The government-backed defense technology accelerator, Brave1, has attracted a significant response since the launch of its “Test in Ukraine” program earlier this month, receiving applications from 45 international companies. Established in 2023, Brave1 aims to foster collaboration among military units, startups, investors, and regulators to expedite the creation and deployment of battlefield-ready solutions.
The “Test in Ukraine” initiative offers foreign firms the opportunity to examine their products by conducting trials directly on the front lines of Ukraine or by allowing Brave1 to oversee the evaluations. This process involves Ukrainian troops who execute tests and provide crucial feedback for product improvement. The program also facilitates demonstrations following an online briefing and generates comprehensive reports for all participants.
Interest in the initiative surged after Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Transformation, Mykhailo Fedorov, introduced the program in late July. The list of applicants features companies from diverse regions, including Australia, North America, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom.
Brave1 has outlined ten priority categories eligible for testing, covering a wide range of technology. These categories include unmanned aerial systems, unmanned ground vehicles, counter-drone systems, naval drones, artificial intelligence, machine learning, electronic warfare, and signals intelligence. Additionally, the testing scope extends to ammunition, lasers, missiles, navigation, and propulsion technologies.
To participate, companies must provide supporting details, which include pricing information, technical specifications, product advantages, and high-quality media kits. Notably, Brave1 has not established a deadline for applications, with the portal remaining open for new submissions.
Andrii Hrytseniuk, Head of Brave1, announced the program’s milestone at a defense equipment convention in Lviv, emphasizing that the “Test in Ukraine” framework provides foreign collaborators with a distinct opportunity not only to assess their products but also to obtain genuine feedback, facilitating rapid improvements in their technology.
Hrytseniuk underscored the importance of deepening defense cooperation with Europe, highlighting that Ukraine’s battlefield-tested innovations, when combined with Europe’s scientific and technological capabilities, are essential for forming a robust partnership capable of addressing emerging security challenges. He remarked on the urgency of the situation, stating, “No one knows when the war can cross EU borders, so our common mission is to be as prepared as possible today. Time is running out, and we must move quickly, learn, and integrate Ukraine’s experience to improve EU defense technology.”
