Grants of up to $50,000 for Early-Stage Technology Projects

The Ukrainian Startup Fund (USF) supports Ukrainian early-stage startups in securing funding and launching projects. Currently, Ukrainian startups can benefit from the UMAEF and Seeds of Bravery grant programs.

UMAEF Grants

The UMAEF grant program supports Ukrainian technology companies by fostering innovation, boosting the country’s economic growth, and enhancing the global competitiveness of Ukrainian projects.

Under the program, 74 companies will receive grant funding. This includes 48 pre-seed stage teams with a total of up to $25,000 and 26 seed stage teams with a total of up to $50,000. In total, $2.5 million will be allocated to support promising Ukrainian companies at both stages.

To participate, applicants must be officially registered entities aimed at profit or social impact. Their total investments, including grants or state support, should not exceed $500,000 throughout their operational history, and their annual revenue must not exceed $500,000. Additionally, applicants must not operate in temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine, be listed in sanction lists, or be subject to special restrictions under Ukrainian law.

Projects funded through BRAVE1 grant programs or the Seeds of Bravery initiative by the European Innovation Council are ineligible. Also excluded are applicants involved in the production or creation of military equipment, materials, products, goods, or other military-related items.

To participate, register via the provided link and complete the application form. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. The program will run until December 31, 2025.

Seeds of Bravery

This initiative aims to foster innovation, strengthen the country’s economy, and help Ukrainian startups enter international markets.

Applications are being accepted until August 20, 2024, for the “Business and Innovation Services” program, which offers grants of up to €10,000 for the following services:

• Business Consulting: Assistance with refining and developing business models, business plans, or growth strategies.
• IPR and Patent Analysis: Expert services on intellectual property rights and patent strategies to help businesses protect and advance their innovations.
• Market Analysis/Validation: In-depth research into market trends, customer needs, and validation studies to ensure market fit and readiness.
• Internationalization Services: Support for expanding into new European markets and complying with regulatory requirements, including participation in conferences, trade fairs, and missions.
• Portfolio Management and Investor Relations: Assistance with financial reporting and effective communication with investors.
• Planning and Digital Tools for Crowdfunding Campaigns: Guidance on integrating digital technologies into fundraising efforts.

Additionally, the Seeds of Bravery program is currently accepting applications for a third round of grant funding, offering €25,000 and €50,000 to Ukrainian tech companies across four categories. The deadline for this round is September 25, 2024.

Applications can be submitted for the following categories:

• Innovative Entrepreneurship: Up to €25,000 to ensure business continuity and support women-led companies.
• Deep Tech Incubators: Up to €25,000 for early-stage startups engaged in pre-MVP activities.
• Rebuilding Ukraine: Up to €25,000 for technology SMEs focused on rapid post-war recovery in Ukraine.
• Scaling and Acceleration in Deep Tech: Up to €50,000 for companies aiming to scale prototypes and expand market reach.

To be eligible for the programs, innovative SMEs, startups, and scale-ups must:

• Be registered in Ukraine or relocated to an EU member state or associated country of the Horizon Europe program after February 24, 2024.
• Have at least one founder/co-founder working in the company on a full-time basis.
• Have at least one founder/co-founder or top manager with Ukrainian citizenship.
• Be exclusively focused on civilian applications, with no intention of military use.

To participate in the program, you need to register as a user on the platform and complete a brief application form for Seeds of Bravery (UASEEDs). If approved, applicants will receive a link with an invitation to access the Ukrainian Startup Fund system and submit a full proposal.