InTechGrowth: Ukrainian Businesses Join the Creation of a New Generation of Entrepreneurs
IT ClusterHow can we engage young people in entrepreneurship, teach them to launch startups, and help them become part of the innovation ecosystem? These are the goals of the international project InTechGrowth, in which Kharkiv IT Cluster is an active participant.
The project’s mission is to equip youth with practical tools to create their own businesses: training, mentorship, international networking, and access to a virtual business incubator.
Why should businesses get involved?
Companies have the opportunity to contribute to shaping a young entrepreneurial ecosystem. This is a chance to:
- invest in future startup founders;
- find motivated team members;
- influence educational content;
- enhance their reputation in the field of social leadership.
Business already in action: focus group in Ukraine
Representatives of IT companies, universities, and startup incubators gathered to discuss the barriers preventing young people from starting their own businesses.
Speakers included experts from YEP, EIT, Sigma Software, EPAM, IT Ukraine Association, JA Ukraine, as well as representatives from business and the public sector. They shared their experiences and vision of how to foster youth entrepreneurship in Ukraine today.
Key takeaways:
- Young people need practice, not theory. Education should be built around real-life cases.
- Success depends on mentorship, teamwork, and a safe environment for growth.
- Challenges include emotional burnout, demotivation, and a weak connection between education and real business.
What’s next?
An analytical report based on the focus group is being prepared — it will help shape a new program for those working with youth. The next steps in the project include:
- launching a virtual business incubator;
- mentor training;
- entrepreneurship workshops;
- the international EU–Eastern Neighbourhood Business Education Forum.
Want to join the next stage of InTechGrowth?
Become a mentor, take part in training, help launch the business incubator. Contact your personal manager to get involved.
If you are not yet part of the Kharkiv IT Cluster community — join us here👇
*The InTechGrowth project is co-funded by the European Union under grant agreement No. 101185687. The views and opinions expressed in this material are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). The European Union and EACEA are not responsible for the content of this information.
Project partners include organizations from Poland (HEKET Foundation), Turkey (Ministry of Youth and Sports), Portugal (APSU), Azerbaijan (Young Leaders Union), Moldova (IDIS Viitorul), Georgia (ABCO), and Ukraine (Kharkiv IT Cluster).
