During a working trip to Lviv region on September 25, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal took part in the opening of the startup competition StartUp Breakthrough 2020, at which modern technological developments of Ukrainian entrepreneurs are presented.

StartUP Breakthrough is not only a competition for technological projects but also an ecosystem that brings together innovators, entrepreneurs, investors, government officials to jointly launch and successfully promote innovative solutions in various sectors of the economy

"Support of innovations is a separate part in the program of the Government activity. The strategy of digitalization of the country should promote the emergence of new technological solutions, which will help both the development of the state and the development of innovative enterprises," said Denys Shmyhal.

The Prime Minister in his speech dwelled on that Ukraine has the potential to become a leader in exporting IT services not only in Europe but also in the world. By 2025, the turnover of the entire export IT industry may reach $ 8.4 billion. At the same time, the Head of Government noted that Ukrainian developers are gradually moving from outsourcing to creating their own high-margin products: from "brain export" to export of high-quality branded products «Made in Ukraine».

"The IT industry is a driving force that allows to change the principles of development of the national economy: from raw materials to innovation. Our goal is to ensure that approximately 70% of GDP growth is determined by innovative achievements, the use of patents and know-how in the latest technologies. Combining the resources and potential of our IT innovators, the state and business can yield such result that will contribute to Ukraine’s economic breakthrough in the next decade," the Head of Government stressed.

Apart from that, Denys Shmyhal thanked the event organizers for their leadership and bold ideas, and wished success to all participants and entrepreneurs who will present their startups.