TechChill Returns to Kyiv with Startup Growth Opportunities

• TechChill comes back to Kyiv with investors, experts, and speakers
• TechChill Kyiv’s startup program empowers Ukrainian founders through masterclasses, bootcamps, pitching, and global exposure
• Top teams gain access to TechChill Riga 2026 with full support

This autumn, one of CEE’s flagship startup events—TechСhill—comes to the Ukrainian capital for the second time. TechChill Kyiv 2025 main event is coming up on November 1st 2025, hosting a full-day event with a 40-person delegation of international investors, startup experts, and speakers, highlighting innovation and opportunities in the country’s and region’s startup ecosystem.

Evolving from a grassroots movement, TechChill has grown into a non-profit startup community hosting the Baltics’ leading tech event and global satellite events. It celebrates thriving startup ecosystems by uniting thousands annually—including fast-growing startups, innovative corporations, investors, and influential speakers—showcasing the region’s most dynamic tech talent and innovation.

Celebrating Resilience and Innovation

Despite Russia’s full-scale war, Ukrainian startups continue to grow, even from the front lines. In line with the entire startup movement, TechChill has been demonstrating its unwavering support for Ukrainian colleagues and their country. In June 2024, TechChill first branched out to Kyiv.

‘I believe in the potential of Ukrainian founders with all my heart. Not because it’s a nice thing to say, but because I’ve met these people, listened to their visions, and seen the spark in their eyes when they talk about the future they’re determined to create,’ TechChill’s CEO Annija Mezgaile states.

This year’s TechChill Kyiv offers a dynamic startup growth program tailored for early-stage Ukrainian founders, culminating in a full-day event on November 1st. This initiative is designed to empower Ukrainian startups by enhancing their pitch skills, investment readiness, and international visibility. Startups are welcome to apply before October 24th. For continued exposure, the participating teams will join the Ukrainian delegation to TechChill Riga 2026 next March.

Program Overview

The program unfolds over several phases:

• Phase 1: Online Masterclasses (Oct 13–23rd). Founders participate in five intensive sessions led by Europe’s top pitch coach, Gleb Maltsev. Topics include pitching fundamentals, venture capital insights, sales strategies, storytelling, and pitch deck optimization.
• Phase 2: Pitch Bootcamp (Oct 31s). An in-person bootcamp in Kyiv where selected founders refine their pitches through live presentations and receive actionable feedback to prepare for the main event.
• Phase 3: TechChill Kyiv Event (Nov 1st). A full-day event featuring 20 startup pitches selected from the masterclasses, stage content on growth and investment readiness, one-on-one meetings with international investors, talks from industry leaders, and a networking evening with investors, founders, and ecosystem guests.
• Phase 4: TechChill Riga 2026 (Mar 11–13rd, 2026). The top startups from TechChill Kyiv are invited to represent Ukraine at TechChill Riga, with full travel, accommodation, and tickets covered. They receive a dedicated Ukrainian delegation booth, one-on-one mentoring sessions with international investors and experts, and exclusive networking opportunities.

Eligibility Criteria

To participate, startups must meet the following criteria:

• At least one co-founder holds Ukrainian citizenship, and a minimum of 30% of the company’s workforce is local, or the applicant is registered as a taxpayer in Ukraine.
• Operate in sectors excluding defense, military, or dual-use technologies.
• Demonstrate a scalable business model.

Investor Engagement

TechChill Kyiv offers international investors exclusive access to promising Ukrainian startups. Investors can participate in curated one-on-one meetings, attend live pitch sessions, and network with other investors and ecosystem leaders, providing a unique opportunity to discover and engage with early-stage ventures in the region.

This program not only supports the growth of Ukrainian startups but also fosters international collaboration and investment in Ukraine’s burgeoning tech ecosystem.

• More information: on the event’s official website
• Apply: here