Key Facts at a Glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Program owner | EIT Community Hub Ukraine (powered by European Innovation Council) |
| Total envelope | €20 million |
| Grant size | €300 000 – €500 000 (non‑repayable) |
| Technology readiness | From TRL 4 (lab validation) to TRL 6–7 (prototype/demo in operational environment) |
| Application window | Opens: 12 Aug 2025 |
| Eligible entities | Ukrainian start‑ups & SMEs (≤ 250 employees) in strategic tech domains |
Priority Sectors
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Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning
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Robotics & Automation
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Biotechnology & Med‑tech
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Cybersecurity & Digital Resilience
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Other dual‑use or critical‑infrastructure innovations crucial for Ukraine’s economy and security.
What the Grant Covers
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Prototype development & field trials
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Regulatory and IP costs
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Pilot manufacturing or scale‑up tooling
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Go‑to‑market activities inside the EU Single Market
Co‑funding from private investors is encouraged but not mandatory.
Strategic Goals of the Initiative
| Objective | Impact |
|---|---|
| Resilience building | Keeps Ukraine’s innovation engine running despite wartime disruption. |
| EU market integration | Fast‑tracks Ukrainian tech firms into European supply chains and investor networks. |
| High‑growth pipeline | Positions winners for larger EIC Accelerator and Horizon Europe calls (up to €2.5 m equity + grant). |
Igor Markevych, EIT Community Officer Ukraine:
“This is a springboard to even greater European funding—an unprecedented chance for Ukrainian start‑ups to scale.”
How to Apply
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Prepare pitch deck + 12‑month tech‑roadmap (must show TRL advancement).
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Register on EIC’s Funding & Tenders Portal (opens 12 Aug 2025).
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Submit proposal including budget, impact metrics, and risk‑mitigation plan.
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Pitch day for shortlisted teams in early December; results by Jan 2026.
Tips for Applicants
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Align your project with EU strategic autonomy priorities (dual‑use, digital resilience, green tech).
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Highlight co‑investment letters from angel or VC partners to gain evaluation points.
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Demonstrate market traction—pilots with Ukrainian corporates or defense units strengthen credibility.
Timeline Snapshot
| Date | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 12 Aug 2025 | Call opens |
| 26 Nov 2025 | Submission deadline |
| Dec 2025 | Expert evaluation & pitch sessions |
| Jan 2026 | Grant agreements signed |
| Q1 2026 | First tranche disbursed |
Bottom line: With up to half‑a‑million euros on offer, this EU program provides Ukrainian start‑ups a critical runway to de‑risk prototypes, secure IP, and break into the European market—while reinforcing the bloc’s commitment to Ukraine’s tech resilience.
