The background:
Despite their immense potential, Ukrainian startups often face challenges such as limited access to funding, networks and business acceleration programs.
The Challenger AI program aims to address these challenges by providing local and international opportunities to emerging Ukrainian and international startups.
It is an international acceleration program focused on digital and AI/ML-based startups, initiated and run by Civitta and Radar Tech. Challenger AI was first launched in December 2021 and aimed to select up to 10 startup teams for a 3-month, equity-free online program featuring top-tier international mentors and networking opportunities with investors and leading corporations.
Aim of the project:
The Challenger AI project is about empowering emerging startups to scale, innovate and succeed in the digital and AI/ML space, providing them with the resources, expertise and networks needed to overcome challenges and realize their full potential on an international scale.
The open call for AI/ML & digital startups started with promotional events, such as two Ideathons with challenges to solve real cases from partner companies MHP, FUIB and SoftServe. However, the selection was disrupted by the invasion of Ukraine.
The program was relaunched in September 2022. Out of 112 applicants, 25 were chosen for the pre-acceleration bootcamp, which included a pitching workshop, five mentorship sessions with different mentors for each team, and a pitching session for the jury to assess the startup’s suitability for the program.
To be selected, startups needed to demonstrate their ability to integrate AI/ML and digital solutions, and have at least an MVP, a dedicated team and potential for social impact.
What we delivered:
Ultimately, the program selected 8 startup teams to participate in the Challenger AI Accelerator.
Each startup team was involved in:
- 13 informative sessions;
- 2 startup roasts events with investors and corporate representatives;
- 15+ hours of individual mentorship with a lead mentor;
- Additional technical mentorship.
Mentors and trainers represented leading companies and thriving startups, including: Cambridge Innovation Center, NVIDIA, Reface, SoftServe, Fuelfinance and Change Ventures.
The culmination of the acceleration program was marked by the Demo Day held in Kyiv, where the participating teams presented their innovative solutions to a distinguished jury, renowned investors, and esteemed guests.
Project result:
- 112 applications submitted to the Challenger AI program;
- 13 sessions delivered during the acceleration phase;
- 8 startups selected as acceleration finalists;
- 2 startups chosen for additional acceleration programs by NVIDIA and Intel.
What was next?
Following Demo Day, all participating teams joined the Challenger AI alumni club. We continue to share new opportunities with them and follow their progress – some have received investment, entered new markets, or launched new products.
The program highlighted Civitta’s commitment to driving impactful change through tailored mentorship and expert guidance, helping startups unlock their full potential and create lasting impact in the innovation ecosystem.
