YEP Accelerator Launches ‘Beyond the Thesis’ for Deep Tech Startups
YEP Accelerator has announced the launch of Beyond the Thesis, a pilot incubation program designed to help Ukrainian university deep tech teams transform their research into real businesses. The program is being implemented as part of the Seeds of Bravery project with the support of the European Innovation Council (EIC).
What’s Known
- Beyond the Thesis will run for six months, from July to December 2025.
- Its goal is to support research teams from Ukrainian universities in turning cutting-edge scientific developments into market-ready startups. Participants will learn how to craft a business strategy, validate their market fit, and build connections with deep tech investors and partners across Ukraine and Europe.
- The initiative is part of a broader effort to develop university startup studios under Seeds of Bravery, a major EU-backed project aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s innovation ecosystem.
The First Cohort of Participants
Seven deep tech projects from leading Ukrainian universities have already joined the pilot program:
- SAFIS.AI (Dnipro Polytechnic National Technical University): An intelligent information system to support sustainable agriculture and food security amid climate change.
- Smart Meter A solution for detailed resource consumption analysis with an app and recommendations.
- InnoHub (Odesa National Economic University): A digital platform with AI tools that connects science, business, and investors to commercialize research developments.
- Technology for the production of composite fuel from waste (Dnipro Polytechnic National Technical University): A proprietary technology and equipment for converting industrial waste into high-quality composite fuel.
- Innovative solar cells (Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv): A new coating to cut the cost of solar panel manufacturing, boost efficiency, and enable flexible solar cells.
- Flexible Light (Ivan Franko National University of Lviv): Development of affordable, easy-to-synthesize luminescent materials for high-efficiency OLED devices.
- Dofamine (Lviv Polytechnic National University): A modular real-time vehicle motion simulation platform for EdTech, AgriTech, R&D, and MedTech.
What Does the Program Offer?
Participants receive group and one-on-one mentoring from Ukrainian and international experts. The program helps teams:
- Develop a clear business strategy.
- Identify first customers and partners.
- Prepare for initial meetings with investors.
- Create a compelling business plan.
- Learn to «speak the language of business» and position their solutions for real-world needs.
«Ukrainian scientists impress us with their level of innovation and the potential to create breakthrough solutions. But they often lack the practical business skills and understanding of commercial realities needed to test their technologies and build sustainable businesses. Our program is designed to fill this gap by giving them the skills and confidence to take their first conscious steps — from describing their product to researching the market and finding their place in it,» says Mariia Tintul, head of the Beyond the Thesis program at YEP Accelerator.
Why Does This Matter?
Unlike the EU, where large R&D budgets help sustain long-term scientific work, Ukrainian scientists often face pressure to commercialize their ideas quickly. Beyond the Thesis helps bridge this gap with practical training and mentoring to speed up the path from research to market. The program aligns with Ukraine’s national strategy to strengthen the innovation ecosystem within its universities.
YEP Accelerator Launches ‘Beyond the Thesis’ for Deep Tech Startups
YEP Accelerator has announced the launch of Beyond the Thesis, a pilot incubation program designed to help Ukrainian university deep tech teams transform their research into real businesses. The program is being implemented as part of the Seeds of Bravery project with the support of the European Innovation Council (EIC).
What’s Known
- Beyond the Thesis will run for six months, from July to December 2025.
- Its goal is to support research teams from Ukrainian universities in turning cutting-edge scientific developments into market-ready startups. Participants will learn how to craft a business strategy, validate their market fit, and build connections with deep tech investors and partners across Ukraine and Europe.
- The initiative is part of a broader effort to develop university startup studios under Seeds of Bravery, a major EU-backed project aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s innovation ecosystem.
The First Cohort of Participants
Seven deep tech projects from leading Ukrainian universities have already joined the pilot program:
- SAFIS.AI (Dnipro Polytechnic National Technical University): An intelligent information system to support sustainable agriculture and food security amid climate change.
- Smart Meter A solution for detailed resource consumption analysis with an app and recommendations.
- InnoHub (Odesa National Economic University): A digital platform with AI tools that connects science, business, and investors to commercialize research developments.
- Technology for the production of composite fuel from waste (Dnipro Polytechnic National Technical University): A proprietary technology and equipment for converting industrial waste into high-quality composite fuel.
- Innovative solar cells (Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv): A new coating to cut the cost of solar panel manufacturing, boost efficiency, and enable flexible solar cells.
- Flexible Light (Ivan Franko National University of Lviv): Development of affordable, easy-to-synthesize luminescent materials for high-efficiency OLED devices.
- Dofamine (Lviv Polytechnic National University): A modular real-time vehicle motion simulation platform for EdTech, AgriTech, R&D, and MedTech.
What Does the Program Offer?
Participants receive group and one-on-one mentoring from Ukrainian and international experts. The program helps teams:
- Develop a clear business strategy.
- Identify first customers and partners.
- Prepare for initial meetings with investors.
- Create a compelling business plan.
- Learn to «speak the language of business» and position their solutions for real-world needs.
«Ukrainian scientists impress us with their level of innovation and the potential to create breakthrough solutions. But they often lack the practical business skills and understanding of commercial realities needed to test their technologies and build sustainable businesses. Our program is designed to fill this gap by giving them the skills and confidence to take their first conscious steps — from describing their product to researching the market and finding their place in it,» says Mariia Tintul, head of the Beyond the Thesis program at YEP Accelerator.
Why Does This Matter?
Unlike the EU, where large R&D budgets help sustain long-term scientific work, Ukrainian scientists often face pressure to commercialize their ideas quickly. Beyond the Thesis helps bridge this gap with practical training and mentoring to speed up the path from research to market. The program aligns with Ukraine’s national strategy to strengthen the innovation ecosystem within its universities.
