Serhiy Tokarev, co-founder of the investment group Roosh, recently outlined a comprehensive strategy for advancing the AI market in Ukraine. In an op-ed for Forbes Ukraine, Serhiy Tokarev emphasized three key areas: enhancing tech education, fostering collaboration among industry stakeholders, and avoiding overly restrictive regulations.
Insights by Serhiy Tokarev are based on a study conducted by Roosh in partnership with the AI HOUSE community and the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine. The findings reveal that Ukraine is second in Central and Eastern Europe regarding the number of AI companies. AI startup funding in Ukraine increased by 35 percent in 2023 compared to the previous year, demonstrating a robust and growing sector.
Serhiy Tokarev highlighted specific successes and pointed to Zibra AI, a Roosh X deep-tech portfolio company. Zibra AI simplifies game development using AI, and over 116,000 developers worldwide utilize its technology. In 2023, Zibra AI secured $500,000 in investment from the Speedrun accelerator, launched by a16z, underscoring Ukraine’s rising prominence in the AI domain.
Despite these advancements, the past two years of the war in Ukraine have taken a toll on the country’s tech industry. The war has caused a significant outflow of talent, with many specialists relocating abroad. Serhiy Tokarev argues that improving the quality and accessibility of tech education is crucial to reversing this trend. However, the sector faces challenges, including inadequate funding and a shortage of qualified teachers. Many tech professionals prefer industry roles over academic positions, and educational institutions often lack the financial autonomy to secure necessary funds.
High-quality education is fundamental to developing a competitive AI workforce. Serhiy Tokarev notes that AI programs should equip students with both technical and soft skills. Effective communication, organizational skills, and hands-on experience are essential for today’s AI professionals. Some Ukrainian universities have already begun to collaborate with tech companies to better prepare students for the needs of the industry, and this model, according to Tokarev, should be expanded.
Collaboration between academia, business, and government is important to technological progress. Serhiy Tokarev advocates for events and platforms that facilitate interaction between these sectors, fostering an ecosystem that supports innovation and growth.
Regulatory flexibility is another important aspect of facilitating a thriving AI market. Tokarev warns that too strict rules can hinder progress. He suggests that Ukraine could position itself as a leading testing platform for AI technologies by maintaining a liberal regulatory environment and attracting global companies to develop and test their innovations in Ukraine.
The Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine is already taking steps in this direction by developing a roadmap for AI regulation. In this regard, the priority is cooperation between the state and AI companies, which allows the development and testing of new technologies. A comprehensive legislative framework will then be created to ensure that the sector is both innovative and regulated.
Serhiy Tokarev has a vision for the Ukrainian AI market and it is clear: by investing in high-quality education, developing cooperation, and adopting a flexible regulatory approach, Ukraine can become a significant player in the global AI industry. Addressing these challenges is urgent because a country’s victory in war and its future economic prosperity depend on its technological progress.
By implementing these strategies, Ukraine can not only recover from its current challenges but also thrive in the competitive global AI market.
