On March 27, Ukrainian Future, the business incubator of the Junior Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, hosted Meet-Up 2026, an annual event within the framework of the UF Incubation innovation project management program, which brought together UF residents and UF program participants to summarize results, exchange experiences, and provide practical training.
This year’s event combined two key elements: celebrating the results of 2025 and an intensive business simulation that served as a practical tool for developing entrepreneurial skills.
During the first part of the event, five startups were recognized for their consistent growth within the incubator ecosystem and their strong track record, including international representation and victories in prestigious competitions: OUTEX, Witerok, Verba, Demetra, and Tari. Their achievements highlight the value of long-term support and serve as an inspiration for newer residents.
The second part of the Meet-Up focused on practice. Participants took part in the “Everest Challenge” business simulation, which lasted nearly five hours and became the central learning experience of the event.
Working in teams, participants were placed in conditions closely resembling real-world business challenges. The simulation allowed them to practice decision-making under uncertainty, crisis communication, risk assessment, and effective teamwork.
This format is particularly valuable for youth startups, as it enables participants not only to gain theoretical knowledge but also to apply it immediately in practice. Teams were able to test their management approaches, observe the consequences of their decisions in a dynamic environment, and draw insights that will directly impact the development of their projects.
The high level of engagement, intense discussions during the simulation, and meaningful insights afterward clearly demonstrated the effectiveness of such formats in preparing young entrepreneurs for real business environments.
Meet-Up 2026 once again proved that combining recognition of achievements with practical experience creates an environment where strong ideas emerge and strong teams grow.