A free business-educational programme with flights, accommodation and meals covered, a final module at Europe’s largest Ukraine reconstruction conference, and a maximum of 20 places – that is what Young Entrepreneurs 2026 from the Norwegian-Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce offers entrepreneurs and founders from Ukraine and Norway.
The programme targets entrepreneurs, founders, and innovators who already work or want to build a business at the intersection of Ukraine’s reconstruction, Norwegian-Ukrainian cooperation, and international entrepreneurship. The application deadline is 8 May 2026.
| Deadline 8 May 2026 |
Programme dates 3–14 August 2026 |
Participation fee Free of charge |
Number of places up to 20 participants |
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Who Organises Young Entrepreneurs and How it Works
Organiser and funding
The Norwegian-Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce (NUCC) – a business organisation headquartered in Oslo that has supported bilateral ties between Norway and Ukraine for over 15 years – runs the Young Entrepreneurs programme. NUCC finances all programme costs through grants from Norad, the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation. Consequently, participants pay nothing and receive flights, accommodation, meals, and social activities entirely at the organiser’s expense.
Participants do cover four categories of costs themselves: transport to and from airports, travel insurance, visa application fees where applicable, and personal expenses. Everything else connected to the programme falls under NUCC’s budget.
The 2026 theme and focus
The 2026 edition runs under the overarching theme “Build Back Better” – not simply restoring what the war destroyed, but building smarter, more resilient, and more forward-looking systems in its place. NUCC translates this concept into five concrete sectors: energy, dual-use and defence-related technologies, housing and construction, infrastructure, and industrial development. These are precisely the fields where the programme seeks participants with real ideas or existing businesses.
Crucially, the programme places a strong emphasis on practical business opportunities rather than theoretical analysis. Participants do not sit through lectures about Ukraine’s reconstruction; instead, they develop concrete business cases and prepare them for real pitching in front of international investors and donors.
Three Modules: from Strategy to International Pitching
The programme runs as three intensive modules connected through continuous project work. Each module builds on the previous one – moving from strategic understanding to entrepreneurial execution and then to international exposure.
Module 1 – Foundations and Context: building the strategic base
The first module establishes the shared knowledge base and introduces the Build Back Better mindset. Participants develop a strategic understanding of Ukraine’s reconstruction landscape, international cooperation and recovery mechanisms, and the specific opportunities and challenges in each of the five priority sectors. Teams also form at this stage, laying the groundwork for project development throughout the programme.
Module 2 – From Ideas to Projects: turning concepts into business cases
The second module shifts focus from strategic context to entrepreneurial execution. Participants work through business model development, market entry strategies and international scaling, and the logic of financing and investment readiness. By the end of this module, each idea develops into a concrete business case aligned with real reconstruction needs.
Module 3 – International Exposure and Pitching: Warsaw, ReBuild Ukraine Conference
The final and most practically significant module takes place in Warsaw during the ReBuild Ukraine Conference – Europe’s largest international event dedicated to Ukraine’s reconstruction. This platform brings together governments, international institutions, financial organisations and donors, corporations and investors, as well as Ukrainian and international businesses. Selected participants present their projects in this environment, gaining direct exposure to real partners, investors, and potential clients.
What Participants Gain
NUCC articulates the value of the programme through concrete outcomes each participant takes away after three modules. Beyond knowledge, the programme builds practical capital for international business development.
| 1. | The ability to transform an idea into a structured business case ready for investor presentation |
| 2. | Deep understanding of Norwegian-Ukrainian business relations and practical bilateral cooperation mechanisms |
| 3. | Knowledge of the economic landscapes of both countries and key opportunities for international scaling |
| 4. | Cross-cultural business competence for working effectively in the Norwegian and broader European market |
| 5. | A professional network across both countries – entrepreneurs, investors, and partners from Norway and Ukraine |
| 6. | Membership in the Young Entrepreneurs Alumni network – ongoing access to the ecosystem and further opportunities after the programme |
Who Can Apply and Important Restrictions
Participant profile
Young Entrepreneurs 2026 targets young professionals, entrepreneurs, and founders who already engage in business, entrepreneurship, or business development. The programme suits applicants who fit one of three profiles: those who run a business in one of the priority sectors, those with a concrete business idea related to reconstruction or resilience, or those who work in companies operating in energy, infrastructure, construction, industry, or dual-use technologies.
NUCC looks for candidates who are ready to work actively with real reconstruction challenges, contribute their own experience or ideas, and develop projects with an international and cross-border dimension. The selection process is competitive – the chamber identifies candidates with strong motivation and a long-term perspective on Ukraine’s economic development.
Important restrictions to check before applying
Ukrainians residing in Norway under temporary protection cannot participate in this programme due to travel restrictions that apply to persons with that status. If you currently live in Norway under temporary protection, this programme is not available to you at this time.
Additionally, the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs advises against non-essential travel to several Ukrainian regions: Volyn, Rivne, Lviv, Ternopil, Zakarpattia, Ivano-Frankivsk, Chernivtsi, Khmelnytskyi, Zhytomyr, Kirovohrad, Cherkasy, Vinnytsia, Kyiv Oblast, and Kyiv city. This may affect the logistics for Norwegian participants in the programme.
How to Apply
| Organiser: | Norwegian-Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce (NUCC) | nucc.no |
| Application deadline: | 8 May 2026 |
| Programme dates: | 3–14 August 2026 (09:00–18:00) |
| Places: | up to 20; competitive selection |
| Application: | Online via registration form on the NUCC website |
| After selection: | Selected participants receive notification by email |
Official programme page at nucc.no → | Apply now →
Contact: Maiia Stiupan, Office & Communications Manager – maiia.stiupan@nucc.no
Energy-related queries: Sofus Hanset, Senior Adviser – sofus.hanset@nucc.no
Key Programme Parameters
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Organiser | Norwegian-Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce (NUCC), funded by Norad |
| Application deadline | 8 May 2026 |
| Programme dates | 3–14 August 2026 |
| Cost | Free of charge (flights, accommodation, meals and activities covered by NUCC) |
| Number of places | up to 20 participants; competitive selection |
| Priority sectors | Energy, dual-use and defence tech, housing and construction, infrastructure, industrial development |
| Final module | Warsaw – ReBuild Ukraine Conference (Europe’s largest international reconstruction event) |
| Key restriction | Ukrainians in Norway under temporary protection cannot participate |
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