- MSCA opens its second competition for AI, cyber security, and water technology innovators
- Finalists will pitch directly to British and European investors in September 2026
- Winners receive USD 5K, mentorship, and potential long-term funding opportunities
- Applications are free and open until August 31st, 2026
Following a successful inaugural competition earlier this year, the Melville Sikorsky Challenge Accelerator (MSCA) has opened applications for its second International Innovation Projects Competition, inviting startups, R&D teams, universities, and technology companies to showcase breakthrough solutions in AI, cyber security, and water resources protection and restoration.
The new competition will culminate at the MSCA September Lviv 2026 event, taking place on September 29–30th, 2026 in Lviv, Ukraine. The hybrid English-language format presupposes a possibility for participants to join in online. Applications are open until August 31st, 2026, and participation is free of charge.
Unlike traditional startup competitions, the Accelerator places a strong emphasis on investment readiness and long-term commercialization rather than one-off awards. Finalists will pitch their technologies live to investors from the UK and across Europe, with each of the three competition winners receiving a USD 5K cash prize alongside a place in the Accelerator’s structured mentorship programme.
Focus on Emerging Technologies
The second competition focuses on three strategic technology areas:
- Artificial Intelligence – Solutions applying AI and machine learning to address real-world challenges across industries, from automation and advanced analytics to intelligent decision-making systems.
- Cybersecurity – Technologies designed to strengthen digital resilience by protecting critical infrastructure, networks, data, and organizations against evolving cyber threats.
- Water Resources Protection and Restoration – Innovations focused on improving water quality, conserving and restoring aquatic ecosystems, enhancing water management, and increasing resilience to environmental and climate-related challenges.
According to the organisers, these sectors were selected to address some of the most pressing technological challenges facing both Ukraine and the global innovation ecosystem.
Strengthening International Funding Opportunities
The Accelerator distinguishes itself by providing startups with direct access to international investors through its Ukrainian-Scottish partnership structure operating under UK jurisdiction. This model is designed to help innovative companies connect with international capital markets while remaining based in Ukraine, creating opportunities for long-term growth without requiring relocation.
Participants have the opportunity to:
- Present their solutions directly to international investors and industry experts
- Join tailored mentoring sessions
- Explore follow-on investment opportunities after the final event
- Compete for USD 5K prizes in each category
Importantly, organisers note that investment opportunities are not limited to the competition winners. While three projects will receive cash awards, MSCA’s first edition revealed how other high-performing finalists may also enter negotiations with investors on terms comparable to those offered to the winning teams, which reflects the Accelerator’s broader goal of building a pipeline of investment-ready companies.
Inna Maliukova, Head of the All-Ukrainian Innovation Ecosystem Sikorsky Challenge Ukraine
‘On behalf of the All-Ukrainian Innovation Ecosystem Sikorsky Challenge Ukraine, I am honored to invite Ukrainian startups, research teams and technology companies to take part in our second International Innovation Projects Competition. This is an opportunity not simply to be recognized, but to engage directly with investors from the UK and Europe and secure real support for growth,’ Inna Maliukova, Head of the All-Ukrainian Innovation Ecosystem Sikorsky Challenge Ukraine says.
Who Should Apply
The call is open for:
- Early-stage and growth-stage startups
- Research and development teams
- Technology-driven companies with scalable solutions
Projects at various stages of maturity, demonstrating clear innovation potential and applicability within the defined focus areas, are welcome.
Key Dates and Details
- Application deadline: August 31st 2026
- Event dates: September 29-30th 2026
- Format: Hybrid (Lviv + online)
- Apply here
- More information here
- For additional inquiries, please contact tatiana@thesign.media
Building on the First Competition
The announcement follows the success of the first MSCA competition, held in spring 2026, which attracted more than 100 applications from 11 countries. From those submissions, 44 finalist teams were selected across the Defence & Security, Biomedical Engineering & Healthcare, and Renewable Energy & Energy Security categories. The finalist cohort included 34 Ukrainian teams alongside 10 teams from 10 more countries, underscoring the Accelerator’s growing international reach.
Building on that momentum, the second competition expands the programme into new technology domains while continuing its mission of connecting scientific innovation, entrepreneurial talent, and international investment.
Kostiantyn is a freelance writer from Crimea but based in Lviv. He loves writing about IT and high tech because those topics are always upbeat and he’s an inherent optimist!
