Unlocking Defence Innovation in Ukraine: Opportunities with Defence Builder Accelerator
A new defence technology initiative, the Defence Builder Accelerator, has recently launched in Ukraine. This four-month intensive training programme is specifically designed for Ukrainian defence startups to secure their first investments and facilitate the transition from "garage" production to the establishment of a technology company.
The aim of the Defence Builder Accelerator programme is to foster the development of technologies that are tailored to meet the specific needs of the Defence Forces, addressing real battlefield requirements. Upon completing the programme, startups will gain access to capital and investors.
The Defence Builder Accelerator programme was developed in collaboration with leaders of the Ukrainian technology ecosystem, including Genesis, Sigma Software Labs, and the Kyiv School of Economics (KSE). The founders of the accelerator are Ivan Kaunov (CEO), an officer in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and Kateryna Bezsudna (COO). Before establishing the accelerator, they launched their own defence startup, Buntar Aerospace, which develops software and UAVs for long-range reconnaissance missions. Buntar Aerospace has recently secured $2 million from several international venture capitalists and is working on technologies to increase the survival rate of ISR UAVs tenfold, utilising AI and Ukrainian first-hand experience on the modern battlefield.
The acceleration programme is open to startups that are developing a range of defence technology solutions, including UAVs, UGVs, USVs, EW and ES systems, software, demining technologies, cybersecurity measures, avionics, and sensors, among others. To qualify, teams must have reached at least the TRL-4 level with their product.
"The main factors of advantage in modern warfare are smart technologies," says Ivan Kaunov, co-founder and CEO of Defence Builder Accelerator. The combination of military experience, technological background, and business skills will allow us to create a new vertical of Ukrainian defence technologies with a global focus."
The accelerator is ready to connect verified investors with defence startups. This presents an exclusive opportunity to access Ukraine's booming defence technology sector. The team is open to collaboration with angels, VCs, corporate ventures, and other investors.
There are 30+ mentors of the programme, who are the leaders of tech companies with experience in creating and scaling complex technological products. Military personnel with first-hand combat experience and a deep understanding of battlefield needs are involved in the program as advisors. Among mentors of the program are Mikhaylo Rogalsky, co-founder of Monobank; Oleksandr Solovei, co-founder at Finmap; Misha Rudominskiy, co-founder at Promin Aerospace and Himera; Daria Yaniieva, Investment Director at Sigma Software Labs and many others.
