EIT Founders 2 Founders

A tailor made English-speaking programme for start-ups and innovative SMEs.

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About the programme

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 events: English

To whom

Founders and employees of start-ups and innovative SMEs  in the early and middle stages of development (TRL3-TRL5)* who:

* TRL 3 – 5
TRL 3 — The concept is confirmed by experiment.
TRL 4 — Аvailable prototype.

TRL 5 — The first tests of prototype were performed.

Are interested in expanding their business to international markets;

Are looking for knowledge and support in legal and financial aspects;

Seek to improve their business strategies and market approaches;

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.

Jul
Kyiv
Aug
Odesa
Sept
Lviv
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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.

* Pitching to investors will take place in English

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.

https://eit.europa.eu/

Implemented By

Vacuum Deep Tech Acceleation

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.

https://vacu2m.com/

Partners

What participants of the Founders2Founders programme will receive:

Participants will be able to significantly increase their knowledge of business strategy, marketing, sales and business management. This includes learning about topics such as Unique Selling Proposition (USP), financing, partner search tools, and investment attraction.

Through the introductory module of the programme, participants will receive detailed information about the opportunities offered by EIT Community to support start-ups, which opens up additional resources and prospects for their development.

After each mentoring session, start-ups will receive individualised recommendations for further actions. The hands-on work will provide individualised guidance, feedback and support to help start-ups improve their skills, productivity and access to foreign markets.

Participation in the programme provides a unique opportunity for start-ups to establish new business relationships with other entrepreneurs, investors, and industry experts, which can contribute to the further development of their business.

Start-ups will be able to improve their pitching skills, which will help them to attract investors and other stakeholders more effectively.

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 (Ukrainian tax payers).

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 Founder2Founders programme in 2023 or 2024 are not eligible for the 2025 edition.

Apply now