Pan-European network of startup associations to support the integration of Ukrainian tech innovators into European ecosystems and to enhance their operations in Ukraine

Scope:

This action supports intermediate organisations such as start-up associations, enterprise support centres, incubators, accelerators, etc., including those that operate at European or trans-national level, to work together to provide urgent support to Ukrainian innovative tech companies (start-ups and SMEs) that are:

1. established in Ukraine; or
2. relocated to, or established in, an EU Member State or Horizon Europe associated country, with a date of relocation or establishment after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on 24th February 2022. Such companies must have at least one founder or co-founder or top manager (CEO, CTO or equivalent) holding Ukrainian citizenship.

Particular attention should be paid to supporting women-led companies and companies working on innovative solutions/services/products for rebuilding and recovery efforts in Ukraine. The action enhances the activities funded under the European Innovation Council (EIC), paving the way for the participation of Ukrainian start-ups in future EIC calls.

The proposal under this action should include activities that will create opportunities for Ukrainian innovative tech companies to interact with main actors of the European innovation ecosystem, create interlinkages and gain access to new markets. Through variety of business advisory services, hands on and financial support, the proposal should provide substantial help to Ukrainian companies enhancing their capacity to interact successfully with the European ecosystem actors and take advantage of the European innovation financing instruments.

The proposed actions should foster the collaboration between Ukrainian and European tech start-ups and SMEs. . The proposal should particularly focus on strengthening the Ukrainian tech ecosystems and supporting innovative solutions/actions for rebuilding Ukraine.

Given the volatile security situation on the ground and uncertainties about future developments, the proposal should support: companies that may have temporarily relocated to the EU and/or Horizon Europe Associated Countries and/orcompanies that continue their current activities in Ukraine; The proposed activities should be built on a flexible model allowing for adjustments to the evolving situation in Ukraine and the changing needs of the Ukrainian innovation community.

For further information, please see the EIC Work Programme 2022.