We invite Ukrainian technology companies to apply for the TechStep Sweden programme, which was developed by Open Trade Gate Sweden (OTGS), the Entrepreneurship and Export Promotion Office, and the IT Ukraine Association.
TechStep Sweden is a long-term programme aimed at accelerating market entry into Sweden for selected Ukrainian companies. The initiative is implemented in cooperation with key stakeholders in the Swedish technology ecosystem and includes training, business mentoring, and networking opportunities in Sweden.
Opportunities for Participation
- Market insights: Reports and webinars
- Structured learning: Online classes and live sessions with external guests, workshops
- Mentorship and strategic advice from Swedish business people with long experience in the market
- Leadership support: Regular progress follow-ups
- Peer learning: Networking and shared experiences
- Access to the Swedish tech ecosystem: Study visits, trade fairs and tech events (in total 4 weeks spent in Sweden during the program)
Ensure you secure a spot among the 10 IT companies that will, between January 2026 and March 2027:
- Identify relevant business opportunities in Sweden;
- Develop and implement a go-to-market plan for the Swedish market;
- Develop and maintain a relevant business network in Sweden;
- Establish partnerships, enter and/or scale operations in the Swedish market.
You can view the program structure with timelines and key activities via the link.
Requirements for interview invitation
- The company is a registered entity (private entrepreneur or legal entity) in accordance with the current legislation of Ukraine;
- At least 50% of the company’s shares belong to citizens of Ukraine;
- The company must operate within one of the following verticals: Healthtech, Fintech, GameTech
- Company’s website available in English;
- The company’s activities fit for the Swedish market;
- Preference will be given to companies offering IT-products (general software development services are in low demand in the Swedish market);
- The company is focused on entering the Swedish market
- The company is ready to delegate 1-2 English speaking employees to participate in all stages of the long-term program;
- Companies with category 10-250 employees;
- The company is financially stable and ready to cover the logistics, accommodation costs and other related expenses of the representatives.
Candidates who meet the formal requirements will be invited to an interview. Final participants will be selected based on the following key criteria:
Market Fit
- Product/service fit for the Swedish market
- Level of innovation of the product/service
Capabilities
- Deep expertise into its main area of activity (general IT expertise is not in demand in Sweden)
- Adequate resources allocated for international business (human resources with responsibility for international business development and financial resources)
- Financial stability
- Demonstrated experience in doing business internationally in the last two years
- Market plan that includes an international business component
- Fluency in English for business
Ambition
- Commitment from 1-2 staff members to complete phase 2-5
- Eventually current Go-To-Market activities towards the Swedish market.
How to Apply
- Complete the application form provided below.
- Attend an interview with the organisers to determine the company’s needs and readiness to participate in the long-term programme.
- Selected companies will be asked to sign a Commitment Agreement outlining the goals and expectations for participation.
Please note that registration is open until 31 October 2025. Click here to submit your application.
For additional questions, please contact EEPO expert, Ruslana Postol, by email: rpostol@eepo.gov.ua
TechStep Sweden program is organized by Open Trade Gate Sweden*, the State Institution Entrepreneurship and Export Promotion Office, the national project Diia.Business and the IT Ukraine Association.
*Open Trade Gate Sweden (OTGS) is a part of the National Board of Trade Sweden. OTGS promotes imports from developing countries to Sweden and the EU. OTGS work with business support organisations in the countries to offer training, coaching, study visits and participation at trade fairs and other business events. For more information.
