Challenger AI | Kick-off event

Learn more about 4YFN Barcelona at the link.

SELECTION CRITERIA:

👉🏻 A startup registered in Ukraine that identifies as Ukrainian.
👉🏻 A working prototype.
👉🏻 Technology readiness level (TRL) of 5 or higher.
👉🏻 Significant market potential (readiness to attract investments and/or implement pilot projects).

SELECTION STAGES:

1. Completing an application on the USF portal.
2. Verification of compliance with competition requirements.
3. Participation in an online Pitch Day and presenting the startup to a panel of Ukrainian and international experts.
4. Selection of up to 10 startups based on evaluations and invitation to join the Ukrainian delegation at 4YFN 2025.

SELECTION TIMELINE:

• Application submission: January 15–23, 2025
• Status update for applicants on the USF Portal: By January 27, 2025
• Online Pitch Day: By January 30, 2025

Application deadline: January 23, 2025

For additional information, please contact [email protected].

The application and pitch deck must be submitted in English. Applications can be found in the "Partner Programs" section of your personal account on the Ukrainian Startup Fund portal.

The participation of the Ukrainian delegation is organized by the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine and the Ukrainian Startup Fund with the support of the Ukraine-Moldova American Enterprise Fund and in partnership with the European consortium Seeds of Bravery.

Don't miss your chance to showcase Ukrainian innovation on a global stage!

The event will take place February 5–7 in Riga, Latvia. More information about TechChill 2025 is available here.

As part of TechChill 2025, up to 10 selected startups will receive: a spot in the Expo Zone; entry tickets for representatives; access to delegation activities, side events, and meetings with representatives of the local tech ecosystem.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA:

Startups are invited to apply if they:

• Are registered in Ukraine or position themselves as Ukrainian;
• Have a developed working prototype;
• Technology readiness level (TRL) of 5 or higher;
• Demonstrate strong market potential (ready to attract investment and/or launch pilot projects).

SELECTION PROCESS:

1. Submit an application on the Ukrainian Startup Fund portal;
2. Eligibility check for compliance with competition requirements;
3. Participate in an online Pitch Day and present the startup to a jury of Ukrainian and international experts;
4. Selection of up to 10 startups based on evaluations and an invitation to join the Ukrainian delegation to TechChill 2025.

TIMELINE:

• Application period: December 3, 2024 – December 18, 2024
• Status updates on the USF portal: By December 20, 2024
• Online Pitch Day: By December 23, 2024

Application deadline: December 18, 2024

For additional information, please contact [email protected].

The application and pitch deck must be submitted in English. Applications can be found in the “Partner Programs” section of your account on the Ukrainian Startup Fund portal.

This initiative is organized by the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine, the Ukrainian Startup Fund, and YEP Accelerator, with the support of the Ukraine-Moldova American Enterprise Fund, in partnership with the European consortium Seeds of Bravery and TechChill.