The European Innovation Council (EIC) has announced the launch of a new initiative, Support for the Ukrainian tech SMEs and startups (HORIZON-EIC-2025-UKRAINIANTECH-01), which provides funding for Ukrainian tech startups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This initiative is part of the EU’s efforts to support the recovery and strengthening of Ukraine’s innovation potential amid the ongoing Russian military aggression.
The goal of this initiative is to support the development of innovative technologies in sectors such as artificial intelligence, robotics, biotechnology, cybersecurity, and other priority areas. These technologies have significant potential to transform markets and contribute to the integration of Ukrainian innovators into European technological and economic systems. Through this program, Ukrainian startups and SMEs will be able to receive support at higher stages of their technology development, bringing them closer to deployment in EU markets.
This initiative is a logical continuation of the Seeds of Bravery project, also implemented by the European Innovation Council. The project was launched after the start of Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine and provided significant financial support to Ukrainian tech companies. Additionally, it offered various business services to help companies integrate into European innovation ecosystems.
Seeds of Bravery demonstrated strong demand for targeted support, especially for the most promising companies ready to scale. The new initiative HORIZON-EIC-2025-UKRAINIANTECH-01 expands on this experience and provides even greater support for tech startups with the potential to significantly impact markets and the economy.
Program and Initiative Details
This initiative is part of the Horizon Europe program and includes Horizon EIC grants. The specific call is named Support for the Ukrainian tech SMEs and startups (HORIZON-EIC-2025-UKRAINIANTECH-01) and involves a single-stage application process. The opening date for applications is August 12, 2025, and the deadline for submitting applications is November 26, 2025.
It is expected that the initiative will provide grants of up to €500,000 for the development of technologies that have reached TRL 4 (full technology validation in the lab) and can evolve to TRL 6-7 (preparation for commercial use). The project focuses on advanced technologies that could create new markets or disrupt existing ones.
Grant objectives include:
-
Testing market readiness of the technology and business idea: Companies will have the opportunity to work on assessing competitiveness, developing business models, value propositions, and intellectual property strategies, as well as working on standardization and certification to be investment-ready.
-
Validation of new technologies: Companies must bring their technology to a demonstrator stage that works in real-world application conditions (from TRL 4 to TRL 6-7).
Expected Results of the Project
Upon completion of the project, successful participants should:
-
Demonstrate that their technology has been tested in laboratory and other relevant environments (at least TRL 5).
-
Be ready to apply for the EIC Accelerator or attract other investments for commercialization and collaboration with third parties.
-
Gain increased global visibility and access to funding and markets in the EU and worldwide.
Target Audience
This initiative is aimed at startups working on advanced technologies with a high impact on industries through innovative products, services, or business models. Participants must demonstrate the potential to scale their technologies within 2-3 years.
Special attention will be given to women-led enterprises, which is an important step in promoting inclusivity in Ukraine’s tech landscape.
In addition, successful applicants will receive free access to EIC Business Acceleration Services, including coaching and participation in specialized events to improve the attractiveness of their projects for investors and enhance market readiness. Participants may also be eligible for Fast Track to the EIC Accelerator, which provides access to larger grants and investments from the EIC Fund.
This new initiative underscores the EU’s commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in Ukraine, helping Ukrainian companies enter international markets and attract investment for further development.
How to Apply
Applications for grants can be submitted from August 12 to November 26, 2025. For more detailed information on the application process, project requirements, and necessary documents, please visit the EU Funding & Tenders Portal.
The initiative aims to support the development of innovative technologies in critical sectors for Ukraine, such as artificial intelligence, robotics, biotechnology, and cybersecurity. These technologies can transform markets and integrate Ukrainian innovators into European technological and economic systems. This program will allow Ukrainian start-ups and SMEs to advance their technologies and move closer to market deployment within the EU.