Who is building Ukrainian AI: Key figures and industry trends

Together with AI HOUSE, we presented a major study, Ukrainian AI Talent. This is the second in-depth analysis of Ukraine’s AI market, showing who is creating artificial intelligence in the country, where specialists work, and how they see the industry’s development.

 

Ukrainian AI talents

Over the past two years, the number of Ukrainian AI specialists has grown by 17%, reaching 6,100 professionals. The sector is maturing: half of the respondents have more than three years of experience. The field is also becoming more attractive to women: there are around 1,000 female specialists, 17% of whom are newcomers.

 

Education of Ukrainian AI specialists

53% of specialists have a formal university education in AI, while 47% entered the field independently through courses and self-study. The sector is also attracting career switchers: one in three AI specialists previously worked as software developers.

 

Experience and expertise

Ukrainian AI specialists are multi-functional, with most working across several technical areas. While the entry threshold is lowering, leadership positions (Senior/Lead) still typically require at least three years of practical experience.

 

Where Ukrainian AI specialists work

The most common workplace is product companies (41%). Another 13% apply AI outside the IT sector — in agriculture, finance, and telecommunications (mostly in large corporations). Only 2% work in the public sector, though demand is growing.

In addition, 17% of specialists have experience in Defense Tech, developing solutions for defense purposes.

 

Education and research

Interest in science remains high: 12% of respondents already hold a PhD, and another 12% are pursuing one. Beyond universities, Defense Tech is becoming a major source of innovation.

 

How they see the future

The IT community is optimistic: 53% believe Ukraine can become a regional leader in AI. To achieve this, specialists highlight three priorities:

1. Building a strong mathematical and research foundation

2. Investing in R&D and laboratories, and increasing collaboration between the AI industry and academia

3. Creating high-quality Ukrainian datasets to train domestic AI models

These findings will inform Ukraine’s AI Development Strategy until 2030 and help the government create conditions to achieve its mission: ranking among the top three countries in AI development and integration in the public sector.

Read the full study here.

AI HOUSE is a nonprofit organization building the largest AI community in Ukraine. Its mission is to support new startups and develop the country’s AI and technology sector. In 2024, together with AI HOUSE, we conducted the first study and are continuing this initiative to systematically analyze Ukraine’s AI ecosystem.

The study was conducted by AI HOUSE with the support of the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine.