Inside Ukraine’s “Techno-Army”: How Startups Are Rewriting Rules of Warfare

A New Era of War and Technology

Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine has ushered in entirely new forms of warfare. Drones of various specializations, electronic warfare systems, artificial intelligence, and networked battle management systems have emerged. Over the past three years, water drones, FPV drones, and fiber-optic communication channels have rapidly evolved, enabling real-time intelligence transmission and fire control. This technological breakthrough is reshaping modern warfare: information gathering and processing speed now trumps brute force, and dynamic adaptation is key to resisting the aggressor effectively.

Why Ukraine Relies on Brave1

In the context of full-scale war, with Russia deploying all possible military and cyber tools, Ukraine’s response has been to double down on high-tech innovation. The government’s Brave1 program brings together engineers, inventors, and entrepreneurs to bolster national defense. Its goal is to support the most promising military startups swiftly and efficiently—bypassing years of bureaucratic delay.

Since 2014, a wave of volunteer-led initiatives and IT solutions has been emerging to strengthen Ukraine’s defense. The full-scale invasion only accelerated this trend: drones, communication systems, cybersecurity tools, and analytical platforms are now urgently needed on the front lines. Brave1 has unified these efforts, providing funding, expert guidance, and opportunities for field testing. This is how the world’s first “Techno Army” was born—where innovation directly fuels the resilience of the Armed Forces.

Since April 2023, more than 1,500 DefenseTech companies, contributing over 3,500 developments, have joined the Brave1 defense cluster. In 2023 alone, over 470 grants totaling UAH 1.3 billion were awarded. The projected budget for 2025 is UAH 3 billion.

Brave1 is a government-led initiative built on horizontal cooperation. It connects universities, engineering teams, startups, and large manufacturers in a unified network that fosters idea-sharing and provides access to funding. The state acts as a “curator”—setting transparent rules and offering guarantees—while minimizing bureaucratic obstacles. Security remains paramount: all projects undergo strict vetting, and investors are screened for capital origin and potential risks.

Key Focus Areas: From Drones to Artificial Intelligence

Brave1 places special emphasis on drones — reconnaissance, strike, and target-correction types. Water drones capable of reconnaissance and sabotage missions in rivers and seas are also being developed. Ukrainian teams are designing software for automatic enemy vehicle recognition, artillery guidance, and aerial image analysis—often integrating AI and electronic warfare systems to enhance speed and accuracy.

The program also supports counter-drone technologies, including specialized radars and software systems to detect and jam hostile UAVs. Cybersecurity for military communications is another top priority: as Russia continues its hacker attacks, Ukraine engages its best IT security experts to repel them. Tactical medicine is an additional area of focus, with innovations such as cargo-carrying medical drones and mobile triage stations already saving lives at the front.

How to Access Support

Brave1 offers a transparent and accelerated public funding mechanism. If you have a promising idea or prototype, you can apply for a grant. Following an expert review, approved projects receive funding and permission to be tested in combat conditions. Technologies that prove effective at the front are eligible for further support, including mass production.

The government also assists with legal issues such as patenting, intellectual property registration, and international market entry. Security remains a constant concern: each startup is screened for data leakage risks, and foreign partners are vetted for potential hostile affiliations.

International interest and cooperation

Thanks to its unique field experience and battle-tested technologies, Ukraine is increasingly attracting the attention of global defense companies. The high efficiency of drones, air defense systems, and electronic equipment developed by Ukrainian specialists encourages foreign investors to invest in startups that cooperate with Brave1. Successful projects receive funding from abroad and access to global markets.

However, there are also difficulties: a lack of highly qualified personnel due to the departure of some specialists and the participation of others in hostilities, problems with logistics and production in wartime. However, all of this encourages the state apparatus to become more flexible and make the necessary decisions faster.

Private Sector and Venture Capital Investment

Brave1 creates a safe and effective environment for cooperation between government and business. Thanks to the program’s due diligence and vetting processes, private investors, venture capital funds, and international donors can support defense projects with reduced risk. In peacetime, such collaboration might take years, but war has dramatically accelerated timelines.

Developers, in turn, gain a rare opportunity to test their products in real combat conditions, giving them a decisive edge in the global market. Successful cases serve as calling cards for future investment. At the same time, Ukraine is firm: it will not give away its prototypes for free. Partnerships may involve joint development, co-production, or sales of ready-made solutions—but no one will get cutting-edge technologies “on the cheap.” This stance is key to protecting national interests.

The Future: Ukraine as a Center of Military Innovation

Brave1 is more than just a government program—it’s a driver of innovation already laying the groundwork for the world’s first Techno Army. By building a broad ecosystem of developers, manufacturers, and investors, Ukraine is positioning itself for a strategic advantage. In addition to enhancing defense, this initiative stimulates economic growth—creating new jobs, attracting foreign capital, and boosting Ukraine’s international image.

For the global community, Ukraine’s example proves that advanced technology can effectively deter a larger, more powerful enemy. The country’s transparent use of international aid and capacity for rapid implementation make Ukraine an attractive long-term partner. This fosters deeper collaboration between Ukrainian engineers and foreign corporations, further enhancing national security.

Technology is strongly connected to Ukraine's Defense Capabilities

Brave1 is not just about funding startups—it’s about creating a system to grow Ukraine’s military and tech capacity. It represents a synergy between the government, private sector, and global investors committed to supporting solutions proven on the battlefield. Suppose Ukraine continues to scale these innovations and deliver them swiftly to the front lines. In that case, victory will draw nearer, and the country will cement itself as a world leader in military innovation. Most importantly, even in the darkest times, Ukraine is forging a breakthrough that could shape the future of defense far beyond its own borders.

Igor Popov, Expert at Kyiv-based United Ukraine Think Tank