The paradox of war: they try to break us, but we grow stronger. DOU has once again recorded where our talents aim to go — and it's more than an employer ranking. It's a signal: where the future of the economy, technology and, ultimately, our strategic resilience is being formed.

Who ended up at the top

In the annual DOU survey, Grammarly became the leader for the third time in a row — 38% of respondents would very much like to work there, despite layoffs and rebranding. In second place is Nvidia (36%), third — mono (34%). The top also includes MacPaw, Ajax Systems, SoftServe, Genesis, Uklon, Epam, GlobalLogic, N-iX, Intellias and others. The only company that noticeably climbed the ranks was Solidgate.

Western analysts and market insiders note: this choice is not just about brand, but about the vector of the industry's development. When specialists vote with their feet, they determine where investments, knowledge and technological competencies will go.

This is a historic moment: top employers show where Ukraine's competitive economy is being built — and where our technological shield is growing.

– DOU insider

Where our people are heading

Candidate behavior varies by level and region. Senior specialists are more selective; Juniors and newcomers are more open to a wide range of companies. In Kyiv, Grammarly, mono and MacPaw are mentioned most often; Lviv gravitates toward Ajax Systems and Diia; in Dnipro Rozetka, Nova Digital and large service companies are popular. IT professionals abroad more often prefer service players — EPAM and Sigma Software.

Specializations also determine choice: developers most often choose Nvidia, mono and Grammarly; QA engineers — SoftServe, Intellias and GlobalLogic; and HR, marketing and sales — product companies Preply, Slelar, Reface and BetterMe.

What this means for the country

Everyone draws the same conclusion: the IT market remains a key resource for economic recovery and for sustaining defense capability. A third of developers have already moved into the field of artificial intelligence — this is a direct investment in Ukraine's technological potential. Even if the average salary of managers has slightly fallen — from $3,150 to about $3,000 over half a year — the industry continues to retain key personnel and generate the knowledge the state needs.

Experts reiterate: when our IT people choose employers, they are not only looking for comfort and salary — they are building an ecosystem capable of withstanding any trials. The world notices this, and investors are watching these signals closely.

Bottom line: the DOU ranking is not just a list for dreamers. It's a roadmap where Ukrainian talents decide how and in whom to invest their efforts. And this determines not only the careers of individuals, but the future of our nation.