- TechUkraine teams up with the Ukrainian Embassy in Spain for the Tech4Good Global Challenge #1: Energy for Ukraine
- The Challenge is meant for energy startups and aims to help Ukraine live through its energy crisis caused by the ongoing war
- Startups get an opportunity to connect with governments and corporations which will facilitate the field testing of their innovative solutions in Ukraine
This Autumn, TechUkraine and the Embassy of Ukraine in the Kingdom of Spain join forces to seek out innovative solutions to the energy crisis that Ukraine is facing as one of the results of Russia’s military aggression against the country. In view of the coming winter, the crisis promises to be particularly acute, but innovative solutions from tech startups may be of extreme benefit to the people of Ukraine. The startups, on the other hand, get a unique opportunity to test their solutions in extreme field conditions. To facilitate seeking out the solution to Ukraine’s Energy crisis, TechUkraine and the Embassy of Ukraine in the Kingdom of Spain announce the first Open Call of the Tech4Good Global Challenge #1: Energy for Ukraine.
Overview of the Organizers
Founded in 2019, TechUkraine emerged from a coalition of Ukrainian government bodies, tech industry leaders, and private sector partners. With support from the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine, the USAID Competitive Economy Program (CEP), and other international and local collaborators, TechUkraine aims to accelerate the development of the nation’s tech ecosystem.
The organization was established to drive innovation, boost the tech sector, and position Ukraine as a major player in the global tech landscape by leveraging its skilled workforce and expanding startup community. By facilitating collaboration across government, private sector, and international stakeholders, TechUkraine promotes Ukrainian startups, R&D centers, and IT talent to attract global partnerships.
Additionally, the organization advocates for tech-friendly policies and organizes events, networking sessions, and educational programs to strengthen the tech community in Ukraine and internationally.
The “Challenge” as a Response to the Challenge
The Tech4Good Global Challenge #1: Energy for Ukraine is TechUkraine’s initiative launched in partnership with the Embassy of Ukraine in the Kingdom of Spain in response to Ukraine’s critical energy crisis, caused by Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine that has destroyed over half of the Ukrainian power grid. Supported by multiple global partners, the challenge seeks innovative, rapid solutions to restore energy stability in Ukraine, especially as winter approaches. The challenge is open to startups, SMEs, and individual innovators from around the world who can propose effective energy solutions, such as portable solar systems, microgrids, or smart energy management systems. Participants are welcome to submit their proposals with the first Open Call running until November 15, 2024.
The initiative focuses on providing immediate support to critical Ukrainian infrastructure, including hospitals, shelters, and essential public services, by implementing selected solutions. Importantly, the initiative goes beyond meeting Ukraine’s immediate needs and also seeks to build a global database of field-tested energy solutions for deployment in other regions that may be unfortunately affected by natural disasters and other possible crises. This database will offer long-term support to regions requiring resilient energy infrastructure during emergencies. Selected projects receive funding, and their implementation is facilitated by partnerships with corporations and humanitarian organizations.
For participants, the challenge offers significant benefits, such as real-world testing and exposure for their technologies, funding opportunities, and connections with major energy corporations. By connecting Ukraine’s needs with global innovators, the Tech4Good Global Challenge supports Ukraine’s energy resilience while establishing a model for addressing similar crises worldwide, emphasizing the initiative’s motto: ‘Ukraine Today, the World Tomorrow.’
- Interested startups are welcome to apply here.
- More information here.
- For collaboration and media inquiries, please write to [email protected]
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!