Applying to our program offers you a unique blend of opportunities essential for elevating your startup's trajectory. Here's why you should seize this chance: Enhanced Visibility: Participate in our program and gain significant exposure within the startup ecosystem. This visibility can open doors to new collaborations, customer interest, and potential investor attention. Training with Top-Notch Mentors: Benefit from personalized training sessions led by industry-leading mentors. Their expertise and guidance will sharpen your business acumen, refine your strategy, and prepare you for the challenges ahead. Pitching Opportunity at the CEEcosystem Summit in Budapest: Showcase your startup on a grand stage at the prestigious CEEcosystem Summit. This pitching opportunity is not just about presenting your idea; it's a chance to connect with investors, industry leaders, and fellow innovators, potentially leading to investment and partnerships. Applying to our program is more than just an opportunity – it's a stepping stone towards realizing your startup's full potential.

V4-Ukraine Talent Fusion

Igniting Innovation Amidst Adversity

An inclusive growth programme tailored for visionary founders

Organised by:

What is this all about?

This program is designed to revitalize and strengthen the innovation ecosystems in the Visegrad region and beyond. It arises from the pressing need for innovation to address the uncertainty caused by the ongoing geopolitical events. Our goal is to transform these challenges into opportunities for growth and innovation.

Tech Talent Superstars

The Tech Talent Superstars live events are dedicated to inspiring and empowering the new wave of innovators and entrepreneurs.

Join us at the celebration of innovation, diversity, and the entrepreneurial spirit.

Let’s create a more inclusive ecosystem!

Go & Grow MasterClass

Our series of online Masterclasses offers a learning opportunity, where industry veterans share valuable insights and practical knowledge that helps you to bring your idea or business to the next level.

These sessions cover a range of important topics, offering you the chance to engage directly with the experts.

Join our concise and interactive Masterclasses, spanning 12 exciting topics!

#iampitching @ CEEcosystem Summit

The #iampitching event is an exceptional opportunity where startups can showcase their innovative ideas to the crowd.

Following an easy application process, the candidates will have to collect votes from the public. The projects with the most votes will be enrolled into a mentoring program, receiving bespoke sessions on sales and fundraising followed by internal pitch training.

The journey culminates in a live pitch at the main stage of the CEEcosystem Summit, attended by numerous investors. Here, you’ll have an exhibition booth, and the opportunity to present your idea with the accommodation expenses covered by us.

TIMELINE

07 March 2024

Tech Talent Superstar Budapest

07 March 2024

Registration to the #Iampitiching

21 March 2024

Tech Talent Superstar Prague

28 March 2024

Tech Talent Superstar Warsaw

11 March - 15 April 2024

Go & Grow Masterclasses

21 April 2024

Registration closes to the #Iampitiching

05 May 2024

Voting closes to the #Iampitiching

07 - 17 May 2024

Mentoring for the #Iampitiching

End of May

#Iampitiching @ CEEcosysem Summit

Tech Talent Superstars events

In the 80s everyone wanted to be a rockstar, in the 90s a Hip Hop star, in the 2000s a DJ. Now, we reached the era when we want to be startuppers.

Our event series aims to set up good examples and role models of the 2020s – the new Tech Talent Superstars. Join us for a series of engaging events and meet people who can be your motivation – successful entrepreneurs, key ecosystem builders, and even top-tier investors.
In parallel, we address disparity in the tech sector – let’s build an inclusive ecosystem together.

Did you know that only 15% of tech startup founders are women? And that only 2% of VC funding goes to female and ethnic minority-founded businesses?

For detailed insights into each event (Budapest, Prague, Warsaw), including what to expect and how to make the most of these opportunities, please visit our registration link where we provide separate descriptions and programs for each event. Don’t miss the chance to be part of these transformative experiences!

