Ukraine holds significant potential to expand its startup ecosystem. However, the absence of a clear legal framework and the limited availability of financial instruments to support startups continue to constrain the growth of innovative companies and diminish their competitiveness in global markets.

To address these challenges and foster a more dynamic innovation landscape, the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine is preparing to develop and introduce new financial instruments, accompanied by an enabling legal framework. This initiative aligns with the Ministry’s strategic objective of establishing favorable legal conditions for the development of Ukraine’s financial and investment ecosystem, potentially leading to increase the number and resilience of Ukrainian startups and innovative enterprises within the national and international innovation landscape.

Under the supervision of the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine, Program Director based in Tbilisi (Georgia), the Deputy Program Director, based in Chisinau (Moldova) and the Country Coordinator (Ukraine), the expert is responsible for the coordination of the processes, prepare key conceptual documents and facilitate dialogue with the respective government institutions, investors, as well as the ecosystem builders and stakeholders. 

The role requires a high degree of autonomy and interpersonal skills suitable for an international and multicultural environment. Building connections with local stakeholders is crucial for the project's success.

2.1. Objectives and tasks

In close collaboration with the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukrainian, the expert will be responsible for developing conceptual policy documents that will lay the foundation for Ukraine’s startup support system:

·       Startup Act Concept - a policy framework, that defines the legal and operational parameters of a startup in Ukraine; outlines the structural characteristics, eligibility criteria, associated benefits, and the roles of key ecosystem stakeholders. The framework seeks to create a shared understanding across government, investors, and entrepreneurs, thereby enhancing coordination and support.

·       Concept of Financial Instruments – a proposal diversified set of financing mechanisms that go beyond equity investment, including grants, loans, state guarantees, tax incentives, and other tools, designed to meet the varied needs of early-stage and growth-stage startups.

Scope of Work

1. Development of the Startup Act Concept:

·       Analyse the best international practices (EU, Israel, USA, etc.).

·       Draft the outline of the structured document in alignment with EU legal framework.

·       Draft the definitions of the key terms (startup, accelerator, business angel, venture capital fund, etc.).

·       Identify the mechanisms for startup support (tax incentives, access to finance, incubation and acceleration programs, etc.).

·       Map and outline the role of key ecosystem players (government, investors, universities, clusters, associations).

2. Development of the Concept of Financial Instruments:

·       Map existing financial instruments in Ukraine.

·       Assess startup needs at different stages of development.

·       Propose additional typologies of instruments (venture funds, crowdfunding, concessional loans, grants, state guarantees) based on the international best practices and in consultations with the international IFIs.

·       Recommend how to integrate the new proposed instruments into national policies.

3. Coordination and Facilitation:

·       Organize and facilitate working meetings with ecosystem stakeholders, government representatives, and donors.

·       Prepare analytical notes, presentations, and progress reports.

·       Ensure smooth communication among all relevant parties.

2.2. Expected deliverables 

·       Draft Startup Act Concept – with definitions, structure, initiatives, and stakeholder roles (prepared by the end of the year).

·       Concept of Financial Instruments in Ukraine – with an overview of existing and proposed instruments. 

·       At least 6 stakeholder consultation sessions organized and facilitated.

·       Final report with recommendations and a roadmap for implementation.

2.3 Contribution to communication and visibility

●        Ensure visibility of the EU4Innovation East project together with its donors and implementing entity (EU, French government, Expertise France and EU4Innovation East) and reference in all communications related to the assignment.

●        Align with the EU4IE communication team on all the external communications related to the assignment.