The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine is initiating a new initiative called K4 Startup Studio aimed at promoting military startups utilizing artificial intelligence. The primary objective of the program is to develop innovative solutions that will provide the military with a technological edge in conflicts. This initiative is being implemented with the support of the Federal Ministry of Defense of Germany and the Office for Effective Regulation (BRDO).
K4 represents a new approach to cooperation between the state and entrepreneurs: the program brings together developers, military specialists, and world-class mentors.
The Ministry of Defense has identified 4 key challenges that directly address the needs of the army. Teams can submit their solutions in these areas for participation in the program, as well as propose their own ideas for AI applications in defense. A complete list of challenges is available on the website: k4.mod.gov.ua.
The selection of program participants will take place in several stages. Up to 10 teams will be chosen to participate, of which 4 will receive grants of $250,000 for each technological solution. Teams will undergo a two-stage evaluation conducted by a specially formed Grant Committee comprised of military experts and users of new technologies.
Each team will first undergo a 4-month intensive development program: mentorship from leading experts, combat testing of their solutions, and feedback directly from military personnel. Following this, there will be 6 months of individual support culminating in securing investments or signing a government procurement contract.
The K4 Startup Studio model is based on the best practices of accelerators. The main advantage for startups is direct communication with end-users and the possibility of integrating their solutions into the defense system. For investors, it means quick access to technologies tested in combat conditions.
«In Ukraine, artificial intelligence is already being tested in real combat situations. We are not just adapting; we are setting trends. We have concrete examples of effective AI applications in combat, which is why we believe in this direction and are attracting partners to invest in Ukrainian developments. K4 is a program for those ready to turn their code into weapons for our defenders,» emphasized Kateryna Chernohorenko, Deputy Minister of Defense for Digital Development.
Applications are accepted until August 15, 2025, on the website k4.mod.gov.ua.
We invite developers and investors who want their innovations to make a real difference on the battlefield. K4 is your entry point to technologies that change the rules of warfare.
