Grant for scaling technological solutions for innovative startups

An international startup competition organized by Lviv IT Cluster and IT Arena, taking place within the IT Arena Warsaw conference.

The program aims to create a platform for scaling startups, particularly in civil, defense, and dual-use technologies.

Participants have the opportunity to present solutions to international investors, receive professional feedback, and compete for cash prizes and investments.

The competition runs in a single track, combining general technological solutions and dual-use technologies.

Startups may participate in the competition if they meet the following criteria:

• established no earlier than 2021;
• have verified sales of at least $10,000 or have attracted external investment of at least $25,000;
• total investment raised does not exceed $5 million;
• founders and team members are not citizens of Russia or Belarus;
• are able to ensure the physical presence of one or more team members at IT Arena in Warsaw.

Business type:

• startups;
• export-oriented businesses.

Company size:

• microbusiness (up to 10 employees);
• small business (10–49 employees).

Participant requirements

• readiness to pitch a technological solution to international experts and funds;
• alignment of the startup with the technological focus of the conference;
• availability of English-language materials about the product and the team.

Competition tracks

• General Track — general technology solutions;
• Dual-use — dual-use technologies;
• Defense Tech — defense technologies.

Prize pool funds ($20,000+) and the possibility of attracting investments up to $5,000,000.

Funds can be directed towards scaling technological solutions. 

Additionally, support is provided in the form of equipment, access to customers, and networking.

• The opportunity to attract investments from the fund in the amount of $5 million;
• access to networking with over 150 investors and 3,500 visitors;
• professional feedback from international mentors and industry experts;
• media coverage and product presentation at the European level.

• Online application submission: until April 1, 2026.
• Technical screening and jury evaluation.
• Announcement of finalists and invitation of teams to Warsaw.
• Pitching sessions and selection of winners during the event in Warsaw.

• The competition is held in a single track where startups in the general category and dual-use projects (civil and defense technologies) compete together.
• To participate, applicants must fill out the online form on the official event platform and pass a preliminary selection process.
• An additional Startup Expo Pack format is available, which includes an exhibition booth, event tickets, and networking opportunities (participation in the Expo Pack does not automatically guarantee advancement to the competition finals).

Evaluation is conducted by a jury and international experts based on technological focus, innovation of the solution, and potential for scaling in the European market.

• Online application form.
• English-language materials about the product and team (presentation/pitch deck).

Participation in the Startup Expo Pack format does not guarantee automatic entry into the competition finals. A separate application is required for the competition.