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Hybrid format, online + Kyiv, Oct 9, 2023 – Sigma Software Labs together with Ukrainian Startup Fund launches the UNICORN Startup Competition for startups. The contest is structured to guide startups through different stages, offering an intensive two-week program to support dynamic interaction.
The competition will take place in a hybrid format. It will include educational webinars, networking events, and multiple pitching opportunities. Participants will be able to communicate with influential investors and establish valuable partnerships at online sessions and offline events.
The contest is co-organized by Sigma Software Group and the educational wing Sigma Software University. The UNICORN Startup competition is the reincarnation of the IT_EUREKA contest, launched in 2014.
Why participate
Experience a fast-paced program to learn the startup building specifics and avoid common mistakes.
Strike the perfect balance between working hard and networking harder.
Showcase your startup as much as possible during the contest and get helpful feedback on your pitch approaches.
Connect with influential investors and potential partners.
Benefit from no-equity grants of 2 x €1,000 and 1 x €3,000 and partner awards.
Applications criteria
UNICORN is a great opportunity for young startups to showcase their ideas, get insights from industry leaders, and receive mentorship from seasoned founders, respected funds, and influential community leaders. That is why we see this competition as not just a contest, but a vibrant ecosystem for cultivating startup excellence. Our key goal is to create a thriving network that will empower startups over the long term,
says Daria Yaniieva, Investment Director at Sigma Software Labs.
Visit https://labs.sigma.software/apply-unicorn-form/ to register and submit your idea.
Backstory
UNICORN (former IT_EUREKA) startup competition was founded by the Tempus educational program in 2014. The project was supported by the Swedish Sigma Group and the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine. After the end of the Tempus program, Sigma Software became the competition’s main organizer. In 2021, Sigma Software Labs became the main driver of the competition. In 8 years over 900 projects were represented by more than 2,200 participants.
In 2023 the IT_EUREKA startup competition has been upgraded into UNICORN. This rebranding emphasizes commitment to developing a startup ecosystem that transcends geographical boundaries and meets the ambitions of visionary entrepreneurs. To help the startup ecosystem grow and achieve even more significant results in the future, the competition is getting a stronger focus.
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About Sigma Software Labs
Sigma Software Labs is a separate investment wing of Sigma Software – a top 100 global outsourcing company. We use the synergy of the Customers and Partners network to scale portfolio startups, helping our clients solve their business needs more efficiently. Labs’ investment strategy is focused on companies, where a team could become an active partner facilitating their growth in terms of not just investments, but B2B contacts, fundraising opportunities, and access to infrastructure and resources of Sigma Software.
About Ukrainian Startup Fund
Ukrainian Startup Fund is a one-of-a-kind state institution that helps innovative projects and technology startups raise funds at the early stages and launch their projects. The Fund is the driver of the startup ecosystem development, provides conditions for the growth of the sector, creates a positive investment image of the Ukrainian tech industry abroad, and represents Ukrainian innovative solutions around the world.
