Serhiy Tokarev Shares News of the Start of Recruitment for the SheLeads 2.0 Programme

IT Entrepreneur and Investor Serhiy Tokarev Announces Applications for the Free SheLeads 2.0 Initiative

On 16 February 2026, the three-month SheLeads programme will begin for girls aged 16–22 who are seeking to build a career in STEM. IT entrepreneur, founder of the Tokarev Foundation, and investor Serhiy Tokarev shared the announcement on LinkedIn.

The second cohort of the free initiative will run for three months. Its main goal is to help girls realise their potential in science, technology, mathematics, and engineering. Anyone from across Ukraine, including all towns and communities, can take part in the programme.

“I believe we need to involve more women in business, leadership, and STEM. That is why SheLeads was developed. This initiative, created in partnership between uBoost and the Tokarev Foundation, provides an environment for genuine growth,” says Serhiy Tokarev.

Results of the First Cohort

SheLeads is a timely initiative that is already delivering impressive results. For example, Anastasiia Kurmanova from Volodarka developed Spotoria at the age of 20 — a mobile app that allows users to find and book parking spaces. During the accelerator, her team grew to four people and received a grant of UAH 60,000; later, they won UAH 1 million at a startup-pitching event.

Valeriia Pyliuk from Kharkiv developed Teploria, a building energy-audit service, at the age of 22. In addition, she applied for international grants and won a competition run by Huawei.

Rita, 19, completed her first internship and gained real-world experience at the tech company OBRIO. She worked as a graphic designer on live projects with real deadlines.

SheLeads 2.0 Details

The new wave of the initiative has expanded compared to the previous edition. This time, participants will be offered modules that include:

• Practical AI workshops.
• Support from women mentors who are leaders in STEM.
• Training in leadership and managing uncertainty.
• Mental health sessions to maintain resilience in challenging times.

“Most of the learning will take place online. The final forum will last three days in Kyiv. Twenty of the most motivated participants will be selected to attend. They will have the opportunity to meet potential employers and secure junior-level roles, receive mentorship from experienced professionals, complete internships at partner companies, and obtain grants to launch their own projects,” adds Serhiy Tokarev.