The stage is set for one of Eastern Europe’s most anticipated tech showdowns as the organizers of the IT Arena Startup Competition have officially unveiled the 30 semi-finalists poised to compete at Ukraine’s largest technology event. These ambitious teams, selected from a record-breaking pool of applicants, represent the cutting edge of innovation across a vast spectrum of industries and will pitch their ventures to a global panel of entrepreneurs and investors.
This year’s cohort is a vibrant mosaic of technological solutions, highlighting a strong emphasis on AI-driven platforms, MedTech, FinTech, and sustainable innovation. The semi-finalists include teams not only from Ukraine but also from the US, UK, Hong Kong, and Estonia, underscoring the competition’s growing international prestige.
From AI platforms that are revolutionizing marketing and manufacturing—like Renesandro AI, which promises to generate ad creatives 10 times faster, and Hesh, a SaaS for factory automation—to groundbreaking health solutions such as Anima, which assesses mental health via eye-tracking, and OVUL, a fertility tracker based on saliva analysis, the lineup showcases deep technological prowess. The diversity extends to unique ventures like Fiskin, a brand creating eco-friendly bags from fish skin, and Parostok, an AgriTech platform using microwave technology to boost crop yields.
The High-Stakes Gauntlet Ahead
The competition will unfold in a high-stakes, two-day format. The 30 semi-finalists in the general category will deliver their pitches on the Startup Stage during the first day of IT Arena 2025, on September 26.
From this crucible, only the top 12 startups will advance to the grand finale on the conference’s second day. These finalists will be split into two distinct categories—six in the general track and six in a special defense tech category—to compete for a total prize fund of $60,000.
The prize money, made possible by the support of the Ukrainian Startup Fund (USF) and the defense technology cluster Brave1, will be distributed as follows in each category:
- First Place: $15,000
- Second Place: $10,000
- Third Place: $5,000
Record-Breaking Momentum
This year’s competition has shattered previous records, signaling the unabated dynamism of the Ukrainian tech ecosystem. Organizers received an unprecedented 202 applications, the highest in the event’s history. Even more impressively, the investment fund for the competition has reached a staggering $12.5 million and continues to grow, offering participants unparalleled opportunities for scaling.
The IT Arena Startup Competition 2025 is co-organized by IT Arena, Brave1, and the Ukrainian Startup Fund (USF), reaffirming its status as a cornerstone event for fostering innovation and connecting Ukrainian talent with global capital.
Full List of Semi-Finalists (General Category):
- Generect: A B2B SaaS platform for lead generation that finds, verifies, and integrates customer data into email marketing services.
- Hesh: A SaaS system for manufacturing management that automates factory processes and helps forecast their development.
- Renesandro AI: A B2B AI platform that helps marketing teams create and test ad creatives (static and video) 10 times faster.
- SoftBees: An IT company developing modern banking applications and neo-banks for business and private clients using AI-based automation.
- X-Ray Contact: A universal platform for identity verification and social background checks.
- Maval: A visual constructor for creating interactive stories, games, visual novels, and educational simulations.
- Funely AI: An AI platform for small businesses that automatically creates marketing funnels, including ads, landing pages, CRM, and analytics.
- if.team: A universal workspace for automating business processes, from project planning to financial accounting and team communication.
- EYA: An assistive platform for people with communication disabilities, especially children with cerebral palsy and other motor impairments.
- Sensez: A B2B SaaS platform for online retailers that turns visitors into confident buyers with personalized product recommendations.
- Anima: An AI-based platform that assesses a person’s mental state using web-based eye-tracking, making mental health measurable and scalable.
- OVUL: A fertility and hormonal health tracker based on saliva sample analysis.
- StackBob: An AI platform for managing employee identity and access, automating onboarding/offboarding, and managing passwords and licenses.
- Vignette ID: An application for paying tolls on European roads for multiple cars and countries simultaneously.
- Wild.Codes: An AI platform for hiring and managing remote developer teams.
- JobAtlas: A Ukrainian startup at the intersection of HR-tech and EdTech for career planning and development.
- SuoQ: An intelligent queue and customer flow management system.
- Bandera AI: A platform that transforms the sales process through data-driven lead generation and analytics.
- CONSOLID.AI: A digital logistics ecosystem based on AI for supply chain optimization.
- Parostok: An innovative platform with microwave technology for seed treatment, increasing crop yield and resilience.
- Fiskin: A brand that transforms fish skin into eco-friendly bags, reducing waste.
- Josti: An online platform for renting accommodation without realtor commissions.
- InTempo: An application for preventing panic attacks and reducing anxiety.
- SoftTrainer: An AI-based platform for developing soft skills in a corporate environment.
- HEFT: A health and fertility monitoring system for cows.
- Obriy: An AI-powered communication service with an integrated knowledge base for customer support.
- VITA: A mobile application for gait analysis and rehabilitation for individuals with limb loss.
- Intelswift: An AI platform for automating customer support and integrating with CRMs.
- ADVIZOR: A real estate management service for reducing energy consumption.
- Sec-TA: A cybersecurity startup providing audit, pentesting, OSINT, and social engineering services.
Co-financed by the European Union. The views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Commission. Neither the European Union nor the European Commission can be held responsible for them.
