This autumn, the Ukrainian Startup Fund has launched the Startup EDGE grant programme with the support of the EU4Innovation East project – a regional project funded by the European Union, co-funded by the French Government, and implemented by Expertise France.
The Startup EDGE programme aims to support the development of innovative startups at early stages, and strengthen the competitiveness of the Ukrainian startup ecosystem in Europe and the world.
The Startup EDGE programme will focus on:
Deep Tech: artificial intelligence and machine learning, biotechnology and life sciences, MedTech, robotics, advanced materials and manufacturing, quantum computing, IoT, cybersecurity, SpaceTech, electronics, photonics, 5G, Web 3.0 and other breakthrough technologies.
Green Tech: sustainable development, renewable energy, clean technologies, solutions for saving resources and reducing negative impact on the environment.
EdTech: digital educational solutions and technologies to transform learning and increase the accessibility of knowledge.
“Ukraine’s startup ecosystem continues to demonstrate extraordinary resilience and resourcefulness in the face of adversity. Through the Startup EDGE programme, the European Union reaffirms its commitment to empowering early-stage innovators who are shaping the future of Ukraine and contributing to a stronger regional innovation landscape,” said Asier Santillan, Head of the Section on European Integration, Good Governance, Rule of Law, and Civil Society at the European Union Delegation to Ukraine.
The programme will offer financial support to startups through non-refundable grants designed to accelerate early-stage innovation. At the pre-seed stage, eligible startups can receive up to €20,000, while those at the seed stage may access grants of up to €40,000. The total budget allocated for the grant programme is a million euros.
The start date for accepting applications will be announced on the Ukrainian Startup Fund and EU4Innovation East social media pages.
The application process will take place through the Ukrainian Startup Fund web portal.