Budapest, Obuda Uni Venture Capital

17:00-21:00, 07 March 2024

Prague

21 March 2024

Warsaw

28 March 2024

Go and Grow Masterclasses

Our Masterclasses are a not-to-be-missed opportunity for those eager to stay at the forefront of the tech industry. They offer a unique blend of expert knowledge with practical insights, making them invaluable for anyone looking to enhance their skills and keep up with the latest trends.

Each session is thoughtfully structured to build upon the previous one, guiding you through essential topics designed to accelerate your professional development and growth.

What does it mean to be a startup?

“What does it mean to be a startup?” – a workshop exploring the intricacies of creating and operating a startup, establishing connections, and fostering collaboration with stakeholders.

When: 16:00-17:00, 11 March 2024

What will you learn?

Finding your business model

“Finding Your Business Model” is a workshop that will assist in validating key business models, helping you to choose the one that best suits your product.

When: 16:00-17:00, 13 March 2024

Go to market mastery

“Go-to-Market Mastery” workshop encompasses essential strategies for successful market entry, covering market analysis, product positioning, customer targeting, and effective marketing tactics.

When: 16:00-17:00, 18 March 2024

What will you learn?

Market analysis techniques for identifying opportunities and assessing competition
Strategies for effective product positioning to maximise market penetration
Targeting the right customer segments and tailoring marketing approaches accordingly
Implementing actionable marketing tactics to drive successful market entry and sustained growth

What will you learn?

Failures and standups

Join us to explore valuable lessons learned from failures and the importance of standups in fostering resilience and growth.

When: 16:00-17:00, 20 March 2024

Know your customers

There is one key skill every salesperson must have: the ability to understand the customer. Selling – especially in a complex enterprise environment – is about asking the right questions and building maps of decision processes that one can influence. It’s who you’re selling to, what is the value for them, who needs to be influenced and what are the decision criteria – both official and those less so. It’s maths and empathy, psychology and emotions, and most of all – understanding the context.

When: 16:00-17:00, 25 March 2024

What will you learn?

Unleash UX for competitive advantage
Blend functionality with aesthetics
Craft seamless user experiences
Set your brand apart in the competitive landscape
Explore the power of intentional UX design
Elevate your digital presence

Compete with style – competitive strategies

Unlock the power of UX in competitive strategies! Join us to explore the fusion of functionality and aesthetics, crafting seamless user experiences that set your brand apart.

When: 16:00-17:00, 27 March 2024

Sales prospecting and marketing strategies

Sales prospecting could be one of the most challenging parts of the sales process – especially in an international environment. The workshop aims to shed light on the key daily obstacles salespeople face and provide the audience with practical guidelines including sales tools and proven methodologies from identifying the ideal B2B clients to designing an effective outreach strategy.

When: 16:00-17:00, 08 April 2024

What will you learn?

The key differences between lead generation and sales prospecting
The key challenges in sales prospecting and how to address them
Identifying buyer personas, finding the ideal point of contact
Finding almost anyone's email address
Writing effective cold emails and follow-up emails

What will you learn?

The right mindset in networking
The 3 C's of networking
Platforms and tricks for online networking
Good practices for offline networking - inc. preparation & pre-networking, conversation starters, cultural differences, the exit formula, etc.
How to introduce yourself in a networking event - the elevator pitch

Networking and relationship management

According to a study by the International Journal of Business and Management, 92% of people feel anxiety when attending professional networking events. Networking doesn’t have to be stressful, but rather a pleasant opportunity to meet like-minded people. This workshop shows the participants how to cultivate the right mindset for networking, practical strategies for entrepreneurs to use both online and offline, and how to craft an effective elevator pitch.

When: 16:00-17:00, 10 April 2024

International success stories

Embark on a journey of global growth with our webinar, ‘International Success Stories’. Join us as we explore the story, strategies, challenges, and triumphs of VOS health expansion, offering valuable insights for your own path to global success.

When: 16:00-17:00, 15 April 2024

What will you learn?

