FUEL, or Finnish-Ukrainian EdTech Launchpad, is a matching project that connects edtech companies in Finland and Ukraine. The program will run from September to December 2024 and is supported by Crazy Town, Innovation community; Advicera, Finnish Ukrainian consultancy agency, Urban Mill, an Ecosystem developer, and Innovestor, a Finnish VC fund. The program is a part of a Finnish-Ukrainian cooperation supported by the Education Finland program and made possible by the Finnish National Agency for Education (OPH).

The participants will be able to join from both Finland and Ukraine in the hybrid format (online and offline). Applications are open until September 1, 2024. 

What does FUEL offer?

  • Focused matchmaking opportunity: FUEL is the only program promoting EdTech collaboration between Finland and Ukraine.

  • Early movers in Ukraine's recovery: Finnish companies can participate in Ukraine's recovery by collaborating with Finland's education ecosystem.

  • Funding & partnership access: FUEL guides through various funding opportunities in Finland, Ukraine, and EU.

  • Deep understanding and peer learning: Join a community for peer collaborations and insights into Finnish and Ukrainian markets.

  • Word-class content on business development: Attend webinars and workshops on critical topics.

  • Opportunity to attend Slush 2024: Two Ukrainian founders wll get a chance to attend a leading startup-investor event.

What are the requirements to attend?

  • The startups must be focused on edtech solutions.

  • These solutions can help boost the recovery of society.

  • Teams are eager to discover opportunities in Ukraine or Finland and find new partners.

  • Teams are based in Finland or Ukraine. One of FUEL’s goals is to strengthen local networks.

  • Idea-stage teams, such as those working at universities or NGOs, may apply if they intend to establish a company around the solution.

“We’re looking for solutions that can help those affected by trauma or injury —helping them acquire new skills, reskill, or transition to new careers,” Kari Mikkelä, Project Lead, comments.

Based on the applications, a maximum of six companies from both Finland and Ukraine will be chosen.

It is anticipated that by the end of FUEL, participants would have made valuable connections and discovered fresh avenues for entering the Finnish or Ukrainian markets. Finnish businesses will investigate how they might help Ukraine rebound and grow, while Ukrainian businesses will get the knowledge about Finland's highly regarded educational system.