April 15 business media Delo.ua and business/media bureau Economy+ gathered in the capital of Ukraine's leading entrepreneurs, investors, and top managers for the BWS 2026 "Businesses of the Bold" summit. The main goal of the event was to discuss the transformation of the economy, business development strategies in conditions of high uncertainty, and the search for new growth points.
The summit program combined panel discussions, analytical presentations, and presentations of practical cases - from regulatory policy and exports to the implementation of artificial intelligence and energy efficiency. The focus was on real solutions that Ukrainian businesses can apply today.
Responsibility, dignity and focus on production
The event was opened by Oksana Gutzeit (ICTV) and Tetyana Smirnova (Ekonomika+). In her keynote speech, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Oleksandra Matviychuk (Center for Civil Liberties) spoke about the power of dignity and responsibility. She emphasized that true hope is not manifested in expectations, but in conscious action and the ability to participate in change.
The issue of business transparency was discussed by Danylo Hetmantsev (VRU), Vasyl Danylyak (OKKO), Andriy Lukasevich (Philip Morris Ukraine), Yevhen Riyako (RIYAKO&PARTNERS), and Andriy Bukin (Pivdenny Bank). The participants concluded that the shadow sector loses, while the "white" business provides access to financing and has real prospects for development.
A special guest at the summit was Kyrylo Budanov. In an on-stage interview, he noted that it is critically important for Ukraine to move away from the raw material model and focus on the production of products with high added value. This primarily concerns the development of mechanical engineering and the defense technology sector (GovTech/DefenceTech), which will allow the country to take a competitive place in the global arms market.
Export, innovation and risk management
The transformation of Ukrainian exports was discussed by representatives of the government and big business: Taras Vysotsky (Ministry of Economy), Olena Borysova (Gastro Family), Anna Derevyanko (EBA), Hennadiy Chyzhykov (Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce and Industry) and others. The speakers analyzed barriers to entering new markets, effective models of international partnership and noted the growth of conscious support for the "Made in Ukraine" brand.
The innovative breakthrough was presented by Ilya Polshakov (Kyivstar). He presented the result of cooperation with Starlink Direct to Cell — a technology that allows ordinary 4G smartphones to automatically connect to a satellite signal even in areas without coverage. This is critical for ensuring the continuity of business communications.
The adaptation of companies to war risks was discussed by Yulia Ponomarenko (AB InBev Efes Ukraine), Olga Vasilevska-Smaglyuk (VRU), Yuriy Polishchuk (Foxtrot) and others. The key challenges were the loss of personnel and consumers, access to financing and the effectiveness of insurance mechanisms. Andriy Semchenko (INGO) spoke in detail about how insurance helps businesses survive under fire, because war risks are a reality that can be worked with.
Social impact, AI and energy efficiency
Marta Levchenko (City of Good) spoke about business responsibility for the future. The panel on social responsibility (SSR) with the participation of Serhiy Prytula (Serhiy Prytula Foundation), Taras Kytsmey (SoftServe), Lyudmila Novak (Interpipe) and others emphasized that CSR is no longer an “additional option” and should be part of a business model with clear metrics integrated into the company’s strategy.
The topic of artificial intelligence was explored by experts from Glovo, Sigma Software, Cisco Ukraine, DevRain, and Astarta-Kyiv. The speakers discussed the line between applied AI solutions and hype, areas of measurable effect, and approaches to managing AI risks.
The discussion on energy efficiency brought together Serhiy Kovalenko (YASNO), Olga Buslavets, Serhiy Yevtushenko (UDP Renewables) and others. The experts outlined approaches to anti-crisis adaptation and finding new ways to optimize business through the integration of energy-efficient solutions.
Growth points and leader rewards
Where businesses should look for growth points and how to build a new management architecture were discussed by Vitaliy Lubinets (WIN WIN CLUB), Oleksandr Bilyi (1+1 media), and Valentina Sakhno (KSE). The final chord was a Q&A session on management mistakes with the participation of Vladyslav Antipov (CERN) and Artem Borodatyuk (FRACTAL).
At the end of the event, a solemn ceremony was held to award the TOP-50 business leaders according to the magazine "TOP-100. Ratings of the Largest".
The organizers of the summit are grateful to partners, including Sense Bank, LESHCHENKO & PARTNERS, Starlight media, Kyivstar, KSE and others. Kyiv1 acted as an information partner.
