Ukrainian tech companies are confidently securing leading positions on the global stage. In the face of uncertainty, they not only adapt but also deliver breakthrough solutions that reshape global markets. Engineering innovations, robotic systems, unmanned technologies, and energy solutions from Ukraine are already shaping the future of multiple industries.
That’s why, on March 19, 2025, leading Ukrainian innovation companies DroneUA, Futurology, and BEETLESS spoke at an event organized by the American Chamber of Commerce in Ukraine to share their experiences and insights following the SelectUSA 2024 Investment Summit. The discussion centered on expanding into the U.S. market, strategic partnerships, and the role of robotics and technology in transforming agriculture.
Ukrainian robotics entering the global arena
During the event, Valerii Iakovenko, co-founder and managing partner of DroneUA/Futurology, shared insights into the company’s decade-long journey, navigating geopolitical challenges and evolving market dynamics. Initially, DroneUA specialized in commercial drone applications before expanding into robotics, AI-driven automation, and energy solutions.
“The United States serves as the perfect launchpad for global expansion. The agricultural robotics industry is still in its early stages due to evolving regulations, but 2024 was a breakthrough year thanks to changes in FAA registration policies” — Iakovenko said.
Iakovenko emphasized SelectUSA’s crucial role in connecting businesses with economic development departments and universities. Through participation in additional events and direct engagement with state representatives, DroneUA successfully established its presence in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, launching a manufacturing facility just months after the summit.
“For Ukrainians, this is not just about establishing businesses — it is about technological diplomacy. There are three key pillars that drive our approach: first, we are investing in the U.S. economy, actively choosing locations that align with our vision and committing financial resources to their development. Second, we are creating jobs, working closely with local communities, universities, and business development organizations to ensure that our presence benefits the local workforce. And third, we are bringing and sharing technologies, introducing innovative solutions from Ukraine and collaborating with U.S. institutions to advance industries like robotics, energy, and agriculture”, — said Iakovenko.
BEETLESS: a woman-founded startup fighting agricultural pests
Following Iakovenko, Oleksandra Afanasieva, co-founder and CEO of BEETLESS, shared the journey of her women-founded agri-tech startup. BEETLESS emerged from a collaboration with Mosqitter, a company that has also actively participated in SelectUSA in previous years.
"With the knowledge and connections we gained at the summit, we discovered that Pennsylvania had adopted a new economic development strategy focusing on ag-tech and sustainable agriculture. That realization led us to combine our expertise in robotics and pest control, giving birth to BEETLESS", — Afanasieva said.
BEETLESS specializes in autonomous pest management solutions, targeting two major agricultural threats:
The Asian citrus psyllid, a pest responsible for citrus greening disease, which devastates orchards in Florida and California.
The Spotted Lanternfly, an invasive species posing a significant threat to agriculture in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
Beyond market expansion, BEETLESS is actively collaborating with U.S. universities, including the University of Florida, the University of Delaware, and the University of California, to test its technology and drive innovation in pest management.
SelectUSA as a catalyst for Ukrainian entrepreneurs
Valerii Iakovenko and Oleksandra Afanasieva emphasized the transformational impact of SelectUSA on their business strategies.
"For Ukrainians, this is not just about setting up companies in the U.S.— it’s about technological diplomacy. We are bringing homegrown innovations, not just seeking expertise. These are peaceful, transformative technologies that can advance traditional industries", Iakovenko stated.
Afanasieva echoed this sentiment, particularly in the Women in Tech space, highlighting BEETLESS’s commitment to encouraging more women entrepreneurs to enter the robotics and agricultural technology sectors.
As DroneUA, Futurology, and BEETLESS continue expanding in the U.S., their success stories stand as a testament to Ukraine’s innovation, resilience, and global potential. With SelectUSA serving as a launching pad, these companies are not only scaling their businesses but also shaping the future of robotics and sustainable agriculture.
SelectUSA is a U.S. government program led by the Department of Commerce, designed to promote foreign direct investment (FDI) in the United States. Through its annual SelectUSA Investment Summit, the program connects international businesses with economic development organizations, policymakers, and industry leaders to explore investment opportunities and develop strategic partnerships across multiple sectors.
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