State Order Contest for Scientific and Technical Developments (MES)

The Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine has announced a competitive selection of scientific and technical (experimental) developments within the framework of forming the state order for the most important scientific and technical developments and products for 2027–2028. The competition is organized in accordance with the Procedure approved by the Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine dated June 10, 2026, No. 763.

The key goal of the selection process is to obtain new applied results aimed at ensuring national security and defense, rapid reconstruction of Ukraine, and transformation of its economy. Priority topics were formed jointly with key government bodies, including the Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Internal Affairs, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Energy, Ministry of Economy and Environment, Security Service of Ukraine, and the State Service for Special Communications and Information Protection. Currently, selection is being held across 13 defined priority topics with approved initial terms of reference (MES Order dated September 24, 2026, No. 1636).

Legal entities of any organizational and legal form or ownership type that possess the necessary material and technical equipment and qualified personnel are eligible to participate (requirements also apply to co-executors):

• Author Team: 3 to 10 specialists.
• Scientific Leader: A scientist whose primary place of employment is at the applicant organization. They can lead only one proposal submitted to the competition (including ongoing projects funded by MES through 2027).
• Executors: May participate in no more than two proposals submitted in the current year. At least 50% of the team (including the scientific leader) must have their primary place of employment at the applicant organization.
• Co-executors: Up to 2 legal entities may be involved. The co-executor's team cannot exceed 5 scientific staff members employed at their primary workplace.

The maximum total cost of a single scientific and technical development is up to UAH 10.0 million. State funding is targeted at developments that can be practically tested, implemented, and utilized for defense, economic, and recovery needs. The budget amount must be strictly justified, and the cost structure must be balanced.

Execution of scientific and technical (experimental) developments across 13 priority areas, resulting in scientific and technical products with defined Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) for state defense and civil needs.

• September 24, 2026: Approval of 13 priority topics, initial terms of reference, execution timelines, and expected TRL levels by MES Order No. 1636.
• October 26, 2026 (by 13:00): Application submission deadline via the electronic system.
• 2027–2028: Project implementation period for selected winners (project duration is 12, 18, or 24 months).

1. Access the National Electronic Scientific Information System (NAUKA).
2. Fill out the application form online in accordance with the call announcement and initial terms of reference.
3. Sign the application and supporting documents using a Qualified Electronic Signature (QES) or Advanced Electronic Signature (AES).
4. Submit the application via the system by October 26, 2026 (13:00 Kyiv time).

• Compliance of the development with the priority topic of the competition;
• Focus on achieving applied results brought to practical implementation;
• Compliance of expected results with characteristics and requirements specified in the initial terms of reference;
• Alignment of tasks and results with the needs of the national economy, society, national security, and defense;
• Compliance of the declared Technology Readiness Level (TRL) with the requirements of the initial terms of reference;
• Quality and justification of execution stages;
• Track record and capability of the author team;
• Availability of necessary material and technical equipment;
• Scientific novelty and practical value of the future scientific and technical product;
• Justification of requested funding amount and balance of budget structure.

• Online application form;
• Co-executor documentation (if co-executors are involved);
• Initial terms of reference for the respective priority topic.

The selection process involves a three-tier expertise evaluation:

1. Scientific and technical expertise.
2. Panel evaluation by relevant sections and presentation defense at extended meetings involving curators, interested state bodies, NGOs, and real-economy sector representatives.
3. Final review by the Scientific and Technical Council of the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine on State Order Formation and Execution.
4. Proposals containing information that constitutes state secrets will not be considered.

• Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine dated June 10, 2026, No. 763 "On Approval of the Procedure for Competitive Selection of Scientific and Technical Developments within the State Order".
• Order of the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine dated September 24, 2026, No. 1636 "On Approval of Priority Topics and Initial Terms of Reference".
• Order of the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine dated September 25, 2026, No. 1643 "On Conducting the Competitive Selection".
• Legal entities of any ownership form with qualified personnel and equipment may participate (applies to co-executors as well).
• Proposals containing state secrets are excluded.