Demo Day of the Accelerator for Ukrainian AI Startups: 8 teams pitch products to investors and industry leaders
A $10,000 grant was awarded to the EYA startup for the development of an AI-powered app designed to help children with speech disorders communicate. The idea for EYA came from the personal experience of founder Serhiy Rylysky and his daughter, who has cerebral palsy.
"We believe in a world where every child has the right to be heard, and a diagnosis does not limit the ability to communicate. EYA is a bridge that turns a child's unspoken thoughts into a real conversation with the world," said Serhiy Rylysky, founder of EYA.
With the grant funds, the team plans to expand their device test base for the eye-tracking technology, adapt the app for different types of equipment, and hire a new developer.
Over the three months of the accelerator, 27 speakers and 15 mentors from top companies like Reface, MacPaw, Skylum, and Juscutum taught the AI startups how to work with big data, attract partners, analyze the market, and build competitive business models.
"We are actively seeking ways to integrate artificial intelligence into key sectors: public administration, defense, education, healthcare, and business. Thanks to programs like this, the startup ecosystem generates fresh ideas on how AI can overcome challenges in these areas and meet the specific needs of citizens, business, and government," said Oleksandr Borniakov, Deputy Minister of Digital Transformation for IT Development.
In addition to the winning startup, the accelerator brought together seven more deep tech teams:
- Tayra.AI: An AI assistant for doctors to help with medical record-keeping.
- Oh My Perfect Form: An AI fitness app that evaluates exercise form through a smartphone camera.
- JobAtlas: A tool for personalized career planning.
- Request: An AI assistant for monitoring employee burnout.
- Achief: An app that provides meal plans based on medical indicators and personal preferences.
- SPEROW: A digital ecosystem for farmers to help manage agriculture effectively.
- Ultra-Botics: AI solution for detecting defects in metal products, such as railway tracks and heavy weaponry.
"Ukraine has a powerful innovation potential, which is being unlocked even in the most challenging times. We are happy to support the growth of this ecosystem, helping startups access resources, mentorship, and international partnerships. This accelerator is another step toward our shared goal: a strong, resilient, and innovative Ukrainian economy and partnerships between our countries," said Jasmin Born, Head of Good Governance Fund Ukraine at the British Embassy in Ukraine.
With the support of the WinWin Deep Tech Accelerator, the startups attracted new users, found partners, and received funding for development. Plans include updating AI modules, improving products, and expanding into international markets.
The accelerator was created with the support of the Ministry of Digital Transformation as part of the Good Governance Fund’s "Innovative Ecosystem" project, funded by the UK’s International Development Department. Implementers include Abt Global and KPMG in Ukraine, in partnership with AI HOUSE, and with the involvement of the Ukrainian Startup Fund. The program is part of the WINWIN innovation strategy.
