Brave1: An Innovation Ecosystem for Victory
Brave1 is a government-backed defense technology cluster created in 2023 to support Ukrainian developers of innovative security and defense solutions. The program brings together the government, military, businesses, and technology teams, helping accelerate the development and deployment of technologies that strengthen Ukraine’s defense capabilities. Through its grant mechanism, Brave1 funds promising projects at various stages of development, from early concepts to advanced prototypes.
Beyond financial support, the program provides access to expert guidance, testing opportunities, and direct collaboration with military stakeholders. This enables teams to adapt their technologies to real battlefield needs and speed up their implementation. By fostering innovation and cooperation, Brave1 gives a significant boost to Ukraine’s Defense Tech sector, helping transform breakthrough ideas into practical solutions for the Armed Forces.
Updated Brave1 Grant Program: Faster, Simpler, More Effective
In 2025, the Brave1 grant program introduced significant changes aimed at accelerating the deployment of critical technologies to the battlefield. One of the key updates was the introduction of a clear list of technological priorities, helping developers better understand the current needs of the defense sector and align their solutions with the most pressing challenges.
The updated program has also substantially reduced application review and funding approval timelines. While the process previously took around three months, it has now been shortened to approximately six weeks. In addition, developers have gained greater flexibility in determining the grant amount they need based on the technology’s readiness level and stage of development.
Another important improvement is the simplified application process. Legal documentation is required only after a project receives preliminary approval. For projects awarded the highest levels of funding, mandatory testing in training grounds or real combat conditions is required to validate the effectiveness of the developed solution.
Funding instruments in the Brave1 ecosystem
Brave1 offers several support formats tailored to the technology readiness level and the needs of developers. Its primary funding mechanism is the Grant Program (1), which covers a wide range of defense technologies and provides grants ranging from UAH 500,000 to UAH 8 million, depending on the project’s stage of development and expected outcomes.
For promising solutions in priority areas, Brave1 operates a Special Grant Program (2). This initiative is designed to support breakthrough technologies with the potential to significantly strengthen Ukraine’s defense capabilities and offers funding of up to UAH 8 million regardless of the technology’s maturity level.
Another key support mechanism is the Brave Competitions (3), which provide targeted funding for projects addressing specific technical challenges and defense sector needs. Within these competitions, the amount of funding is determined by the project budget and may substantially exceed the standard grant amounts.
1. Brave1 Grant Programs for Defense Innovation
The Brave1 Grant Program is the primary financial support mechanism for Ukrainian defense technology developers. It covers 70 priority technology areas and enables teams to secure funding based on the maturity level of their solutions. This approach helps support projects at various stages of development, from concept validation and early research to preparing products for deployment by the Armed Forces.
The grant amount depends on the technology’s development stage and intended outcome. Funding of up to UAH 500,000 is available for idea validation and preliminary research, up to UAH 2 million for developing a laboratory prototype, up to UAH 4 million for building and testing a functional prototype, and up to UAH 8 million for combat testing and transferring the solution to military units.
Brave1 has identified technology priorities that are considered most critical for strengthening Ukraine’s defense capabilities. The program supports a wide range of areas, from unmanned systems and robotics to artificial intelligence, missile technologies, and electronic warfare solutions:
🚀 Missile Systems
Brave1 supports the development of modern missile systems for a wide range of applications, from man-portable air-defense systems (MANPADS) to cruise and ballistic missiles. Priority areas include solutions for intercepting UAVs, guided aerial bombs, cruise missiles, and helicopters, as well as technologies that improve range, targeting accuracy, and strike effectiveness. Special attention is given to advancements in guidance systems, propulsion technologies, warheads, and flight control mechanisms. The program also supports innovations aimed at extending operational range and increasing resistance to electronic warfare countermeasures.
🛩️ Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)
Unmanned systems are among the key focus areas of the program. Support covers FPV drones, bomber drones, reconnaissance, strike, and interceptor UAVs, as well as autonomous navigation systems, computer vision technologies, secure communications, and drone swarm management solutions. Priority is given to projects that enhance flight range, endurance, and payload capacity. The program also encourages the development of automatic targeting systems, obstacle avoidance technologies, and navigation capabilities in GPS-denied environments.
🤖 Ground Robotic Systems (UGVs)
The program finances the development of autonomous and remotely operated ground platforms for logistics, casualty evacuation, demining, engineering operations, and fire support. Particular emphasis is placed on solutions with enhanced mobility, autonomy, and resilience against electronic warfare threats. Technical priorities include the integration of autonomous navigation, remote-control systems, and machine vision technologies. Modular designs and the ability to operate in challenging terrain and adverse weather conditions are also highly valued.
