$60,000 in prizes and $12.5M in investor attention — IT Arena is looking for Ukraine’s best startups

IT Arena announces the launch of applications for the Startup Competition — Ukraine’s largest and most influential startup contest. Starting June 29, tech teams from across the country can apply and compete for a $60,000 grant prize fund and the attention of investors with a combined portfolio of $12.5 million.

This year’s competition features two tracks: General and Defense & Dual-use. Organizers will select just 50 semi-finalists, and only 10 will advance to compete for the prize fund.

The Startup Competition takes place as part of IT Arena 2026 in Lviv. The semi-final is scheduled for September 26, with the grand final on the main stage on September 27.

“Growing year after year — no matter what — matters to us. This year, we’re raising the bar for startup selection, making early sales and/or investment a mandatory requirement. In return, we’re increasing the prize pool for winners and bringing even more investors from around the world,” says Ihor Markevych, Co-organizer of Defense and Startup Tracks at IT Arena. “The Startup and Defense Stage will surprise you with new content formats — from crash tests to masterclasses. Add Lviv to your September calendars”.

What participants get:

• opportunity to pitch your startup to 150+ investors from Ukraine, Europe, the US, and the Middle East;
• global visibility — 7,500+ attendees, international media, and tech industry leaders;
• a chance to compete for $60,000 in grant prizes and a $12.5M investment fund;
• a booth at the Startup Expo Zone or Defence Expo at IT Arena 2026;
• high-quality networking — meeting and connecting with clients, partners, mentors, and founders throughout the three-day conference;
• actionable feedback — expert insights to refine your product and market positioning.

Eligibility:

• registered in Ukraine as a sole trader or legal entity;
• confirmed sales of $10,000+ or raised investments/grants of $25,000+;
• product at MVP stage or beyond;
• no Russian or Belarusian citizens among team members or founders;
• ability to present the startup in person in Lviv.

Applications are open until September 4, 2026.

The Startup Competition is just one part of the program. IT Arena 2026 will also feature four Expo zones: Partner Expo, Startup Expo, Defence Expo, and Made in Ukraine Showcase — platforms where Ukrainian companies and products meet a global audience.

Apply here.

Defence Stage Partner: Skyfall

Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are, however, those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or European Commission. Neither the European Union nor the European Commission can be held responsible for them.