The Defence Builder Accelerator, launched in 2024, provides Ukrainian defence startups with a structured opportunity to scale their solutions and ensure technology competitiveness in global markets. The program is designed to support teams with practical mentoring, business development insights, and access to military and investment networks. We stepped in as co-founders alongside Kyiv School of Economics, and Buntar Aerospace. 

What to expect in the second stream?

Defence Builder is now open for applications for the 4-th month program focusing on solutions in electronic warfare, unmanned aerial vehicles, communication systems, interceptors, and software.

Application requirements:

• Have a working prototype, tested in combat or field conditions
• Have initial feedback from military users
• Develop solutions in electronic warfare, UAVs, communication systems, interceptors, and defence software.

Participants will receive:

• Up to $40,000 for initial funding
• Expert mentorship across six modules: military collaboration, business management, legal & finance, communications, manufacturing, and recruitment.
• Strategic networking with defence investors, military, and industry leaders.
• Weekly pitch sessions with defence tech investors.
• Testing opportunities at training grounds and battlefields.
• Demo Day to showcase startups to top investors and defence stakeholders.

Previous cohort 

Seven defence startups were accelerated by the first Defence Builder cohort from April to September 2024, which advanced their TRL (technology readiness level) from 4 to 7. The results speak for themselves:

• 3/7 teams successfully tested their solutions on the battlefield
• 6/7 teams tested their solutions on testing grounds (polygons)
• 3/7 teams pivoted and refined their products
• All teams participated in defence industry events: Defence Builder Demo Day, Defense Vision Day, Lviv It Arena (Defense track), Darkstar Bootcamp, Defence Tech Valley
• Startups collectively secured $500,000 in investments and grants.

We are proud to contribute to the accelerator’s growth, with Daria Yaniieva our Investment Director, acting as a Board Member. Her expertise in venture investments and scaling startups help teams navigate the complexities of the defence tech sector and attract key investors.

“Ukraine’s battlefield is the world’s toughest testing ground for defence innovation. The startups in Defence Builder are not just developing technology – they are proving how new tech solutions can improve security and resilience worldwide”

Daria Yaniieva, Investment Director at Sigma Software Labs

How to apply & get involved

Applications are open until February 28. Shortlisted startups will go through an interview process before the program officially starts on March 10.

For more information, visit defencebuilder.com or contact hello@defencebuilder.com