Ukraine, in collaboration with the European Union, has announced the launch of a new defense initiative known as BraveTech EU. This program will mobilize 100 million euros to seek out cutting-edge technologies that could change the dynamics of warfare, as stated by Mykhailo Fedorov, the Deputy Prime Minister for Innovation.
The initiative was presented alongside European Commissioner for Defense and Space, Andrius Kubilius.
The Brave1 innovation cluster will coordinate the project from Ukraine, while the European Defense Innovation Office (EUDIO), based in Kyiv, will oversee it from the EU side. Funding will be provided through the European Defence Fund (EDF) and the EU Defence Innovation Scheme (EUDIS).
“This is the first major technological partnership between Ukraine and Europe. We are working on equal terms, with both sides contributing equally,” emphasized Mykhailo Fedorov.
The essence of BraveTech EU includes:
- hackathons between Ukrainian and European companies to test new solutions;
- grant support for defense startups;
- integration of Ukrainian defense technology into the European market;
- joint creation of solutions that could alter the battlefield landscape.
The initiative will be implemented in two phases:
1) Seed (autumn 2025)
Hackathons focusing on frontline needs and establishing partnerships among startups, investors, and companies.
2) Scale up (2026)
Attracting additional resources for granting funds to startups, enabling the scaling of breakthrough solutions developed during the hackathons.
Additionally, in June, Brave1 announced the launch of the Brave1 Club initiative, which simplifies the process for sustainable companies and manufacturers to join the ecosystem without the need for grants.
