Serhii Tokarev: SheLeads 2.0 Is the Second Cohort of a Free Initiative for Girls in STEM
The free SheLeads accelerator, designed to support girls aged 16–22 in STEM, will launch on February 16, 2026. This is the second cohort of the programme, which will run for three months and conclude with a three-day finale in Kyiv. The news was announced by Serhii Tokarev, investor, IT-entrepreneur and founder of the Tokarev Foundation.
“I have always been convinced that more women need to be involved in business, leadership, and STEM. Programmes like SheLeads directly address systemic challenges in education and the labour market. They create an environment for girls who are striving for real growth in science, engineering, and technology — not just skills development,” the entrepreneur says.
The free initiative is the result of a partnership between the uBoost public organisation and the Tokarev Foundation, which supports the development of a sustainable and inclusive Ukraine through innovation.
Why SheLeads 2.0 Matters
The second cohort of the free initiative aims to support girls aged 16–22 who want to build their future in STEM. The three-month programme enables participants to launch their own projects, receive guidance from qualified mentors, and take part in AI workshops.
“The SheLeads initiative has expanded significantly and now offers a variety of educational modules. Girls will work on their own ideas or be able to develop a career track, gain leadership skills and learn to navigate uncertainty, and also build resilience in challenging circumstances,” Serhii Tokarev notes.
Most of the learning will take place online, and 20 of the most motivated participants will be selected for the final forum in Kyiv. They will not only be recognised as top performers but will also have the opportunity to receive:
· Mentoring support from STEM practitioners
· Internships with partner companies
· The opportunity to secure employment in junior roles
· Grants for startup development
Results of the First Cohort
Serhii Tokarev notes that SheLeads has already delivered early successes. For example, participant Anastasiia Kurmanova developed the mobile app Spotoria, which is now being successfully launched in the Polish market. The app enables users to find and book parking spaces. Another participant, Rita, completed her first internship at the age of 19 and gained experience as a graphic designer at the tech company OBRIO. Meanwhile, Valeriia Pyliuk from Kharkiv created the Teploria service, developed its brand identity, and won a Huawei competition.