New platform helps global tech talent cover for Ukrainian software developers

Ukraine is home to over 200,000 software developers, many of whom work remotely for companies around the globe. Following the Russian invasion, those developers are dropping coding to pick up arms and defend their country. 

After learning that some employers were no longer paying their Ukrainian staff, UK-based startup founder Emma Heap figured out a way to help: get software developers from other parts of the world to cover for their Ukrainian peers.

Launched last week, the Ukraine Tech Collective matches international software developers with work that Ukrainian engineers can't currently do. How it works? Employers submit a request for cover and pledge to continue paying their Ukrainian employee's salary. UTC then reviews the request and finds a volunteer developer with the required skills. 

Both individual software developers and tech teams with bandwidth to spare are encouraged to donate their skills and time. As UTC puts it, "Protect the Ukrainian tech community while they protect their country."

Spotted by: Antonello Schiavo

Image: Ukraine Tech Collective