Ukraine's Lytvyn Foundation Builds a Free Entrepreneurship and Technology Education System for Teenagers During Wartime

KYIV, Ukraine, August 28, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- The Lytvyn Foundation, established by Ukrainian digital entrepreneur and philanthropist Volodymyr Lytvyn, is building a free learning ecosystem for teenagers aged 13 to 17 across Ukraine. The Foundation's programs combine business education, technology development, mentoring, and sports, offering young Ukrainians practical tools to shape their professional futures during wartime.

Through its MindCraft school of online business, Code The Future hackathon series, business club and incubator, and the ONE POINT sports and education program developed jointly with the Elina Svitolina Foundation, the Lytvyn Foundation provides free educational opportunities to hundreds of teenagers across Ukraine.

"If you want to run your own business empire at 30 or 40, you need to start at 13. At that age, there are no limits and no fear. You just take action," said Volodymyr Lytvyn, founder of the Lytvyn Foundation.

Building a future in Ukraine

MindCraft has received more than 1,000 applications from teenagers across Ukraine; more than 400 have graduated from the program. Living through the war, they are choosing to build businesses in Ukraine, where they see their future. Students solve real business cases and pitch projects to industry professionals. Top graduates have received grants to develop their own projects — among them a micro-task marketplace, a psychology and personal branding platform, and an EdTech kit for young children. For example, some of the students are building an online chess school, a SaaS booking product, and a pet products brand.

Hackathons with real-world briefs

Code The Future is a hackathon series run by the Lytvyn Foundation for teenagers in Ukraine and for founders, engineers and ML developers aged 18 and over across Europe. Nearly 500 applications from teenagers were submitted for the first Ukrainian hackathon; 193 applicants advanced. Twelve teams reached the Kyiv final, where they analyzed client briefs, built technology solutions with a focus on AI, and presented working prototypes to an expert jury. The winning team received a grant to develop its project further.

The European edition for adults will take place later in 2026 in Barcelona, Paris and London.

A grant for a young athlete

In July 2026, the Lytvyn Foundation and the Elina Svitolina Foundation held the first ONE POINT: Game. Mind. Future. event in Kyiv. Eighty-five tennis players aged 10 to 14 competed; more than 200 people attended. The winner, aged 11, received a grant from the Lytvyn Foundation for sport, education, or personal development. The program will continue.

"We support the young generation growing up in difficult times. ONE POINT is about helping teenagers believe in their own potential, set ambitious goals and keep moving toward them," Lytvyn said.

Investing in Ukraine's youth

Participation in all Lytvyn Foundation programs is free. Graduates can continue developing projects through the business club and incubator with support from experienced entrepreneurs.

Through MindCraft, Code The Future and ONE POINT, the Lytvyn Foundation is helping shape the entrepreneurs, innovators, and leaders Ukraine will need tomorrow.

About Lytvyn Foundation

The Lytvyn Foundation is a Ukrainian charitable organisation dedicated to entrepreneurship and technology education for teenagers aged 13 to 17. Founded by Ukrainian digital entrepreneur and philanthropist Volodymyr Lytvyn, the Foundation operates free programs including the MindCraft school of online business, Code The Future hackathon series, a business club and incubator, and the ONE POINT sports and education initiative, developed in partnership with the Elina Svitolina Foundation. The Foundation's mission is to equip a wartime generation with the skills, mindset, and networks needed to build Ukraine's future economy. For more information, visit lytvynfoundation.org.

Disclaimer

This press release contains forward-looking statements regarding future programs, schedules, international events, and organizational initiatives — including planned hackathons in Barcelona, Paris, and London. These statements are based on current operational plans and expectations as of the date of publication and are subject to change without notice. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve inherent risks, uncertainties, and operational adjustments, particularly given unpredictable conditions during wartime. Actual event dates, locations, grant distributions, and program availability may vary. Participation in Lytvyn Foundation programs and grant awards is subject to official application processes, eligibility criteria, and program availability. The Lytvyn Foundation assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.

Media Contact

Press Office
Lytvyn Foundation
press@lytvynfoundation.org