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As the war in Ukraine approaches its fourth anniversary, a former citizen now based in Yorkshire is helping to support businesses in the war-torn country.

Mariia Rubtsova moved to Sheffield four years ago with her then ten-year-old daughter Yeva.  Last summer she joined Health Innovation Yorkshire & Humber, supporting businesses with health innovations.

She is now part of a team delivering a first-of-its-kind Propel Ukraine Boot Camp, to help Ukrainian healthtech innovators looking to enter the UK market.

For Project Manager Mariia, the work is a personal mission to help her home country.

The idea came out of discussions with the UK-Ukraine TechBridge, a strategic partnership between the UK Government, Ukraine’s Ministry of Digital Transformation, and Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Health Innovation Yorkshire & Humber will deliver a new version of their long-established programme for overseas innovators, Propel HealthTech International, in collaboration with the UK-Ukraine TechBridge.

Mariia said: “This fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine is one of the most emotionally difficult times for Ukrainians. I feel so passionately about supporting my people, I am excited that I will be able to provide some practical help for the businesses who are continuing in the most difficult circumstances.

“They have limited wifi and electricity, it is only turned on for part of the day. There are bombs falling and they have all lost people dear to them and yet are doing their best to run businesses and support the economy.”

Mariia was a partner in a marketing agency which continues to operate in Cherkasy and she has remained in contact with many of her former compatriots on social media.

“I understand from my own experience how difficult it is to work in another country. Over the past four years, I have met incredible mentors and people who helped me navigate this journey. Now, I want to do the same for Ukrainians — to help them be heard, to express themselves, and to give their ideas the opportunity they deserve.

“I see how Ukrainians, despite the war, are taking the best from their experience and doing truly remarkable things. As difficult as it is to say, no one else in the world has the kind of experience that Ukrainian doctors are gaining — including on the front line while caring for patients. This knowledge and resilience can be incredibly valuable, not only for Ukraine, but for healthcare systems around the world.”

The boot camp is running for five weeks, up till late March

The collaboration between the two countries aims to create new opportunities for Ukrainian businesses seeking to invest and grow in the UK and Yorkshire and Humber will be the first region to explore the adoption of the Ukrainian innovations in the NHS.