The UK-Ukraine TechBridge Start-up Competition is designed to identify and support innovative solutions that contribute to Ukraine’s rebuilding and restoration. This program aims to empower tech startups with Ukrainian leadership, team members, or operations, focusing on addressing critical challenges arising from the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
This initiative is your opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to Ukraine’s recovery through innovation.
Why Participate?
The TechBridge initiative provides selected startups with:
- Visibility: Selected startups will pitch their solutions to a panel of investors, industry experts, and business leaders on Thursday 6th March 2025 in London.
- Networking Opportunities: Connect with influential stakeholders to explore partnerships, investment, or pilot programs. These stakeholders will be pre-informed of pitches to ensure interest in those on display.
- Impact: Contribute to Ukraine’s reconstruction and long-term development.
- Recognition: Be recognised as a key driver of Ukraine’s recovery and innovation.
Focus Areas
The competition seeks startups operating in industries essential to Ukraine’s recovery:
- Healthcare: Solutions that improve healthcare delivery, accessibility, and outcomes.
- Agriculture: Innovations that restore productivity, ensure food security, and modernise practices.
- Education: Tools and platforms enhancing access to quality education.
- Infrastructure: Sustainable rebuilding and modernisation of physical and digital infrastructure.
- FinTech: Technologies supporting economic recovery, remittance facilitation, and financial inclusion.
- Cybersecurity: Solutions that protect critical systems and combat rising cyber threats.
- Sustainability: Renewable energy solutions, sustainability innovations, and environmental restoration efforts.
Who Should Apply?
We are looking for startups that meet the following criteria:
- Founder/Team: Led by Ukrainian founders or employing Ukrainian team members or has operations based in Ukraine, has links to Ukraine i.e. sources materials from there or builds a product there even if headquartered elsewhere, or contributing directly to Ukraine’s recovery.
- Stage: Early-stage to growth-stage startups with demonstrated traction (customers or pilots).
- Funding: Secured funding from grants, angels, VCs, or other sources.
- Size: Fewer than 100 full-time employees (FTEs).
- Requirement: Ability to attend an in-person pitch event in the UK on Thursday 6th March 2025.
Program Benefits
- Pitch Event: Selected startups will pitch their solutions to a panel of investors, industry experts, and business leaders.
- Networking Opportunities: Connect with influential stakeholders to explore partnerships, investment, or pilot programs. These stakeholders will be pre-informed of pitches to ensure interest in those on display.
- Recognition: Be recognised as a key driver of Ukraine’s recovery and innovation.
Competition Timeline
- Application Deadline: 19th February 2025
- Pitch Event: 6th March 2025
How to Apply
Startups can apply through the competition form here. Complete the application form, providing details about your solution, team, and alignment with the focus areas. For any questions, please contact henry.cook@thebakery.com.
Join Us in Rebuilding Ukraine
The U.K.-Ukraine TechBridge initiative is your opportunity to make a meaningful contribution
to Ukraine’s recovery through innovation. Together, we can rebuild resilience and drive long-term change.
Apply now to showcase your solution, scale your impact, and play a vital role in shaping a brighter future for Ukraine.