MacPaw, a Kyiv-based company that develops macOS and iOS software, is one of many global tech innovators contributing to Ukraine’s recovery amid the ongoing war following Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. The company has a U.S. office in Cambridge. In addition to supporting Ukraine through its corporate social responsibility, or CSR, initiatives, MacPaw recently concluded its first student internship program in collaboration with the MIT-Ukraine program.
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology launched the MIT-Ukraine program to center its tech and humanitarian efforts, enabling students, staff and faculty to help preserve and rebuild Ukraine through means like the MIT International Science and Technology Initiative. This allows MIT talent to work on hands-on projects supporting Ukraine.
A large part of MacPaw’s support for the country’s growth and recovery comes through its product offerings. For instance, it’s increasing cybersecurity for Ukrainians by offering a free anti-spyware tool to protect their data. SpyBuster was created during the first weeks of Russia’s invasion as technologists worked from bomb shelters, Sergii Krivoblotsky, head of MacPaw’s technological and research and development center, told Built In.
The company also increased accessibility to its VPN solution, launching ClearVPN 2 in March 2023 and making it free for Ukrainians across the globe, according to Krivoblotsky. The tool works to ensure users have access to trustworthy information. Alongside these tech solutions, MacPaw has assisted Ukraine with monetary donations through channels like its public charity, the MacPaw Foundation.
During the internship program that spanned over two months, two MIT students worked with MacPaw’s technological research and development team to find ways to effectively highlight important user software updates.
“In the short term, this partnership has already fostered hands-on industry experience for MIT talents and our interns, enriching their education and boosting our development processes inside the company,” Krivoblotsky said in an email.
Following this program’s success, MacPaw is exploring long-term opportunities to deepen its relationship with notable institutions like MIT. It aims to collaborate with other universities worldwide as it works to foster innovation and attract diverse talent.
