- Defense Builder Accelerator launched in Ukraine to fast-track defense startups.
- The program aims to develop tech tailored for the Defense Forces, securing investments.
- Founded by Ivan Kaunov and Kateryna Bezsudna, leveraging their startup experience.
- Focus on enhancing UAV missions survivability using AI and battlefield insights.
- Collaboration with key Ukrainian tech entities for comprehensive support.
- Open to startups developing software/hardware solutions, TRL-4 level or higher.
- Mentors include tech leaders and military personnel with combat experience.
Main AI News:
A groundbreaking defense technology initiative, the Defense Builder Accelerator, has been unveiled in Ukraine. This intensive four-month program is tailored to propel Ukrainian defense startups from initial “garage” stages to full-fledged tech enterprises.
The primary objective of the initiative is to facilitate the development of technologies specifically catered to the needs of Defense Forces, addressing real battlefield demands. Upon completion of the program, startups gain access to crucial capital and investors, marking a significant milestone in their journey towards success.
Founded by Ivan Kaunov (CEO), an esteemed officer of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and Kateryna Bezsudna (COO), the accelerator draws from their own entrepreneurial experience with Buntar Aerospace. This startup, specializing in software and UAVs for long-range reconnaissance missions, recently secured $2 million in funding from international venture capitalists.
Buntar Aerospace is at the forefront of enhancing the survivability of Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) unmanned aerial vehicle missions by leveraging AI and insights gleaned from Ukrainian battlefield expertise.
In collaboration with key players in the Ukrainian tech ecosystem, such as Genesis, Sigma Software Labs, and the Kyiv School of Economics (KSE), the accelerator program caters to startups developing both software and hardware defense tech solutions. These include UAVs, Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs), Electronic Warfare (EW), cybersecurity, and more, provided they have reached the TRL-4 level of development or higher.
According to Ivan Kaunov, co-founder and CEO of Defense Builder Accelerator, “Smart technologies are pivotal in modern warfare. By amalgamating military experience, technological expertise, and business acumen, we aim to spearhead a new era of Ukrainian defense technologies with a global perspective.“
The accelerator stands ready to facilitate connections between vetted investors and defense startups, offering an exclusive gateway to Ukraine’s burgeoning defense technology sector. The team welcomes collaboration with angel investors, venture capitalists, corporate ventures, and other stakeholders eager to capitalize on this burgeoning industry.
With over 30 mentors comprising leaders from tech companies adept at creating and scaling complex technological products, the program ensures startups receive invaluable guidance. Additionally, military personnel with firsthand combat experience and profound insights into battlefield requirements serve as advisors, enriching the program’s depth and relevance.
Among the esteemed mentors are Mikhaylo Rogalsky, co-founder of Monobank; Oleksandr Solovei, co-founder at Finmap; Misha Rudominskiy, co-founder at Promin Aerospace and Himera; and Daria Yaniieva, Investment Director at Sigma Software Labs, among others.
Conclusion:
The Defense Builder Accelerator Initiative signifies a strategic move towards bolstering Ukraine’s defense technology sector. By providing targeted support to startups and fostering collaboration within the tech ecosystem, it aims to position Ukraine as a key player in global defense innovation, offering lucrative opportunities for investors and stakeholders alike.
