The free SheLeads accelerator for girls aged 16–22 has opened registration for the second wave of its program. Serhiy Tokarev, impact investor and founder of the Tokarev Foundation, shared the news on his LinkedIn page.
“I’ve always believed that we need more women in STEM, business, and leadership. Programs like SheLeads create an environment for true growth, not just skill-building,” wrote entrepreneur Serhiy Tokarev.
SheLeads 2.0 is the second cohort of a free initiative aimed at supporting girls in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). The project was created in partnership between the Ukrainian organization uBoost and the Tokarev Foundation.
The three-month program will begin on February 16, 2026, and is designed for girls aged 16 to 22 who are interested in technology and want to launch their own startups or pursue STEM careers.
The new cohort has expanded significantly and offers participants educational modules that include practical AI workshops, mentorship from women leaders in technology, mental health sessions to maintain resilience in challenging times, leadership and uncertainty management training, and the opportunity to work on their own idea or career track. Seventy percent of the training will take place online, while thirty percent will be offline, concluding with a three-day event in Kyiv.
The Kyiv final forum will bring together 20 of the most motivated participants, who will have opportunities to:
● Complete internships at partner companies;
● Receive grants to launch their own projects;
● Meet potential employers and explore junior-level job opportunities;
● Obtain mentorship from experienced STEM professionals.
Results of the first cohort
Participants of the first SheLeads cohort have already achieved impressive results.
For example, Anastasiia Kurmanova, 20, from Volodarka, developed Spotoria, a mobile app for finding and booking parking spots. During the accelerator, her team grew to four members, received a 60,000 UAH grant, and later won 1 million UAH at a startup pitching event. The product is now successfully launching in the Polish market.
Valeriia Pyliuk, 22, from Kharkiv, created Teploria, a building energy audit service. Throughout the program, she developed a brand identity, applied for international grants, and won a competition organized by Huawei.
Rita, 19, completed her first internship at tech company OBRIO, gaining real-world experience as a graphic designer working with deadlines and live projects.
How to apply
The program welcomes participants from all regions of Ukraine, from large cities to smaller communities.
The organizers also invite companies to collaborate with SheLeads by offering internships, junior positions, mentorship, or partnership opportunities.
About the accelerator
SheLeads is a joint initiative of uBoost, a public organization working in youth education and employment, and the Tokarev Foundation, a tech philanthropy fund that supports the development of a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable Ukraine through innovation.
The program was developed in response to systemic challenges in education and the labor market, which have become even more pressing amid wartime conditions in Ukraine. Its mission is to ensure that girls not only acquire knowledge but also receive mentorship, a safe environment, and hands-on experience to bring their ideas and projects to life.
