IT Arena 2025: Building Ecosystems, Driving Innovation, and Creating Impact

Every year, IT Arena dedicates three days to discussing technology trends, innovations, opportunities, and challenges in the global tech and business landscape. The 2025 program featured four thematic stages — Business, Technology, Product, Startup — and introduced a new dedicated Defense stage, focused on defense technologies. This stage brought together Ukrainian and international startups, engineers, and investors working on defense innovations — from software solutions to hardware systems.

Focus on AI, Cybersecurity, and Defense Innovation

Key discussion areas of this year’s event included Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a driver of transformation in business, governance, and defense; cybersecurity as the foundation of technological resilience; as well as leadership in the tech sector and strategies for responsible business growth amid rapid change.

Speakers and participants explored how to adapt to evolving market conditions, lead responsibly, and leverage innovation for sustainable success.

Among the headline speakers was Mykhailo Fedorov, Ukraine’s First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Transformation, who shared the country’s achievements in digital transformation and the integration of digital tools in defense and education.

On the newly introduced Defense stage, Daria Yaniieva, Investment Director at Sigma Software Labs, spoke at the “Ukrainian Defense Tiger – Why Invest Now” panel. Leading investors and experts discussed Ukraine’s defense tech and best areas to invest in.

We see that Ukraine is becoming the world’s most dynamic defense innovation hub. Here, technologies are created and tested in real combat conditions, enabling startups to scale globally at unprecedented speed.

Startup Competition 2025: Record-Breaking Participation

IT Arena once again hosted Ukraine’s largest startup competition, which this year attracted a record-breaking 202 applications — the highest in the event’s history. The grand prize $60,000 was provided by BRAVE1 and Ukrainian Startup Fund, a government coordination platform created to support defense innovation and cooperation among all market participants. The competition also achieved an impressive milestone, with the total investment fund reaching $12.5 million.

Daria Yaniieva, an active player in the startup world, moderated the competition.

Startups presented solutions in:

• AI-driven products
• Defense and cybersecurity technologies
• HealthTech, EdTech, and FoodTech

Applications came from Ukrainian founders as well as from international teams based in Warsaw, Berlin, Tallinn, Kaunas, Minnesota, Boston, Dundee, and Hong Kong. Notably, 52 applications were submitted by defense-focused teams.

Two startups from Defence Builder accelerator, co-founded by our venture fund Sigma Software Labs with Kyiv School of Economics and Buntar Aerospace, reached the finals of the Defence Startup Competition. One of them – BabAI – secured second place and a $10,000 prize with its AI-powered active protection system for reconnaissance drones.

Thought Leadership and Knowledge Sharing

Over three dynamic days of IT Arena, the Sigma Software team engaged as speakers, moderators, and exhibitors, connecting with global innovators, strengthening partnerships, and sharing our vision for the future.

We hosted two strategic meetups:

• Peer to Peer: Inspiring Stories – Connecting Visionaries, Shaping the Future, led by Kyrylo Hrinchak, Head of Partner & Product Portfolio at Sigma Software Labs, focused on authentic stories that drive change and create real opportunities.
• Ecosystems as the Ultimate Growth Multiplier, featuring leaders from Sigma Software University Global, Sigma Software Labs, Sigma Software Unity Fund, Defence Builder, and Scroll.media, explored why ecosystem thinking is essential for resilience and long-term success.

Global Perspective on Resilience

Our partner João Annes, President of APECSYS, delivered an insightful talk on what Europe can learn from Ukraine’s experience in building digital resilience. He emphasized the importance of prioritization, rapid recovery, and proactive capabilities — lessons that resonate strongly with global business leaders.

Sigma Software Group’s CEO & Co-Founder Valery Krasovsky joined these discussions, reinforcing Sigma Software’s expertise in cybersecurity, compliance, and adapting to new EU regulations such as the AI Act, Cyber Resilience Act, NIS2, and DORA.

Supporting Social Impact: UNBROKEN Charity Run

Beyond technology, IT Arena 2025 was also about making a difference. Together with UNBROKEN Ukraine, Sigma Software organized a charity run to raise funds for a specialized rehabilitation playground at St. Nicholas Children’s Hospital in Lviv. This facility will help children recovering with prosthetics and mobility challenges regain independence through play.

Over 50 participants joined the run, including colleagues, partners, and friends. 

This initiative continues our support for UNBROKEN. Earlier this year, we raised $15,500 for the rehabilitation center, and we are committed to doing more. 

Looking Ahead

IT Arena 2025 reaffirmed our belief that innovation thrives in ecosystems, resilience is built through collaboration, and social responsibility is integral to sustainable growth. 

We thank everyone who visited our booth, joined our sessions, and supported our initiatives. Together, we are shaping the future of technology and creating meaningful impact.