EIT Founders2Founders
A tailor made English-speaking programme for start-ups and innovative SMEs.
Register and bring your project to the EU level!
Founders2Founders
EIT Founders2Founders is a hybrid entrepreneurial training programme implemented in Ukraine for innovative SMEs and early-stage start-ups (TRL3–TRL5).
The programme is developed to provide Ukrainian founders with tailored support for market expansion, funding readiness, legal compliance, and capacity building.
Language of the Event: English
For Ukrainian founders
Application period: from 2 June to 23 June 2025
Locations
Start-ups
Cash Prize
Women-founded or in Core Team
To Whom
Founders and employees of start-ups and innovative SMEs in the early and middle stages of development (TRL3-TRL5)* who:
TRL 3 — The concept is confirmed by experiment. TRL 4 — Аvailable prototype. TRL 5 — The first tests of prototype were performed.
Expansion
Are interested in expanding their business to international markets;
Support
Are looking for knowledge and support in legal and financial aspects;
Improvement
Seek to improve their business strategies and market approaches;
Investors
Improve their pitching and presentation skills to attract investors.
Core Value
One full day of intensive programme with trainings and workshops on Go-To-Market entrance, including individual mentoring sessions, growth content-library, peer-to-peer networking activities and 3 hybrid growth-focused events.
Kyiv
in July
Odesa
in August
Lviv
in September
The programme will culminate during IT Arena 2025, one of the largest tech events in Ukraine. The most promising start-ups and SMEs from the F2F programme will take the stage to showcase their innovative solutions to a global audience of business angels, investors, corporate leaders, and international organisations — with a chance to win a cash prize.
Powered by: EIT Community
The EIT is an EU body and an integral part of Horizon Europe, the EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation. The EIT strengthens Europe’s ability to innovate by powering solutions to pressing global challenges and by nurturing entrepreneurial talent to create sustainable growth and skilled jobs in Europe.
Implemented by: Vacuum Deep Tech Acceleration
The first acceleration programme specifically focused on deep tech and knowledge-intensive technologies in Ukraine with a full range of support from ideas to first national customers and/or institutional investments.
Partners
What participants of the Founders2Founders programme will receive:
Mastering important business concepts and developing business skills:
Introduction to the opportunities of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) and its Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs):
Receive practical recommendations and advice from entrepreneurs and investors:
Expanding your network of useful contacts and new acquaintances:
Training on mastering the art of pitching a start-up to investors:
Training Topics
Business strategy, including USP (unique selling proposition), marketing and sales.
Entering the European market and product development.
Financing, including fundraising and external financing.
Partner search tools, national and international business development and innovation programmes, investment attraction.
Legal requirements, including IPR, GDPR and investment documents.
Effective pitching and product presentation.
The programme will also include individual support and follow-ups for each selected start-up:
1-hour individual mentoring with matched expert.
A customised follow-up note after each training day (action plan & feedback):
Access to live Q&A sessions and WhatsApp group for ongoing support;
Online document library with templates, videos, and resources.
Requirements for Applicants
- Іnnovative SMEs and start-ups registered in Ukraine or companies that have moved from Ukraine to a member state of the European Union, its overseas countries and territories (EEA) or associated countries of the Horizon Europe programme after 02/24/2022.
- Companies that have an MVP or product in the early and middle stages of development (TRL3-TRL5).
- They are working on innovative solutions, services and/or products.
- Applicants who participated in the EIT Founders2Founders programme in 2023 or 2024 are not eligible for the 2025 edition.