How Can Ukrainian Entrepreneurs Get Into Stanford Business School? The Experience of Igor Blystiv, CMO at Kormotech

The goal of the initiative is to equip Ukrainian entrepreneurs with the knowledge and tools to grow their businesses and contribute to the country’s economic development. The idea emerged after the full-scale invasion in 2022, when Natalia and her colleagues at Stanford began seeking meaningful ways to support Ukraine. 

The result was a tailored educational program for small and medium-sized business owners who return home to implement what they’ve learned. This year, just 42 applicants out of nearly 900 were accepted—an indication of the program’s high competitiveness.

One of the selected participants was Igor Blystiv, Chief Marketing and Innovation Officer at Kormotech, Director of the Master’s Program in Marketing at the UCU Business School, and founder of the UA Marketing Club.

“Applications for the next Stanford Ignite Ukraine program open in September 2025. Announcements will be posted on the Ideas Center UCU website and social media,” says Ihor Blystiv. “To apply, you need to submit a motivation letter, present a project with potential business or social impact, and be fluent in English, as the interview is conducted in this language. The project should address a real problem for a clearly defined audience and show potential for scaling. Participants must be founders or owners of small or medium-sized businesses with employees and stable annual operations (detailed eligibility criteria are available on the program’s website). The program spans several months: applications open in September, selection takes place in October–November, in-person sessions start in March on the UCU campus, followed by four weeks of online learning and then an intensive module at Stanford.”

Read more about Igor's experience at Kyivstar Hub.