, it achieved the distinction of being the inaugural bank to introduce Apple Pay in Ukraine.

Furthermore, clients have the enticing option of earning cash back on their purchases. This feature is highly appealing, allowing customers to select two categories for cashback, which can range from 1% to 20% of their total expenses.

Oleg Gorokhovsky, a co-founder of Monobank, sheds light on their innovative approach. The bank collaborates closely with neural networks, mathematical models, and open data, while also closely monitoring client behavior. This approach ensures precise risk assessment and credit limit determination, thereby minimizing the risk of defaults.

Adding to its charm, the app introduces a touch of humor to the typically conservative banking sector. A whimsical character, a cat, takes center stage in the app, injecting a playful element into the banking experience.

In 2023, Monobank expanded its clientele from 5 to 7 million, marking significant growth in its customer base. Additionally, the groundwork was set for launching a similar project in Poland, further extending the reach of Ukrainian innovation.

Air Alert

As the Russian invasion commenced, the need for an effective air raid notification system became pressing for numerous cities and villages where the traditional signals were often inaudible. Continuously monitoring Regional State Administration notifications on messaging platforms proved to be an impractical solution. In response, Stfalcon conceived the idea of developing a dependable software solution aimed at promptly disseminating alerts from the civil defense system, effectively cautioning people throughout Ukraine about imminent dangers.

Read the full case study

This case is exceptional as it witnessed a collective effort from numerous individuals who came together to swiftly craft this intricate technical solution, all accomplished within a mere day. On the second day of the war, the application ascended to become the foremost app in the Ukrainian AppStore news category, garnering recognition from both Forbes and AIN.UA , a remarkable achievement. The Air Alert app was developed in cooperation with Ajax Systems and with the Ministry of Digital Transformation support.

Why Ukrainian Digital Proficiency Holds Significance

The experience of many Ukrainians who were compelled to leave their homeland due to the war and subsequently interact with banking systems in other countries is illuminating. It has become evident that Ukraine is well-acquainted with cutting-edge digital solutions, characterized by their swiftness and cost-effectiveness. In contrast, foreign banks often operate within more stringent regulations, exhibit a slower pace, and adhere to a more conservative approach.

Therefore, the expertise of Ukrainians in mobile application development for the banking sector holds immense value, particularly in the context of introducing technological advancements and the digital landscape into the European banking arena. We have compelling reasons to take pride in the progress of Ukrainian online banking.

Ukraine's pioneering initiative in utilizing Article 14 eIDAS is noteworthy, as it signifies our pursuit of mutual recognition of electronic trust services between the EU and Ukraine. This endeavor resulted in the issuance of the Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) Cookbook before the onset of the conflict. However, the path toward integration into the Digital Single Market (DSM) represents a more advanced alignment with international principles, standards, and regulations concerning digital practices. This, in turn, holds the potential to significantly reduce cross-border barriers in the realm of digital trade.

Amidst the adversity of war, access to public services assumed paramount importance. Even in the face of Russian aggression, the Ukrainian government persisted in delivering, expanding, and digitizing its public services. The reduction in physical infrastructure and the displacement of citizens rendered in-person services inaccessible to some individuals. In this context, Diia proved to be an effective solution, catering to the needs of both individuals and businesses grappling with the consequences of the invasion.

There exists a critical necessity for portable digital identity solutions with global validity, enabling individuals to verify their identity even in the absence of essential documents or when crossing international borders. Recognized as a global leader in the digital arena, Ukraine is prepared and willing to share its wealth of experience and solutions with the rest of the world.

How the Tech Sector is Continuing its Work During the War

The tech sector in Ukraine has exhibited remarkable resilience amidst the ongoing war. Despite the challenging circumstances, it not only stands as the sole industry showing an increase in exports (by 10%) and contributing to economic earnings but also sustains a positive growth trajectory. Nearly all Ukrainian tech companies, approximately 100%, continue to operate without interruption.

Within a mere month, 84% of IT specialists in Ukraine swiftly returned to full-time work . A substantial 91% of tech specialists are actively engaged in supporting the Ukrainian Army, driven by a strong motivation to contribute to their homeland's well-being and ultimate victory.

Final Thoughts

Much like numerous other Ukrainian software developers, Stfalcon is actively seeking fresh projects to play a significant role in Ukraine's digital advancement and extend our expertise beyond our borders.

We have a successful track record of collaboration with international companies and clients and are eager to embrace new and demanding ventures. Your project could be the next one! Please don't hesitate to reach out and hire Ukrainian devs.