Organized as the final event to the one-year “Entrepreneurship Development Training for Ukrainian Women and Youth in Japan,” this pitching challenge was held on 14 March 2025 at the International House of Japan in Tokyo. Ms. Hye Young Lee of UNIDO ITPO Korea served as MC to the event.

The event was opened by UNIDO ITPO Tokyo’s Deputy Head, Mr. Ferda Gelegen who presented the milestones achieved by the project. 

“75 trainees having completed entrepreneurship courses; 35 trainees have received counselling sessions, and 16 trainees took part in traineeship sessions with Japanese companies, which benefitted both the trainees and companies.”  

Mr. Yurii Tarasiuk, First Secretary of the Embassy of Ukraine in Japan, followed by expressing his thanks at the partnership and support that Japan has given to the Ukrainian people and emphasised the common goals Japan and Ukraine shared.  

“We thank the government of Japan for this very important programme, where our people can share their ideas, knowledge and views how to develop our economic cooperation and cultural and humanitarian cooperation too.” 

The highlight of the day – the pitching session, was the main session where seven selected pitchers presented their ideas in front of a distinguished panel of judges, chaired by Aoyama Business School professor, Mr. Yuta Hirose. 

 

 

The pitchers showcased their innovative and thoughtful ideas across many areas – Business/Legal, IT education, Cuisine, Travel, AI in Retail, Culture and Marketing. 

 

While the panel of judges deliberated to nominate the winners, a guest talk was held for the audience. Ms. Yanna Dubnikova of the newly established Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce in Japan (UCCJ) engaged in a lively discussion with Mr. Isa Awachi, a Business Associate at UNIDO ITPO Bahrain on (watch video). The session was moderated by UNIDO ITPO Tokyo’s Ms. Yuko Tanaka-Amada. They introduced their respective projects – the activities of the Chamber, and the 2025 UNIDO Global Call which will be hosted by ITPO Bahrain. The relevant presentations can be accessed at the bottom of this article.  

After a lengthy discussion and careful deliberation on the judges’ part, it was finally time to announce the results of the competition.  

The award ceremony kickstarted with the announcement of two 2nd Prize winners – Ms. Julia Bernatska, for her IT education, and Ms. Lysenko for her community building Ukrainian Cafe.  

Before announcing the 1st Prize winner, Mr. Hashim Hussein, Head of UNIDO ITPO Bahrain, emphasized that each one of the pitchers are winners, and stated that oftentimes second or third prize winners go onto establishing successful businesses even before the first prize winner. 

“I am really impressed and honoured to see what’s happening today, because being with you from last June and September, I think everyone here did a very good job.” 

“We are going to continue working together to enhance your projects to bring it into investment, because we are the Investment and Technology Promotion Offices.” 

The 1st Prize was then awarded to Mr. Artem Ivantsov for his AI retail assistant startup idea.  

Among the reasons for selecting Mr. Ivantsov, it was explained that his project is related to the development of artificial intelligence and innovation, and that it solves an issue in the marketplace for shops and retail places of all sizes, for example, the lack of manpower and assistants during large holidays like Black Friday or Christmas, which resonated with the jury. His use of a prototype in front of the audience was also appreciated. 

Mr. Hashim used this opportunity to invite the winners, as well as other participants to take part in the 2025 UNIDO Global Call which was presented during the guest talk.  

Following the 1st Prize winner, the remaining 3rd Prize winners were given their awards, together with positive feedback from the judges on their business ideas. 

 

In addition to the pitchers receiving their prizes, special thanks were given to Mr. Patrick Newell, a professor of Shizenkan University, not only for his outstanding support as one of the trainers during both June and September sessions of the training, but also for undertaking a role as a coach to today’s pitchers and helping them prepare for the main event. His support mainly consisted of advice on how to deliver impactful and meaningful presentations, as well as techniques to get their ideas across to the audience and the judges.

After the award ceremony Mr.  Tetsuya Shimokawa, Director of the Office for Technical Cooperation and Talent Partnership, Trade Policy Bureau (METI), delivered congratulatory remarks to the winners and expressed his gratitude to UNIDO ITPO Tokyo and UNIDO ITPO Bahrain teams who helped organize this event, as well as the panel of judges.  

“I am impressed that all of you have developed high-quality business plans in spite of such a short training period.” 

Mr. Shimokawa also highlighted another UNIDO project focusing on the rebuilding of Ukraine and wished for synergy between that project and the 75 trainees that have taken part in the Entrepreneurship Development Training Programme sessions in June and September. 

 “The current situation remains difficult, but METI hopes that we can contribute to the people of Ukraine through the formation of business through these projects.” 

The session was closed by Mr. Hashim Hussein. He emphasised the importance of this partnership, due to its focus on sustainability and empowerment of women and youth post-conflict, which is also one of the initiatives led by the United Nations System. 

“The people of Ukraine did a very good job to present their country here in Japan, they’re very professional, dedicated, and have good ideas. The whole jury today was impressed by their ideas, and it was a difficult time to select the winner.” 

 After the closing remarks, the participants of the event took part in a networking reception event in which all attendees engaged in lively exchanges.  

 

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