The ExcellEnt Project, a Horizon Europe initiative, is announcing an exclusive “Soft-Landing” mission designed to connect ambitious early-stage startup founders from France, Greece, Ireland, Bulgaria, and Türkiye with Ukraine’s resilient and rapidly evolving technology ecosystem. The immersive three-day journey will take place from April 24-26, 2025, offering a unique opportunity to witness firsthand the innovation flourishing amidst challenging circumstances.
This mission provides a crucial platform for international founders to engage with Ukraine’s dynamic tech landscape, where urgency and collaboration are driving groundbreaking advancements across sectors including DefenceTech, MedTech, AgroTech, EdTech, GovTech, and GreenTech. Participants will gain unparalleled insights into how extraordinary pressures are fueling remarkable ingenuity within the Ukrainian tech community.
The itinerary includes visits to key tech hubs in Lviv (April 24), a major center known for its stability and robust IT community, and Kyiv (April 25), the nation’s vibrant capital. In Lviv, attendees will engage with the Lviv IT Cluster, explore academic-industry collaborations at Lviv Polytechnic University, and learn about regional digital transformation strategies. In Kyiv, the mission will feature interactions with the Ministry of Digital Transformation, visits to leading research institutions and innovation campuses such as UNIT.City, and networking opportunities with key ecosystem builders including Techosystem Ukraine, Greencubator, and the IT Ukraine Association.
The mission will culminate on April 26 with participation in the Brave1 Anniversary Event, Ukraine’s premier DefenceTech showcase, offering attendees the chance to witness live demonstrations, hear startup pitches, and connect with pioneers developing battlefield-tested solutions.
Key Benefits of Participation:
- Unparalleled Insights: Gain a deep understanding of how innovation thrives under pressure.
- Meaningful Connections: Establish direct relationships with Ukrainian founders, ecosystem leaders, researchers, and policymakers.
- Collaboration Opportunities: Explore potential partnerships in high-impact technology sectors.
- Inspiration and Knowledge: Return with fresh perspectives on building resilient and scalable ventures.
The mission is targeting early-stage startups (with a validated concept or MVP) based in France, Greece, Ireland, Bulgaria, or Türkiye, particularly those operating in DefenceTech, MedTech, AgroTech, GovTech, EdTech, or GreenTech, or related fields. Priority will be given to first-time participants in similar EU-funded missions.
The ExcellEnt Project will provide up to €1,000 per participant towards travel and accommodation costs. Participants will be responsible for additional local transport and per diem expenses. Travel to Lviv will likely involve utilizing Polish airports and ground transfer due to current airspace restrictions, and guidance will be provided to participants.
Interested founders are encouraged to apply by April 15, 2025, through the registration link: https://www.f6s.com/excellent-soft-landing-mission-ukraine/apply.
This “Soft-Landing” mission represents a unique opportunity to engage with one of Europe’s most inspiring innovation ecosystems and discover new pathways for growth through collaboration with Ukraine’s resilient tech community. Limited spaces are available.
