IT:RIVNE Conference 2025
What happens when hundreds of people passionate about technology come together to share knowledge and inspire one another? On August 15–16, 2025, Rivne gave the answer. The third annual IT:RIVNE CONFERENCE brought together over 300 participants and 40 speakers from across the country and beyond — all united by a shared drive to develop the IT industry.
The event was once again organized by Rivne IT Cluster, which unites local companies and specialists to foster the growth of the IT community and technology in the region. Lenovo was the conference’s main innovation partner.
This year’s key focus was artificial intelligence. AI was at the heart of every discussion — from practical tools and technologies to ethical questions and the challenges of the future. For many participants, it was not only a chance to explore the latest trends but also to hear real stories of how artificial intelligence is being integrated into business processes, educational projects, and the daily work of teams.
Over the course of two days, the conference turned into a living lab of ideas: panel discussions, lectures, and workshops covered technology, business, education, and the creative industries.
How it went
The first day of IT:RIVNE CONFERENCE 2025 began even before the official talks. From nine in the morning, participants were already arriving at the registration desk — receiving badges, meeting one another, checking out the venue and partner booths. The atmosphere buzzed with anticipation: some headed straight for the coffee zone, others carefully studied the schedule, choosing between parallel sessions.
This year’s program featured three halls — MAIN HALL, LOGIC HALL, and PIXEL HALL — along with a large OPEN STAGE. There was a sense of excitement and expectation for the first talk, which would set the tone for the day.
The first session on the OPEN STAGE was the panel “Women Leaders in Tech and IT — What’s It Like?” featuring Nataliia Denikeieva, Deputy Minister of Digital Transformation; Yuliia Fedosiuk, CEO of UAPAY; Yevheniia Zhovnach, COO of ZAGRAVA; and Vira Tkachenko, CTO of MacPaw. The discussion was moderated by Nataliia Mykolska, Executive Director of Diia.City.United.
The speakers shared their experiences in IT — from their early career steps to leading large teams. They spoke about challenges faced in the industry, stereotypes they’ve had to overcome, and the moments that inspired them to move forward. Each of them shared personal insights and practical advice, showing that leadership is not only about position but about influence, responsibility, and courage.
After lunch, the conference continued with several key panels and presentations. Discussions covered the development of Ukrainian products and IT infrastructure, the progress of large language models in programming and automation, AI’s impact on project and team management, AI in education, its role in creativity and art, and practical cases of implementing new technologies in business.
Maryana Tataryn, a strategic digital transformation expert and licensed Canadian CPA with over a decade of “Big Four” experience, joined online. In her talk, she demonstrated how AI and ERP systems are transforming financial, educational, and tech companies in the U.S. and Canada, shared real-world cases of GPT, LLM, and no-code implementations, and discussed the real ROI of these technologies, AI-driven decision-making, and building a culture of change in the age of automation.
After a short coffee break — a chance to relax and exchange ideas — attention turned to Yurii Yurchenko, Leader of Global People Development at DataArt. With over 40 years in IT, he discussed how AI is reshaping management functions in tech teams — from task allocation and performance tracking to providing feedback — exploring both challenges and unexpected benefits of interacting with a “neuro-manager.”
As the last panels ended, the day smoothly transitioned into an evening networking session, where guests enjoyed conversation, cool cocktails, and the friendly atmosphere of the event.
Though shorter, the second day of IT:RIVNE CONFERENCE 2025 was just as productive and engaging. It began with the panel “Artificial Intelligence in Governance: The Regional Perspective” featuring Oleksandr Tereshchenko, Deputy Head of Rivne Regional Administration for Digital Development (CDTO); Artem Hanushchak, Deputy Mayor of Rivne; and Yevheniia Zhovnach, COO of ZAGRAVA. The discussion focused on implementing AI in regional management, exploring challenges and opportunities for public and municipal systems, and highlighting real cases of digital transformation at the regional and city levels.
Throughout the day, sessions also covered startups and venture capital, AI in solution design, and team engagement. The conference wrapped up with hands-on workshops, some led by first-day speakers, including Oleksandra Korchevska-Tsekhosh.
On day one, the graphic and digital designer with 14 years of experience spoke about combining branding with AI, demonstrating real examples, tools, and visual solutions from her practice — showing how to integrate AI into the design process both efficiently and ethically.
At the end of day two, she led a poster design workshop, sharing her personal experience and practical tips with participants.
Social responsibility
Social responsibility has always been an integral part of IT:RIVNE CONFERENCE, and this year was no exception. Over two days, participants actively contributed to a fundraiser to support Ukraine’s border guards.
One of the event’s highlights was a charity poster auction dedicated to Rivne, held at the end of the first day. Local artists — Oleh Fedunchak, Bohdana Makarchuk, Alina Zhaivoronok, and others — donated their works for the cause. Each poster was unique: vivid colors, the city’s special atmosphere, and the authors’ personal stories. Guests eagerly participated in the bidding, sharing smiles and genuine admiration.
The most expensive lot sold for ₴13,000. Every bid became both a charitable contribution and a show of support for the artists — proving that good deeds can combine the useful and the beautiful.
Another creative initiative gave guests not only the chance to do good but also to take home a Polaroid photo with a tiny figurine resembling themselves. The idea became a hit of the conference: people lined up for photos, filled Instagram with colorful Polaroids and cheerful mini “twins,” and tagged the event’s page. The activity perfectly combined charity with lasting memories of the event.
A special focus was also given to Good Bread from Good People, a social bakery employing people with mental disabilities. The project creates not only delicious bread and pastries but also trust, dignity, and a sense of belonging. During the conference, every participant had the opportunity to both taste their baked goods and support this meaningful initiative that’s changing lives for the better.
A tradition that drives progress
IT:RIVNE CONFERENCE 2025 proved once again that Rivne has long outgrown the label of a “provincial city” and is confidently building its own IT ecosystem. The event showed that we not only talk about the future of technology — we’re creating it here and now. Over two days, one thing became clear: at the heart of every innovation are people — their dedication, knowledge, and willingness to share.
And we’re not stopping here. IT:RIVNE CONFERENCE has already become a beloved tradition — and next year, we’ll be back bigger, bolder, and even more inspiring. Ahead lie new challenges, ideas, projects, and achievements — and we’re ready to move forward together with our IT community.
