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Startup Сompetition
The largest and most reputable startup contest, bringing together top tech entrepreneurs, investors, and business angels from Ukraine and worldwide. We’re looking for groundbreaking innovations and technological solutions that will define Ukraine’s future and make a global impact.
For Startups
Requirements
  • Availability of MVP
  • Confirmed sales or attracted initial investments
  • Total investments raised don’t exceed $5,000,000
  • The startup was founded no earlier than 2020
  • One or more team members must be able to participate in IT Arena 2025 in Lviv
  • The startup founders and/or team members are not citizens of Russia and/or Belarus, and the startup is not operating in the Russian or Belarusian markets
Investors and Alumni
Our investors and alumni are key market players
Our Investors
Our Alumni
Prize fund
$60,000
The grant prize fund is already $60,000 and continues to grow. Participants can present their technological solutions in two categories: General and Defense Tech.
Investments
$3,000,000
Startups have a unique opportunity to attract attention from global VCs and investors. The competition’s investment fund currently stands at $3,000,000 and continues to grow.

Are you an expert or a successful founder?

Join the Startup Competition to get an opportunity to mentor and coach the best startups of Ukraine. Registration opens on April 24.
Timeline
What Happens Next
June 28
Application Evaluation and Selection
After you submit your application, we will interview your team. Based on the application review and the interview results, we will select the 60 best startups to become the semifinalists of the Startup Competition 2025.
July 1
Announcement of Selection Results
We will notify the semi-finalists of the selection results by July 1, 2025, and provide extended information about the selected startups to accredited investors.
September 20
Startup Preparation and Mentoring Sessions
From July 1 to September 20, selected startups will work online with the best mentors and investors worldwide. This is an opportunity to refine your pitch and get answers to questions, valuable advice, and feedback.
September 26
Startup Competition Semi-Finals
The first day of the competition kicks off with thrilling pitching sessions as 30 general category and 30 defense tech startups battle it out for a spot in the finals.
September 27, 2025
Startup Competition Finals
In 2024, the finalist startups were evaluated by tech leaders, entrepreneurs, and investors from the USA, Finland, France, the Czech Republic, Poland, and Ukraine. This year, you can expect just as intense competition in two categories and the chance to win grand prizes.
Startup and Defence Expo Zones at IT Arena
Grab your chance to showcase your product at Ukraine’s leading tech event. Registration opens on April 24.

Startup Stage: What’s On

Startup Competition

Brings together the most revolutionary startups and the brightest entrepreneurs, investors, business angels, and tech fans for pitching. Registration opens on April 24.

Mentorship Madness

Want to help startups and share your knowledge? Become a mentor of the Mentorship Madness program at IT Arena 2025 and support startups at the beginning of their journey. Registration opens on April 24.
Speakers
IT Arena brings together top industry leaders from around the world. Startup founders, tech entrepreneurs, and AI experts will share their visionary experiences and breakthrough ideas reshaping our vision of the future.
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Investor to Startup Meeting

These meetings are essential for startups seeking funding. They allow investors to evaluate a business’s potential, ask key questions to ensure alignment with their investment goals, and make informed decisions about whether to invest. Registration opens on April 24.

Expo

Showcase your product or service at the IT Arena Expo zones alongside Ukrainian and global companies. Over two dynamic days of the conference, attendees will have the opportunity to explore your innovations and learn more about them. Registration opens on April 24.
Partners Through The Years
Stages Tailor your attendee experience Networking Find like-minded individuals, partners, clients Expo Explore innovative products and solutions