From an idea to a half-million-euro grant: new opportunities opened up for Ukrainian startups by the EU

Home News Events From an idea to a half-million-euro grant: new opportunities opened up for Ukrainian startups by the EU

On August 14, 2025, an online webinar “How to Get a Grant for a Deep-Tech Startup: An Overview of a New Opportunity from the EU” was held, bringing together entrepreneurs, startup founders, innovators, and everyone who seeks to scale their own developments. The event was organised by the Ukrainian Startup Fund and Horizon Europe Office in Ukraine, National Research Foundation of Ukraine, within the framework of the Win-Win EDIH Ukraine project.

The webinar was opened by Olena Voroshylova, Head of the Partnership and International Cooperation at the Ukrainian Startup Fund. Polina Omelyanenko, Head of the WIN2EDIH Project at the UFS, presented the WIN2EDIH hub and its services – from consultations to practical support for businesses seeking to enter new markets.

The key topic was the presentation of the new call of the European Innovation Council (EIC) – Support for the Ukrainian tech SMEs and startups. This initiative offers grants from 300,000 to 500,000 euros to Ukrainian small and medium-sized enterprises and startups. The funding is aimed at developing high-tech solutions in deep-tech areas, including cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, robotics, biotechnology, renewable energy, and other industries shaping the future.

The following spoke at the event from Horizon Europe Office in Ukraine:

  • Igor Taranov, Head of the Office, who told the audience about the EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation Horizon Europe and explained how Ukrainian participants can use its tools.
  • Nataliia Didenko, Deputy Head of the Office, showed how the EU Funding & Tenders Portal works – the main online platform for searching for EU calls and submitting grant applications.
  • Maksym Kolisnyk, Leading Officer of the Office, spoke in detail about the conditions of the HORIZON-EIC-2025-UKRAINIANTECH-01 call  and shared tips for preparing a successful application.

At the end of the event, there was a lively question and answer session. The webinar served not only as an information platform, but also as a motivating start for many teams, who now have the chance to turn their ideas into real innovative products with the support of the European Union.