Polish-Ukrainian Startup Bridge Launches Comprehensive Study "Ukrainian Startup Ecosystem 2025" to publish report titled "Resilient Innovation: Ukrainian Startups Fighting Today”

The “Ukrainian Startup Ecosystem 2025” study is being conducted to prepare a report entitled “Resilient Innovation: Ukrainian Startups Fighting Today” implemented by the Polish-Ukrainian Startup Bridge project in collaboration with the Ukrainian Startup Fund.

Warsaw, September 22, 2025 – Polish - Ukrainian Startup Bridge (“PUSB”), an initiative operated by Cooperation Fund Foundation and CEE Startup Bridge Foundation launched the "Ukrainian Startup Ecosystem 2025" study to publish a report titled "Resilient Innovation: Ukrainian Startups Fighting Today” – a comprehensive research initiative examining the current state and future potential of Ukrainian startups during wartime and their role in post-war reconstruction.

The main partner of the research is the Ukrainian Startup Fund with substantial support from 7 leading institutions of the Ukrainian startup ecosystem (1991, Investment Capital Ukraine, ISE Corporate Accelerator, Sigma Software, Techosystem, WinWin and YEP).

Research Objectives and Strategic Importance

The research, financed through the Ministry of Funds and Regional Policy of the Republic of Poland from Polish aid funds, aims to:

• Identify current ecosystem challenges and barriers faced by Ukrainian startups during wartime conditions
• Map development opportunities in critical industries supporting Ukraine's current needs and strategic sectors vital for post-war economic development
• Influence government and European support policies through evidence-based recommendations
• Direct investment flows to where they are most needed within the ecosystem
• Build strategic bridges between Ukrainian and European startup ecosystems

Phase 1: Qualitative Research

• In-depth interviews with 25 carefully selected startups representing the full spectrum of Ukrainian innovation across critical industries
• 20-30 minute strategic discussions covering business models, challenges, and reconstruction potential
• Opportunity for participants to present pitch decks and gain international visibility

Phase 2: Quantitative Analysis

• Extensive survey of Ukrainian startups and business environment institutions
• Detailed analysis of current challenges, financing needs, and market expansion plans
• Assessment of post-war reconstruction contributions and scalability potential

Partnership Structure and Expertise

The research is conducted through a partnership between Polish-Ukrainian Startup Bridge and a Committee of 6 Partner Institutions from the Ukrainian startup ecosystem, ensuring authentic representation and deep market insight. Partner institutions participate in among others:

• Strategic startup selection for qualitative interviews
• Research methodology development and validation
• Expert evaluation using five key criteria: impact on current Ukrainian economy, post-war reconstruction potential, innovation and competitive advantage, scalability and development potential, and implementation readiness

Expected Impact and Applications

The comprehensive final report will serve as a strategic resource for:

• Government policymakers in Poland, Ukraine, and the European Union for informed decision-making on startup support programs
• International investors seeking market intelligence on Ukrainian innovation opportunities
• Ecosystem stakeholders including accelerators, incubators, and support organizations
• Academic and research communities studying wartime entrepreneurship and post-conflict economic reconstruction

About Polish-Ukrainian Startup Bridge

Since 2018, Polish-Ukrainian Startup Bridge has been the leading initiative supporting Ukrainian entrepreneurs in accessing Polish and European markets. We have managed to:

• Connect with 600+ Ukrainian startups
• Facilitate 250+ hours of tailored mentorship sessions
• Organize 42+ dedicated events across 20 Ukrainian cities
• Built partnerships with 30+ VC funds and major institutions
• Support startups that have collectively raised millions in funding

PUSB is co-implemented by the Cooperation Fund Foundation and CEE Startup Bridge Foundation in cooperation with the Ministry of Funds and Regional Policy of the Republic of Poland, and financed under the Polish aid program of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland.

Research Timeline and Participation

Application Period: September 22 - October 30, 2025

Qualitative Interviews: November 2025

Data Analysis: November-December 2025

Report Publication: December 2025

Ukrainian startups interested in participating can access the research survey at www.startupbridge.eu.