The SheLeads programme for girls in STEM will launch on 16 February 2026. It is intended for participants aged 16 to 22 and offers three months of training in science, technology, mathematics, and engineering. Anyone can take part free of charge. Serhii Tokarev — an IT entrepreneur, investor, and founder of the Tokarev Foundation — shared the news on his LinkedIn page.
About the Accelerator and the Results of the First Cohort
SheLeads is the result of a collaboration between the technology philanthropy foundation Tokarev Foundation, which supports the development of innovation in Ukraine, and the public organisation uBoost, which works in the areas of education and youth employment. The programme is aimed at creating a safe environment for girls who strive to gain knowledge and experience in STEM, develop their own ideas, and implement projects.
“I believe we need initiatives like SheLeads, because we must involve more women in business, leadership, and STEM. Such accelerators counter systemic problems in education and the labour market. Girls have a real chance not only to gain knowledge, but also to bring their ideas to life,” says Serhii Tokarev.
The founder of the Tokarev Foundation adds that SheLeads is already delivering results. The first cohort revealed real talent, such as Valeriia Pyliuk from Kharkiv. At 22, she developed a service for building energy audits, submitted applications for international grants, and won a competition run by Huawei.
Another participant, Anastasiia Kurmanova from the settlement of Volodarka, created a mobile app for booking parking spaces. During the programme, her team grew to four people. First, she received a grant, and then she won UAH 1 million at a startup-pitching event.
What Is Known About SheLeads 2.0
In the second cohort of the free initiative, all efforts will be focused on supporting girls in STEM. The programme will last three months and will begin on 16 February.
The accelerator’s educational modules have expanded significantly:
- Mentoring from women who are leaders in technology
- Practical AI workshops
- Training in leadership and working with uncertainty
- Mental health blocks to strengthen resilience in stressful conditions
- Work on one’s own idea
Most of the learning will take place remotely. Around 30% will be held offline, with a three-day finale in Kyiv, which will bring together 20 of the most motivated participants. At the final in-person forum, the girls will be able to receive grants to launch a startup and internships with partner companies, and they will meet potential employers.