Ukrainian agrifood entrepreneurs rise: GoToBusiness, Challenge Labs, and EWA programmes from EIT Food in 2023
As we have just closed the chapter of 2023, we celebrate the past year as a year filled with triumphs and innovation in Ukraine's agrifood sector through various impactful programmes led by EIT Food
In 2023, Ukraine witnessed growth in entrepreneurial activities in the agrifood sector, despite the challenging caused by the ongoing war. The activities of GoToBusiness 2.0, Challenge Labs, and the Empowering Women in Agrifood (EWA) Programme showcased the resilience and innovative spirit of Ukrainian entrepreneurs.
The implementation of GoToBusiness 2.0 project by RadarTech and Innovative, and Lviv Politechnic National University was extremely successful. The impact of GoToBusiness 2.0 was substantial, with 180 actively engaged participants, a dozen workshops, and the recognition of outstanding winners. The programme not only increase knowledge and inspiration but also facilitated meaningful connections, becoming a central hub for launching businesses and achieving notable success. The feedback and overwhelming interest from Ukrainians signal the programme success in fulfilling its mission, motivating EIT Food for future projects in the dynamic landscape of Ukrainian entrepreneurship.
"The GoToBusiness programme not only provides valuable inspiration and education but also fosters meaningful connections"
Challenge Labs, initiated in Poland in 2019, expanded its reach to Ukraine in 2023. Implemented by a consortium of INSCIENCE, CIVITTA, and Cyber/nnov8, the programme addressed critical issues in the agrifood sector. An effective and dynamic promotional strategy resulted in 184 applications, with 179 participants in the workshop series and 66 participants in the final hackathon. The top three solutions showcased the diversity of challenges addressed, from demining territories to innovative fertilizer and nutrition solutions. The success of Challenge Labs Ukraine 2023 establishes a foundation for enduring impact and growth in advancing agrifood sector innovation and sustainability.
The Empowering Women in Agrifood (EWA) Programme, implemented by the Institute of Partnership and Sustainable Development, made significant strides in fostering women entrepreneurs in Ukraine. Over 6 transformative months, 10 mentors guided and nurtured progress, attracting an impressive 345 applications. Out of these, 148 were successfully finalized, and for 10 participants, the EWA programme proved to be a game-changer, significantly boosting their entrepreneurial endeavors. The success of the programme garnered enthusiasm from both mentees and mentors, paving the way for the continuation of this impactful initiative in Ukraine.
These initiatives underlined the innovation of Ukrainian entrepreneurs, demonstrating that even in challenging times, the agrifood sector can thrive with the right support and activities. The feedback and overwhelming interest from participants signal not only the success of these programmes in fulfilling their missions but also motivate EIT Food to explore future projects in the dynamic landscape of Ukrainian entrepreneurship. Many thanks to all involved for inspiring innovation and paving the way toward a sustainable future in Ukraine's agrifood sector!