On April 25, the Deep Tech Accelerator: Hardware Edition, an acceleration program created by AI HOUSE with the support of the Ukrainian Startup Fund, and the Kyiv Aviation Institute, concluded at MacPaw Space.
Serhiy Tokarev, investor, technology entrepreneur, founder of Tokarev Foundation, SET University and AI HOUSE, commented on the results of Demo Day.
Why AI HOUSE bets on hardware
“Hardware startups traditionally face a tougher path to raising capital: cycles are longer, risks are higher, and early investors are less often willing to wait. AI HOUSE took a different approach: rather than leave teams to navigate the market on their own, it helps them reach it faster through structured acceleration,”explains Serhiy Tokarev.
Over four months, nine hardware teams worked with 25 mentors, attended lectures by more than 30 speakers, and took part in AMA sessions and breakfasts with business founders. Other activities included a tour of Esper Bionics’ production facilities, as well as access to certification experts and manufacturing partners.
Demo Day outcomes: the winner and funding
TechNovator, a startup developing next-generation wireless energy transfer technology, was named the winner of the program. The team received a $10,000 grant to scale its product. Its solution can power devices remotely and in motion without overheating, cables, or docking stations. The technology targets applications in drones, robotics, and medical implants.
“We are developing next-generation wireless energy transfer technology that enables devices to be powered remotely, in motion, and without physical contact. Unlike conventional solutions, our approach does not require coils or precise positioning and can operate in complex environments. Our goal is to create a new standard for energy transfer that gives people freedom from wires and from the need to replace batteries,” said Ruslana Dovzhyk, CEO and co-founder of TechNovator.
Each program participant received $25,000 in AWS credits from Ukrainian Startup Fund. Three teams — Tova Industries, Snipel Systems, and Watcher AI — additionally received $150,000 each in Microsoft Azure credits.
“Nine teams in four months — this was the first test of the model. We launched the program with the hypothesis that Ukrainian hardware engineers can compete globally if they have the right environment. Demo Day confirmed it — they can”, — adds Serhiy Tokarev.
Which startups took part in the program
In addition to TechNovator, eight other teams from robotics, agritech, energy, and industrial tech took part in Deep Tech Accelerator: Hardware Edition:
- UA GREEN — vertical wind turbines for households and businesses with an AI-powered predictive maintenance system;
- SeedMe — greenhouse automation and microclimate management for farmers;
- Snipel Systems — an AI solution for autonomous drone detection and interception;
- Watcher AI — an edge AI platform for video surveillance with a chat interface for the military and security sectors;
- Robol — humanoid robots and AI-powered autonomous coffee shops;
- Tova Industries — a hybrid lighting system that transmits natural light through fiber optics;
- Ukrainian Laboratory Instruments — a laboratory station for automating chemical processes using neural networks;
- Vuzoll — a robot assistant for service businesses with CRM integration.
Over the course of the program, the teams significantly improved their products and gained access to networking opportunities and direct collaboration with leading industry specialists.