Financial modeling

This workshop will assist in understanding and breaking down the foundations of business models into small components that determine their sources of revenue and costs. Upon determining these key drivers and methodologies, entrepreneurs will be better equipped to monitor their company’s financial and operational health and future. Also, it will help founders with the following: where to find potential investors, and how to prepare for investor meetings and approach them.

When: 16:00-17:00, 17 April 2024

What do VCs want?

Nowadays there is no ideal fundraising strategy. Everything depends on the product and its geography, but there are basic tricks that work in any case.

When: 16:00-17:00, 22 April 2024

What will you learn?

Art of pitching

You will learn about the foundation of every presentation and pitch without which it is hard to excel. You will learn how to start preparing for your pitch, how to build it up, and what tools you can use to make sure you are understood and remembered.

When: 16:00-17:00, 24 April 2024

#Iampitching @ the CEEcosystem Summit

The #iampitching event provides an opportunity for startups to present their groundbreaking projects to: the crowd, investors and ecosystem builders.

After a SHORT application process, the selected participants will progress based on public voting. Those collecting the most votes will further develop to our tailored mentoring program – consisting of 3 mentoring sessions on sales and fundraising, and an internal pitch training.

This exciting path leads to the highlight of the event: a live presentation at the CEEcosystem Summit in front of several regional angel and institutional investors. You will be provided with a booth plus we take care of your accommodation.

This is your moment to shine!

Who can apply?

Regions: Ukrainian and V4-based
Technology: DeepTech, Robotics, and Automation across sustainability, life sciences, and defence industries
Stage: Pre-seed and seed

What do you need?

To fill out the short (3 mins) form
Your pitch deck
A two-minute video pitch

What is the process?

1. Get your materials and pitch polished and prepare the video
2. Upload it to Google Drive or Dropbox and put the link in the application form when you fill it out.

Make sure that:

⁠the video is no longer than 120 secs.
⁠the quality is good and we can clearly hear and see you and your presentation.

3. We aim to give every applicant a constructive feedback.
4. If your material is presentable and your startup has what it takes, you’ll hear from us soon.
5. Rack up those votes for your video. Remember, every single vote propels you closer to victory!
6. The startups with the most votes (the ultimate top 3 and the 2 highest from the V4 countries and Ukraine) enter an elite group receiving top-notch mentoring and pitch practice.
7. The grand finale of your journey is the live pitch at the CEEcosystem Summit. This is where the magic happens: you present your idea on stage, captivating a crowd of potential investors.

The Competition's Roadmap

07 March 2024

Registration opens

21 April 2024

Registration closes & voting opens

05 May 2024

Voting closes

06 May 2024

Winners announcement

07 - 17 May 2024

Mentoring

End of May 2024

Pitching at CEEcosystem Summit

Our Mentors

Our Partners

Our program is brought to life through the collaboration and support of our fantastic partners. Each partner brings unique expertise and resources, making an invaluable contribution to the success of this initiative. Together, we are committed to fostering a dynamic and thriving tech ecosystem.

FAQ's

What costs are covered?

We’re committed to supporting our participating teams not just in terms of exposure and learning, but also by covering key costs associated with participating in our program. Here’s what we cover for each selected team:

Accommodation: We provide accommodation for one person per team, ensuring a comfortable stay as you participate in our events and activities.
Exhibition Ticket, Booth, and Pitching Opportunity at the CEEcosystem Summit in Budapest: Each team receives an exhibition ticket, allowing you access to our dynamic event spaces. Additionally, you will be provided with a booth to showcase your project and a unique opportunity to pitch your idea to a captive audience.
Mentoring Sessions: Throughout the program, you will have access to valuable mentoring sessions. These sessions are designed to provide guidance, industry insights, and personalized advice to help refine your strategy and grow your venture.

By covering these costs, we aim to make your participation as enriching and stress-free as possible, allowing you to focus on what matters most – growing your startup and making the most of the opportunities our program offers.

How shall I upload my deck and pitch?

