Training that launched the careers of 10,000+ IT professionals: Beetroot Academy in five facts

12 December 2025

Beetroot Academy is a Swedish-Ukrainian educational platform, founded in 2014 by Andreas Flodström and Gustav Henman.

Over the past 10+ years, the Academy has helped more than 10,000 students take their first steps in the IT world. In this article, we share interesting facts about Beetroot Academy that make it unique for both students and professionals.

1. The Academy Began as Support for IDPs from the East of Ukraine

Having already established technology teams and projects, the founders quickly realized which knowledge and skills the market needed, recruited instructors, and created IT courses. This led to the creation of the first project and eventually a full-fledged Academy as a social enterprise.

Beetroot Academy focuses on people affected by the war, including veterans, internally displaced persons, and those who have lost jobs or businesses. The Academy’s principle is comprehensive support: IT education is complemented by psychological, social, and career assistance provided by NGO partners and internal mentors.

“For us, it is essential not to act in isolation, but to strengthen other initiatives so that support is sustainable, not one-off. That’s why we collaborate with a number of Ukrainian and international NGOs providing medical, psychological, and social assistance to our target groups. We take responsibility for quality IT education and professional development, while partners help individuals cope with personal and life challenges,” — share the Beetroot Academy team.

2. Over 10,000 IT Specialists Started with Beetroot Academy Courses

From the pilot project in Poltava in 2014 to today, Beetroot Academy graduates successfully find jobs after completing professional courses. The Academy supports them and provides access to:

• career counseling and recruiter feedback,
• English lessons,
• individual modules on artificial intelligence,
• mentorship and tutoring programs guiding students at every stage of learning. 

Mentors and tutors ensure that every student has the chance to successfully complete the course. The best part is that Academy alumni often serve as mentors, eager to help colleagues and share their experience.

After completing the course, all students join the Beetroot Academy alumni community, which today includes 4,000+ graduates and IT industry partners. This is a dynamic professional environment where useful materials, industry news, job openings from partner companies, as well as event, internship, and career development announcements are regularly shared.

Mentors continue working with alumni even after the course ends. They hold mentorship sessions, help build portfolios, improve resumes, prepare for interviews, and secure the first IT job.

“This system allows us to support our students at every stage of their journey and promotes successful employment — 70% of our graduates find jobs after completing courses,” — say Beetroot Academy.

3. Beetroot Academy Was Among the First to Offer Embedded Development Training for Defense and Dual-Use Projects

After consulting with partners and IT companies, the Beetroot Academy team realized that Embedded Development (programming of embedded systems) is a highly promising field in Ukraine. Specialists are needed in both civilian and military production. The market demand is unmet, and the lack of educational programs forces professionals to learn independently.

At Brave1in September this year, Beetroot Academy introduced a new training direction — a course in Embedded Development, one of the first in Ukraine: “We collaborated with tech companies and leading specialists to develop a program that provides real skills in demand today. We are proud that with this program, we stand at the forefront of the tech field, help build leading sectors of the economy, and strengthen Ukraine’s defense capabilities.”

4. The Academy Trains Teams in Ukraine and Europe

Rapid technological development creates new challenges for companies: mastering AI tools, protecting data from cyberattacks, and ensuring sustainable business growth are essential.

Understanding these needs, Beetroot Academy developed practical workshops for teams. Together with a network of 400+ specialists, the company regularly updates programs to provide only relevant knowledge. Online real-time practice with a trainer allows immediate application of skills in work. Clients include leading European companies in engineering, transport, and digital technologies.

Additionally, together with Google and with support from the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine, the Academy developed the “AI Academy for Educators by Google” program. Its goal is to help educators at all levels deepen their AI knowledge. The first cohort ran successfully in spring, and in October a second cohort was launched to support Ukrainian education and train effective teaching methods for preschoolers, schoolchildren, and students.

5. Free Upskilling Program for 2,000 Specialists 

The Beetroot Academy’s most relevant project today is the two-year initiative UPGRADE UA, supported by the Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The project aims to train over 2,000 specialists and strengthen Ukraine’s digital transformation. The program supports and develops three key categories of professionals playing a crucial role in digital transformation: IT specialists, public sector employees, and NGO representatives.

The Academy prepares a series of educational products to help specialists understand digital skills, learn how AI works, and apply this knowledge in practice. Training includes webinars, masterclasses, workshops, and mini-courses—all led by practitioner experts. Courses are online, focused on practical application and acquiring real competencies. Current tracks include AI for productivity, cybersecurity, project management, data analysis, Embedded Development, UX/UI design, and sustainable development.

Joining the Program

Training is free for Ukrainians living and working in Ukraine, making this an excellent opportunity to enhance skills and experience Beetroot Academy learning.

Partnership That Delivers Results

Beetroot Academy is a member of Kharkiv IT Cluster and a reliable partner for IT companies and specialists. Collaboration with the Academy provides access to prepared, motivated professionals, opportunities to upskill teams, and engagement in a vibrant professional community.

Invest in Developing Your Team’s Competencies

Learn more about Beetroot Academy