🔬 Future Technologies
This category includes innovative solutions with the potential to transform modern warfare. Examples include laser weapons, directed-energy systems, exoskeletons, quantum technologies, advanced materials, and other breakthrough developments capable of providing a technological advantage on the battlefield. The program supports research and prototype development for technologies that may not yet have widespread practical applications but could become the foundation of future defense systems. Particular interest is given to solutions with strong scalability and integration potential.
📡 Electronic Warfare and Electronic Intelligence (EW & ELINT)
Brave1 supports technologies for detecting, analyzing, and disrupting enemy communication, navigation, and control systems. Priority areas include UAV detection systems, communication and navigation jamming solutions, radio monitoring platforms, and technologies designed to protect friendly systems from hostile electronic warfare activities. The program also supports multi-band EW systems, radio direction-finding technologies, and automated signal analysis tools. Increasing detection range and improving source-location accuracy remain key objectives.
⚙️ Components
Funding is available for manufacturers of critical components used in defense technologies, including controllers, sensors, motors, cameras, electronics, power systems, antennas, communication modules, and other essential elements required for complete solutions. Particular interest is placed on domestically produced components capable of replacing imported alternatives. Eligible technologies also include optical systems, navigation modules, batteries, processors, and specialized electronic boards. Priority is given to highly reliable, energy-efficient, and battlefield-resistant solutions.
🧠 Artificial Intelligence
The program encourages the implementation of artificial intelligence technologies for autonomous navigation, target recognition, drone swarm coordination, automated object tracking, and improving the accuracy of combat systems. It also supports solutions for intelligence data analysis, threat prediction, and command-and-control automation. Special emphasis is placed on computer vision, big data processing, and real-time decision-support systems. These technologies can significantly enhance the effectiveness of operators and command centers.
🌐 Technologies
This category covers a broad range of technological solutions, including communication systems, navigation technologies, guidance systems, radar solutions, data transmission technologies, propulsion systems, energy solutions, and other critical capabilities for the modern defense sector. It also includes cybersecurity and secure communication technologies. Supported projects may involve new sensor technologies, positioning systems, telecommunications equipment, and information-processing solutions. Particular attention is given to technologies that can be integrated across multiple defense platforms and weapon systems.
🚤 Uncrewed Surface Vessels (USVs)
Brave1 supports the development of maritime unmanned platforms, including uncrewed surface vessels, autonomous underwater vehicles, and torpedo systems. Priority is given to solutions for reconnaissance, maritime strike missions, mine deployment, logistics, and the protection of maritime communication routes. Key technical areas include autonomous navigation, secure communications, target detection systems, and precision guidance technologies. The program also supports innovations that increase operational range and platform autonomy.
💣 Ammunition
The program prioritizes the development of modern ammunition solutions, ranging from payloads for unmanned systems to precision-guided munitions, engineering charges, and explosive manufacturing technologies. Support is also available for projects aimed at improving range, accuracy, and combat effectiveness. Particular interest is given to advanced warhead designs, guidance technologies, and safe storage and transportation solutions. The program additionally encourages the localization of critical ammunition component production.
🔥 Firefighting Drones (USF)
This category focuses on unmanned and robotic systems designed for firefighting and emergency response operations. Such solutions may be used for fire suppression, hazardous area monitoring, delivery of specialized equipment, and rescue missions in hard-to-reach locations. Supported technologies include platforms equipped with thermal imaging cameras, remote fire-extinguishing payload deployment systems, and autonomous navigation capabilities. Solutions capable of operating in high-temperature and smoke-filled environments are especially encouraged.
🧩 Other
Even if a project does not fall within the defined technological priorities, it may still qualify for grant funding. In such cases, the project's potential, level of innovation, and expected contribution to the security and defense sector are evaluated by industry experts and representatives of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. This category may include interdisciplinary solutions or emerging technological fields that have not yet been assigned to a dedicated program module. The primary requirement remains the practical value of the technology for Ukraine’s defense and security needs.
Who evaluates projects on Brave1, and how?
Application evaluation at Brave1 follows a transparent multi-stage process. First, the technical aspects of the project are reviewed to ensure alignment with the program’s technological priorities and objectives. The application is then assessed by the Supervisory Board, and if approved, the applicant submits a complete set of documents for final verification. The process concludes with the signing of a grant agreement and the launch of the project implementation.
2. Special grants for critical technologies
The Brave1 Special Grant Program is designed to support breakthrough technologies capable of delivering a significant impact on the battlefield. Through this initiative, developers can receive up to UAH 8 million per project to create a functional prototype or advance the technology readiness level (TRL) of their solution. Applications undergo a multi-stage evaluation process involving industry experts, engineers, and military specialists, while the final funding decision is made by the Supervisory Board. Currently, dedicated special grant tracks are available for artificial intelligence and missile technology projects.
