new defense technology initiatives, defense builder accelerator, has launched its service in Ukraine. This is a four-month intensive training program designed to help Ukrainian defense startups secure their first investment and move from “garage” production to creating a technology company.
Specifically, the program aims to enable the development of technologies tailored to the needs of the Defense Forces that meet real-world battlefield requirements. After completing the program, startups will have access to funding and investors.
The accelerator was founded by Ivan Kaunov (CEO) and Katerina Bezsudna (COO), officers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Before the accelerator, they launched their own defense startup, Buntar Aerospace, which develops software and UAVs for long-range reconnaissance missions.
Buntar Aerospace recently raised $2 million from several international VCs to leverage AI and Ukraine's first-hand experience to improve survivability for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) unmanned aerial vehicle missions (UAVs). We are working on increasing it by up to 10x. modern battlefield.
The program was created in collaboration with leaders of the Ukrainian technology ecosystem, including Genesis, Sigma Software Lab, and Kyiv School of Economics (KSE).
This acceleration program is aimed at startups developing defense technology solutions, both software and/or hardware.
- unmanned aircraft,
- unmanned ground vehicle (UGV);
- unmanned surface vehicles — autonomous or remotely operated vehicles that operate on the surface of the water);
- Electronic Warfare (UW, involving the use of the electromagnetic spectrum to disrupt or disable enemy systems)
- software,
- demining solutions,
- cyber security,
- avionics,
- sensors etc.
To qualify, teams must: TRL-4 level More than products.
Ivan Kaunov, co-founder and CEO of Defense Builder Accelerator.
“The main factor of advantage in modern warfare is smart technology. Combining military experience, technical background and business skills will make it possible to build a new field of defense technology for Ukraine with a view to the world. Masu.”
This accelerator is ready to connect verified investors with defense startups. This provides a unique opportunity to access Ukraine's rapidly growing defense technology sector. The team welcomes cooperation with angels, venture capital, corporate ventures and other investors.
The program has more than 30 mentors who are technology company leaders with experience creating and scaling complex technology products.
Military personnel with direct combat experience and a deep understanding of battlefield needs participate in the program as advisors.
Program mentors include:
- Mykhailo Rogalsky, co-founder of Monobank.
- Oleksandr Solovey, co-founder of Finmap.
- Mischa Rudominsky, co-founder of Promin Aerospace and Himera.
- Daria Yaniieva, Investment Director at Sigma Software Labs, and many others.
Lead image: Defense Builder Accelerator. Photo: No credit.
