CES 2023 results: How Ukrainian startup delegation impressed visitors of the largest technology exhibition in the world

From January 5 to 8, the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) was held in Las Vegas.

CES is one of the most influential tech events in the world. Every year, the world’s largest companies, including Apple, Samsung, and Netflix, come to this event.

In 2023, CES was attended by 120,000 participants from 173 countries and 188 top media.

For the second year in a row, the Ukrainian startup delegation has its own stand at CES, the goal of which is to demonstrate the innovative potential of our country, the victories of Ukrainian innovators on the technological front, and to show that now is the time to invest in Ukraine.

Participation in CES is also important in terms of developing Ukraine’s tech brand. This is an opportunity to show the whole world that Ukrainian startups are able to create products as good as foreign specialists and raise the country’s image in front of the global audience.

After all, CES is always about a high-quality networking, finding investors, clients and like-minded people, expanding the contact base and a chance to get on the pages of the world media.

This year, 12 startup teams from Ukraine went to CES. Despite the difficulties of working in the conditions of the ongoing war in Ukraine, they found something to surprise journalists and investors from the United States, Britain, Europe, Japan, Korea and other countries.

Due to the military aggression of the terrorist country, representatives of two startups could not attend the exhibition, but presented their developments online, answering questions from the visitors of the stand from the laptop screen.

Due to the war, this year CES organizers did not allow Russian companies to attend the world’s main technology exhibition. Gary Shapiro, CEO of the Consumer Technology Association and producer of CES, noted that Ukrainians have proven their entrepreneurial spirit even while facing a full-scale Russian invasion. “I think it took a lot of courage for our Ukrainian friends to be here,” the CES organizer said. He also invited visitors to visit the Ukrainian pavilion during the event on January 5-8 at the Eureka Park in Las Vegas (USA).

The following Ukrainian hardware startups were presented in the Ukrainian pavilion at CES 2023:

• Releaf PAPER & BAGS – the world first manufacturer of paper packaging made from fallen leaves.
• Rekava – the Ukrainian brand of biodegradable products made from reused coffee grounds. The startup’s products include rekava cups, rekava pots, and rekava candles.
• Melt Water Club – the technical solution for obtaining premium drinking water, thanks to the innovative Freezing Process technology.
• OptySun filters – the technology of water purification and disinfection in any conditions.
• i3 Engineering – the complete solution for Smart Home projects and business’s automation, which consists of controllers mounted on a DIN-rail, software and mobile application.
• Nanit Robot – the STEM Robotics education solution with a high engineering perspective and a creative learning process for kids and adults.
• Corner – the modern, frictionless way to set up a renovation with a pre-designed kitchen entirely online.
• Knopka – the advanced nurse call system for patient care automation on hospital beds.
• WheelKeep – the invisible security system that helps cycling enthusiasts to protect their bikes from thefts and enjoy the freedom of everyday cycling. It includes a smart hardware device and a mobile application.
• Solar Plex – the service for upgrading new and already installed conventional solar (PV) panels into hybrid (PVT) ones.
• Еfarm.pro – the IOT navigation field assistant for agricultural work that allows you to save resources and work more accurately.
• G-Mak – the innovative security device equipped with a number of unique technological solutions that can physically stop or disorient an intruder.

In total, more than 1000 startups visited CES and Eureka Park in Las Vegas this year, presenting innovative ideas in dozens of technology sectors: AI and Robotics, Environment and Sustainability, VR, Metaspace and Gaming, Digital Health, Transportation, Home Entertainment and Streaming, Smart Home and Lifestyle.

On January 5, the official opening of the national stands of the countries, as well as the Ukrainian pavilion, took place after a solemn ribbon-cutting ceremony with the participation of the CEO of the Consumer Technologies Association Gary Shapiro, and the vice-president of the Association John T. Kelly.

“It’s fantastic to see Ukrainian startups here in Eureka Park at CES 2023. Their passion and resilience is inspiring!” Mr. Shapiro tweeted.

From the first hours of the exhibition, the Ukrainian pavilion was crowded: journalists from leading media (BBC, Associated Press, Nikkei, Scripps news), representatives of venture funds, corporations and governments came to get acquainted with innovations in the field of cleantech, medtech, security, biotech, etc. from Ukrainian inventors who despite all the military challenges continue to work and develop breakthrough solutions.

Also, on the first day of the visit to CES 2023, the Ukrainian startup delegation had the opportunity to meet with Jasjit Singh, Executive Director of SelectUSA (a U.S. government program led by the U.S. Department of Commerce that promotes investment in job-creating businesses and raises awareness of the important role of economic development in the U.S. economy). Jasjit Singh emphasized the constant support of Ukraine, expressed his words of support to brave Ukrainian entrepreneurs and his admiration for the courage and willpower of Ukrainians: “Despite the war and all the challenges of wartime, Ukrainian startups, as usual, came to CES to impress the public with their inventions and solutions.”

In addition, the Ukrainian technology delegation at CES 2023 took part in the Silicon Valley Funding Summit by AngelLaunch and Enrich in the United States, where the world’s most promising startups from North America and Europe presented their projects to Silicon Valley investors and potential corporate partners.

Four Ukrainian hardware startups were selected for pitching to more than 100 international investors: Solar Plex, G-Mak, WheelKeep, Knopka.

“We are very grateful to all the organizers for this trip. CES is our first trip, from which we feel a direct benefit, and not “well, it’s also good to extend networking”, as it sometimes happens after conferences. Most likely the reason for this is that CES is ideal for hardware, but the scale of the event also affects. We found a lot of potential clients (bike manufacturers) and partners (manufacturing, internet for devices, component suppliers),” shares his impressions Pavlo Herman, CEO of Wheelkeep.

“For the first time I got such a buzz from the feeling that we are one united and cool team. I really liked the event, at least found 2 distributors, 2 venture investors, made 50 pre-orders. I changed 2 pairs of shoes, but still did not have time to go around the entire exhibition in 4 days. Thanks to the organizers and everyone who joined the event,” comments the Nanit Robot startup team.

“CES 2023 was very productive for our startup. We met investors, customers and opened new opportunities for business partnerships in the United States. We even talked to Palantir and learned how their software works on the battlefield,” says Corner Renovation founder Kostiantyn.

In general, Ukraine’s own pavilion at CES is a big step in the recognition of Ukraine’s technological capabilities by the international community. In addition, it is technological diplomacy in action, helping to strengthen support for Ukraine abroad. The participation of Ukrainian startups in CES 2023 is a testament to the resilience and determination of Ukrainian entrepreneurs to succeed, despite the difficulties they face in wartime.

The organization of the Ukrainian delegation to CES 2023 was possible thanks to the joint efforts of the Ukrainian Startup Fund (USF), USAID Competitive Economy Program, Western NIS Enterprise Fund, UVCA, GIST Net and the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine. Information partner – TechUkraine.