Pavlo Kartashov: USF continues to work despite a full-scale war – we continue to receive and process applications from startups (Interview for AIN.UA)

Ukraine joins the global educational initiative "100 Million Learners."

The Ukrainian Startup Fund has announced the launch of the global educational initiative "100 Million Learners" in Ukraine. This large-scale international project, founded by the Thunderbird School of Global Management in partnership with Arizona State University (ASU), aims to provide free education to millions worldwide. In Ukraine, the initiative focuses on supporting vulnerable populations, including women, youth, veterans, internally displaced persons, and individuals seeking additional opportunities for professional development.

The "100 Million Learners" initiative is one of the world’s largest educational projects, offering free courses in entrepreneurship and innovation in 40 languages, including Ukrainian. With the program’s launch in Ukraine, participants will have the opportunity to receive internationally recognized certificates, opening new career prospects and expanding professional growth horizons. The educational program features three levels of certification tailored to learners with different levels of experience. The curriculum covers key aspects of entrepreneurship, leadership, innovative thinking, and global management, equipping participants with the necessary skills to succeed in today’s economy.

The core program includes the Global Entrepreneurship and Innovation Bootcamp, designed to cultivate entrepreneurial and innovative thinking. The course addresses modern global challenges and covers 19 key topics essential for entrepreneurial success, with a focus on:

• Artificial Intelligence
• Strategic Planning
• Accountability, Transparency, and Intellectual Property
• Team Building for Business Development

The program is designed for maximum flexibility and adaptability to participants' needs. It provides learners with essential tools for starting their own businesses, developing non-profit organizations, and applying modern innovative strategies in both the private and public sectors.

“This program is incredibly valuable for Ukraine, which is currently engaged in an existential struggle for its future. It will directly support veterans, internally displaced persons, and other vulnerable groups by offering free access to high-quality education in entrepreneurship and innovation. Through this initiative, individuals will be able to rebuild their lives, start businesses, attract investments, and make a significant contribution to Ukraine’s economic recovery and development,” emphasized Nataliia Kushnerska, Director of the Innovation Development Fund.

Charla Griffy-Brown, Dean of the Thunderbird School of Global Management, highlighted that students who successfully complete all three levels of the program will have the opportunity to apply for a scholarship to study at Thunderbird School of Global Management.

Through its partnership with Thunderbird School of Global Management and Arizona State University, Ukrainians gain access to leading global educational resources. This will not only help them adapt to labor market changes but also enable them to contribute to Ukraine’s economic recovery and growth.

Upon successfully completing each course, participants receive digital certificates verifying their training. These certificates can be obtained through the Portal to share achievements with colleagues and relevant stakeholders. Participants who complete all five courses of the Advanced program will receive a non-academic certificate. Those interested may apply for an accredited certificate from ASU/Thunderbird if they achieve a grade of B or higher in each of the five courses.

If approved, the 15-credit certificate can be transferred to another educational institution or applied toward a degree at ASU/Thunderbird. Students who complete any course can explore additional lifelong learning opportunities at ASU/Thunderbird or use their digital certificates to seek new professional opportunities.

The event was supported by American University Kyiv.

About the "100 Million Learners" Initiative: The global initiative by Francis and Dionne Najafi, "100 Million Learners," is an ambitious educational project designed to meet the growing demand for higher education worldwide. Launched in January 2022 by the Thunderbird School of Global Management in partnership with Arizona State University (ASU), the initiative aims to provide free, accessible education in 40 languages to underserved populations, including women, veterans, and youth, equipping them with essential entrepreneurial skills for success in the modern economy.

Don't miss your chance to apply: Uklon Innovative Boost

The application deadline for the program has been extended until 28.02.2025

Uklon Innovative Boost corporate program for startups designed as a competition, aims to empower tech startups in the fields of mobility, logistics, delivery, smart city development, and road safety.

What awaits the winners of the final pitching:

Up to ten top technological solutions, selected by Uklon and USF experts, will earn the chance to showcase their projects during an in-person Demo Day on March 7, 2025.

The three most outstanding startups will compete for a prize fund of €40,000 which will be distributed among the program's winners.

Benefits for the Winners:

• Expertise and Mentorship: Collaboration with leading industry professionals

• Platform Testing: Opportunity to integrate and test the startup within Uklon’s ecosystem

• R&D Support: Partnering with developers to accelerate market entry

• Public Recognition: Joint PR campaigns to boost startup visibility

• Financial Support: Preparation for future investment rounds.

Which teams can participate:

• Startup stage: Seed or higher

• Availability of an MVP

• Operating in industries such as mobility, logistics, delivery, smart city development, road safety enhancement

• A functional prototype developed (for hardware startups)

• Registered in Ukraine.

Timeline

Applications open: January 28, 2025 – February 28, 2025

Compliance check: February 28, 2025 – March 5, 2025

Demo Day: March 7, 2025