Within the Brave1 Special Grant Program, specific technological priorities have been identified that have the potential to significantly strengthen Ukraine’s defense capabilities. Currently, the program supports developments in artificial intelligence and missile technologies—areas that provide a technological advantage and accelerate the adoption of innovative solutions in the security and defense sector.
🧠 Artificial Intelligence Technologies
The Special Grant Program for Artificial Intelligence Technologies supports solutions that can enhance the effectiveness of the Defense Forces through automation and advanced data analysis. Priority areas include target recognition systems, GPS-independent navigation, target guidance, computer vision, and decision-support tools. Ukrainian companies and sole proprietors can receive grants of up to UAH 8 million to develop a market-ready product or increase the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of their innovation for future deployment in the security and defense sector.
🚀 Missile Technologies
The Special Grant Program for Missile Technologies is designed to support developments capable of delivering a significant impact on the battlefield. Funding is available for projects focused on missile systems, components, guidance technologies, and other innovations related to missile weapon development. Grants of up to UAH 8 million are awarded to projects that successfully pass defense evaluation and demonstrate a high level of innovation, technical readiness, and potential for practical application.
3. Competitions for game-changing technologies
Brave1 Challenges are designed to support developments aimed at addressing specific needs of the security and defense sector. Unlike standard grant programs, they focus on the creation of defined products or technologies in accordance with approved tactical and technical requirements and expected outcomes.
Funding within the challenges is determined based on an individual project budget and may reach up to UAH 900 million. Applications are evaluated by relevant bodies of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the challenge commission, while the final decision is made by the Foundation’s Supervisory Board. To participate, developers must complete a special onboarding process, familiarize themselves with the challenge requirements, and undergo a compliance review.
The Brave1 Competition Program is focused on developing technologies that address specific needs of the security and defense sector. It supports priority solutions capable of rapidly strengthening the capabilities of the Defense Forces, particularly in the areas of explosives, artificial intelligence, counter-UAV systems, and missile technologies:
💥 Explosive Materials
The Brave1 competition program supports the scaling of explosive materials production required to meet the needs of the Defense Forces of Ukraine. Priority areas include high explosives, initiating explosives, and nitrocellulose. The competition is focused on expanding production capacity and strengthening Ukraine’s technological independence in the manufacturing of critical components for the defense sector.
🧠 Artificial Intelligence
A dedicated competition is aimed at advancing AI-powered solutions that enhance the autonomy and effectiveness of defense systems. Supported technologies include autonomous guidance systems, target recognition solutions, terminal guidance modules, interceptor drones, and software environments for training and testing autonomous platforms. The primary goal is to accelerate the integration of artificial intelligence into modern defense capabilities.
🛡️ Surface-to-Air Missile Systems for Counter-UAV Operations
This competition focuses on the development of air defense solutions designed to effectively counter unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Priority is given to surface-to-air missile systems and missiles with various guidance mechanisms capable of detecting, tracking, and neutralizing aerial threats. These developments are intended to strengthen the protection of military personnel and critical infrastructure against drone attacks.
🎯 Tactical Ballistic Missiles (Ukrainian HIMARS Equivalent)
This competition supports the development of advanced tactical missile systems capable of delivering precision strikes at long ranges. The program is aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s indigenous strike capabilities by supporting technologies that can effectively engage high-value enemy targets and enhance the firepower of the Defense Forces. Particular emphasis is placed on range, targeting accuracy, and overall combat effectiveness.
Brave1 EU4UA Defense Tech Grant Program
Brave1 EU4UA Defense Tech is implemented within the framework of a project aimed at strengthening the innovation capacity of Ukraine’s defense technology base and supporting developers of critical components for unmanned systems. The program is organized in separate rounds, each with its own technological priorities and funding conditions.
The second round of the program is currently open and focuses on the development of components for unmanned systems in Ukraine. Funding is available for projects developing electric motors, flight controllers, ESCs, communication systems, cameras, thermal imaging devices, onboard computers, and sensors for UAVs. The maximum grant amount is €75,000, and projects with a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 4–5 are eligible to apply. The third round of the program is scheduled for June 2026.
Conclusion
Brave1 has become a key driver of Ukraine’s defense innovation ecosystem, creating a comprehensive support framework for developers of security and defense technologies. Through grant programs, specialized competitions, and international initiatives, the platform helps transform promising ideas into practical solutions for the Armed Forces of Ukraine. By combining funding, expert guidance, testing opportunities, and direct collaboration with military units, Brave1 significantly shortens the path from concept to deployment. As a result, it plays a crucial role in advancing Ukraine’s Defense Tech sector and strengthening the country’s technological advantage.