Uploading your pitch deck and video pitch is a straightforward process designed to showcase your startup effectively. Here’s how to do it: prepare the pitch deck and the 2-minute-long video and upload it to Google Drive or Dropbox, then put the link in the application form.

If your pitch is not presentable then we will try to give you feedback, but please upload quality materials only – we need to see and hear you and your pitch clearly.

Who can apply?

Our program welcomes applications from startups based in Ukraine and the Visegrad Four (V4) countries – Hungary, Poland, Czech Republic, and Slovakia. We are looking for innovative ventures operating in the fields of DeepTech, Robotics, and Automation, with a particular focus on sectors such as sustainability, life sciences, and the defence industry. Ideal candidates are startups that are in their pre-seed or seed stage, ready to take their ideas to the next level. If your startup aligns with these criteria, we encourage you to apply and join our community of forward-thinking innovators.

Why shall I apply?

Applying to our program offers you a unique blend of opportunities essential for elevating your startup’s trajectory. Here’s why you should seize this chance:

Enhanced Visibility: Participate in our program and gain significant exposure within the startup ecosystem. This visibility can open doors to new collaborations, customer interest, and potential investor attention.
Training with Top-Notch Mentors: Benefit from personalized training sessions led by industry-leading mentors. Their expertise and guidance will sharpen your business acumen, refine your strategy, and prepare you for the challenges ahead.
Pitching Opportunity at the CEEcosystem Summit in Budapest: Showcase your startup on a grand stage at the prestigious CEEcosystem Summit. This pitching opportunity is not just about presenting your idea; it’s a chance to connect with investors, industry leaders, and fellow innovators, potentially leading to investment and partnerships.

Applying to our program is more than just an opportunity – it’s a stepping stone towards realizing your startup’s full potential.

ABOUT US

This programme is designed to ease the crisis that the war brought and strengthen ties between the countries in the region.

OUVC

OUVC, serves as the Óbuda University’s dedicated investment company and Venture Studio, committing to invest 10B HUF over a span of 10 years, earmarking amounts ranging from 20M HUF to 300M HUF to foster innovative ideas that aspire to create a better world. Aided by vetted professionals with extensive subject matter expertise and network, the management of OUVC possesses a collective expertise of over 60 years in innovation programmes. They have proficiently administered numerous grants, collaborated with corporations, and provided counsel to governments on innovation strategies.

Accelpoint

Accelpoint is a smart tech startup accelerator that has been operational since 2018. Working alongside international partners, Tier 1 international and Polish corporations, as well as top business mentors, it aids startups in fundraising both in Poland and abroad.

Rivne IT Cluster

The Rivne IT Cluster embodies a collective of proactive individuals who have congregated on public grounds with the primary aim to bolster the growth of the IT industry both within the city and the wider Rivne region. This collective comprises modern, successful, and forward-thinking IT companies. The ensemble not only includes local teams but also encompasses representatives from national and international IT market players who have established offices in the Rivne region.

Insane Business Ideas

Insane Business Ideas emerges as a European technology innovation boutique positioned at the forefront of cutting-edge advancements within the realms of artificial intelligence, healthcare, sustainability, and urban development. With a celebrated track record of excellence, coupled with a profound commitment to nurturing innovation, it is adeptly poised to play a critical role in fortifying the startup ecosystem across the Visegrád countries.

Our management

This initiative is proudly supported by the Visegrad Fund

The project is co-financed by the Governments of Czechia, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia through Visegrad Grants from International Visegrad Fund. The mission of the fund is to advance ideas for sustainable regional cooperation in Central Europe.

The International Visegrad Fund is an international donor organization established by the governments of the Visegrad Group (V4) countries (the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia). Its aim is to support closer understanding and cooperation among people in the V4 region, as well as between the V4 region and other countries and regions, particularly in the non-EU neighbourhood of the Eastern Partnership countries and in the Western Balkans. The fund fosters the development of civil society by financing joint grant projects and by awarding university scholarships and artist residencies. The fund’s annual budget of €8 million consists of equal contributions by the V4 governments.