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Ukrainian IT companies are invited to participate in the market entry program “TechStep Sweden” that is developed by Open Trade Gate Sweden (OTGS), in partnership with IT Ukraine Association and Entrepreneurship and Export Promotion Office.
Sweden is one of Europe’s most attractive markets for technology-driven growth and international expansion. Ranked 2nd globally in the Global Innovation Index (WIPO). According to Dealroom, Sweden ranks first in Europe for venture capital investment per capita since 2020, has created 46 unicorns, and is home to more than 2,200 startups with a combined ecosystem value of €319 billion. This strong concentration of capital, talent and high-growth companies makes Sweden a compelling entry point for Ukrainian tech companies looking to scale across the Nordic market.
TechStep Sweden is a structured market entry program that aims to accelerate the journey into the Swedish market for selected Ukrainian companies. Implemented in collaboration with key stakeholders across the Swedish technology ecosystem, the programme provides participating companies with practical knowledge, expert guidance and market insights to assess the potential of the Swedish market.
Following the initial learning and market validation phase, companies that identify Sweden as a promising market may receive tailored support for market entry.
TechStep Sweden has already had two launches, supporting 23 Ukrainian IT companies in their expansion journey to Sweden. Throughout the previous editions, participants took part in two collective exhibition stands in Stockholm Tech Show 2024 & 2025 and TechArena 2026, five business visits to Sweden, and 15 workshops and webinars. They also gained access to 2,000+ business contacts and conducted 1,000+ B2B meetings with representatives of the Swedish and international tech ecosystem.
Learn more about Ukrainian companies’ participation in previous international events:
TechStep Sweden helps participants who take part actively in the program to:
Validity of the program: September 2026 – March 2028
Format: online / onsite events in Sweden
The programme consists of three phases. Progression between phases is not automatic. At the end of each phase, companies will be evaluated based on their engagement, progress, and market potential, and a selected group will advance to the next phase.
Phase 1. “Introduction to the Swedish Market” (September – October 2026)
Include: online learning modules focused on the Swedish market, business environment, customer expectations and IT sector trends; interactive online workshop with Swedish market experts; introduction to Swedish business culture and ecosystem.
Result: companies will gain a better understanding of the Swedish market, assess their potential for international expansion, and decide whether the market is relevant for further exploration.
Selection for Phase 2 will be based on company readiness to invest further time and resources to do more in-depth research of the Swedish market and individual interviews.
Phase 2. “Deep Dive into the Swedish Market” (November 2026 – June 2027)
Include: education related to market research and preparation for business visits to Sweden; pitch training; testing products/services on the Swedish market; mentoring support; two business visits to Sweden and networking activities with potential partners.
Result: сompanies will validate their value proposition, gain a deeper understanding of the Swedish market, develop relevant business contacts, and collect market insights to evaluate commercial potential.
Selection for Phase 3 will be based on assessment of the market, program assessment of the companies and their previous work.
Phase 3. “Market Entry Support” (July 2027 – March 2028)
Include: hands-on support through mentorship focused on opening doors; additional visits to Sweden; education and support based on company needs; business matchmaking and introductions to relevant stakeholders.
Result: companies will strengthen their presence in the Swedish market, expand their professional network, pursue concrete commercial opportunities and establish a foundation for continued growth in Sweden.
By the end of this phase, participating companies should have established a solid foundation for doing business in Sweden, including a relevant network of contacts, a refined market-entry strategy and concrete commercial opportunities. Companies are expected to be well positioned to continue developing their presence and growing their business in the Swedish market beyond the programme.
The program can be changed. Additional activities may be added to address participants’ specific needs. The program also contains monthly check-ins and group progress discussions.
For more details on the programme stages, please follow the link.Funding of participation
Phase 1 – all companies fulfilling the formal requirements will be admitted.
Phase 2 – сompanies that complete Phase 1 and wish to continue can apply for Phase 2. Participation in Phase 2 is competitive and subject to a selection process consisting of an application review and interview.
Following criteria will be used when selecting companies to participate in Phase 2:
Market Fit (score 1-10)Phase 3
Companies that successfully complete Phase 2 and demonstrate a strong business potential in the Swedish market, will be able to go to the final phase based on the market assessment they did during Phase 2 and the level of engagement with the Swedish market shown during the program.
Selected companies for Phase 2 and 3 will have to sign a commitment letter outlining goals and participation expectations.
How to apply for participation: fill in the form.
Registration is open until August 24th , 2026. Registration form: https://forms.gle/XKKgHDmyoCzgAnZi7
The number of participants: unlimited for the introduction phase (phase 1); up to 15 companies for phase 2 and phase 3.
If you have any questions, please contact EEPO expert, Ruslana Postol, by email: rpostol@epo.org.ua
TechStep Sweden program is organized by Open Trade Gate Sweden* and the State Institution Entrepreneurship and Export Promotion Office, the state 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 works 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: https://www.kommerskollegium.se/en/open-trade-gate/
