The UK-Ukraine TechBridge is a strategic partnership established by the UK Government, the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine. First announced at the Ukraine Recovery Conference in 2023, the initiative aims to strengthen collaboration between the UK and Ukrainian tech ecosystems, build resilience, and support the continued growth of Ukraine’s technology sector. The program facilitates business-to-business and business-to-government engagement through a series of initiatives, while also providing guidance and opportunities for organizations and individuals interested in cross-border collaboration.
Program Overview
The TechBridge operates in partnership with industry and academia across both countries, creating opportunities through four key pillars:
- Skills: Supporting the development of technical and business capabilities through training and guidance.
- Innovation: Facilitating workshops to address real-world industrial challenges through technology.
- Trade: Enabling cross-border business growth by connecting companies and reducing market barriers.
- Investment: Delivering an Investment Accelerator Programme for Ukrainian tech startups seeking growth, funding, and UK market entry.
Investment Accelerator
The Investment Accelerator is a core component of the TechBridge. It is an equity-free programme designed to connect high-potential Ukrainian tech startups with active UK investors.
The 2026 cohort will be delivered by Blue Lake VC, building on previous editions in 2024 and 2025. The program targets approximately 20 Ukrainian-origin startups at the Seed to Series A stage, with global ambitions and a clear interest in expanding into the UK market.
Program Highlights & Key Features
The accelerator runs in a hybrid format over five weeks and concludes with an in-person showcase:
- Investor Readiness Support: A structured online programme focused on fundraising strategy, pitch development, and investor communications, led by experienced UK-based VCs.
- Mentorship and Networking: Each startup is matched with a UK-based VC mentor and gains access to curated investor introductions, pitch sessions, and networking opportunities.
- London Bootcamp: Selected startups participate in an in-person week in London to engage directly with investors, ecosystem leaders, and industry experts.
- Demo Day Showcase: The programme culminates in a pitch event during London Tech Week, where startups present to a curated audience of investors and partners.
- UK Expansion Guidance: Practical support is provided to help founders navigate business setup, operations, and scaling in the UK.
Track Record & Achievements
Previous cohorts of the Investment Accelerator have delivered strong outcomes:
- Over £10 million in investment and commercial deals generated
- More than $12 million raised by the first cohort within one year of Demo Day
- 39 startups supported across two cohorts
- Approximately 400 hours of tailored mentorship delivered
- Participation from more than 20 venture capital firms
Application Details
- Application Deadline: 27 April 2026
Program Partners & Contacts
- Implementation Partner: Blue Lake VC, a London-based early-stage venture capital firm
- Supporting Partners: UK Government and the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine
- Acceleration Partner: Ukrainian Startup Fund
- Contact (Blue Lake VC): techbridge@bluelakevc.com
- Contact (TechBridge): techbridge@businessandtrade.gov.uk
Participating Startups (Selected)
Previous cohorts include startups across AI, SaaS, climate tech, health tech, and enterprise solutions, such as:
- Carbominer (climate tech / CO₂ capture)
- Mantis Analytics (AI & threat intelligence)
- ConnectiveOne (AI conversational platform)
- VanOnGo (logistics SaaS)
- Cardiomo (digital health & wearables)
- Zibra AI (3D & virtual world technologies)
- Deus Robotics (warehouse automation)
The UK-Ukraine TechBridge Investment Accelerator provides a direct pathway for Ukrainian founders to access the UK market and its investor ecosystem. By combining mentorship, investor exposure, and market-entry support, the programme enables startups to scale internationally while fostering long-term collaboration between the UK and Ukraine’s technology sectors.