On 28 September, the winners of the Startup Competition 2024 were announced at this year's IT Arena. This year, two competition tracks were presented: the main category and a special category for developments in the field of defence technologies and cyber defence. The total prize fund for the main and special categories was $30,000 each. In addition, $25,000 was allocated for impact startups. The total investment fund amounted to $5 million.

Winners of the main track:

  • Received $15,000. Extra Vision is a startup that develops MR technology that allows you to create a 3D model of CT or MRI scans of patients that can be viewed through virtual reality glasses.

  • They received $10,000. Bliss Brain is a meditation app that uses AI to analyse the user's needs and preferences to improve the experience.

  • It has received $5,000. Aspichi Luminify is a startup that develops a VR platform for interactive streaming of 360-degree spatial video and audio in a VR helmet. It is used by medical professionals in psychotherapy.

Winners of the Defence track:

  • Received $15,000. Oko Camera is a startup that manufactures thermal imaging modules for robotic systems. It is also a member of the Technosystem Defence technology cluster.

  • Received $10,000. Vidar Systems is a startup specialising in acoustic technologies. It works at the intersection of military defence and security systems.

  • Received $5,000. NORDA Dynamics is a startup developing an autonomous drone piloting system that will operate in a communication-free environment.

Here's who else made it to the final of the main track:

  • Metatable.ai is a startup that helps developers prototype, build, and deploy backend applications using generative AI. 

  • xTiles is a workspace organisation app. It allows you to create and organise notes, schedule meetings, and manage projects.

  • Humancreed is a platform for people who support Ukrainian displaced children in finding their own destiny. The project's mission is to help society raise a generation of motivated, talented and ambitious children.

Other finalists of the special Defence track:

  • Deftak is a defence startup that develops algorithms for autonomous flights, including smart bombs that can quickly and automatically target a target. 

  • UAVSoul is a startup that develops unmanned systems adapted to severe weather conditions.

  • Kraken is a startup developing advanced maritime drones. 

The winners of the social impact category were also announced:

  • Received $15,000. LifesaverSIM is a game simulator for developing life-saving skills.

  • Received $10,000. SYLA is a startup developing a prosthetic leg based on AI and neural networks. 

IT Arena is one of the largest tech conferences in Eastern Europe, held in Lviv since 2014. Over 5000 people from more than 40 countries attend it every year. Over the past 10 years, IT Arena has held 10 editions, attracting 25,000 attendees and 800 speakers from 53 countries.