This privately-funded initiative endeavours to foster effective collaboration between the UK and Ukraine, aiming to deliver critical innovations for the front line that are instrumental in saving lives. The first cohort to participate includes four Ukrainian firms: Pilotechnika, Skyeton, Transimpex, and Zvook.

TechExchange operates on a pro-bono basis, striving to facilitate connections between startups and the investment and commercial opportunities essential for supporting Ukraine's war effort, its economic endurance, and future rebuilding efforts. The programme serves a dual role for startups in both DefenceTech and AgriTech sectors, assisting Ukrainian companies in aiding the military and UK-based firms keen on trialling their technologies in operational settings, be it on battlegrounds or in agricultural fields.

The cohort focuses on several key areas: drones, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), demining, and air defence:

• Pilotechnika (Ukraine) has developed customised UAVs equipped with proprietary software that adapts to Ukraine’s unique military needs based on direct front-line feedback. Utilising digital-twin technology, the firm can swiftly simulate hardware responses in battlefield conditions before deployment.
• Skyeton (Ukraine) has been producing unmanned aerial systems (UAS) since 2014, delivering precise aerial data for accurate ground interventions. Its Raybird UAS boasts a 30-hour flight capability, covering distances over 150 kilometres and offering object recognition across extensive, isolated terrains.
• Transimpex (Ukraine) has established capabilities for conducting humanitarian demining and ammunition disposal. The company engages in manual demining, technical and non-technical surveys, and the neutralisation of mines and explosive war remnants, clearing lands impacted by armed conflicts.
• Zvook (Ukraine) has developed a scalable network of acoustic sensors for missile, drone, and other artillery detection, enhancing air defence effectiveness. These sensors, comprising a parabolic antenna and a microcomputer, leverage AI-powered sound recognition algorithms and currently monitor approximately 14,000 square kilometres of territory.

The innovations and commercial successes of these startups hold dual significance for Ukraine, offering life-saving solutions amidst conflict and contributing to the country’s accelerated reconstruction.

Andriy Dovbenko, Principal and Founder of TechExchange said, “As a Ukrainian who has been living and working in the UK since 2018, I’m laser-focused on contributing to the Ukraine’s war effort against Russia in any way I can. It’s an unfortunate truth that war breeds innovation and the companies we’re seeing being created in response pushing new boundaries. Both nations have renowned engineering pedigree so connecting them in a two-way technology programme enables the cultivation of ideas, growth and knowledge.”

“Agriculture and defence are key components of Ukraine’s economy, and the cutting-edge technologies deployed within Ukraine today will benefit the country, and the rest of the world, in a profound way for years to come. DefenceTech is an immediate priority and AgriTech will be a key part of rebuilding Ukraine post-war. That’s why TechExchange is continuously scouting for innovative startups that meet our criteria and providing them with direct access to investor capital.”