This month’s updates bring exciting changes in defense tech, international support, and innovation. Whether you’re building, launching, or just engaged, here are 6 key stories to keep you updated.
While our teams joined important meetings in the U.S. and kicked off new startup programs, the world was also talking about huge investments and new tech ideas. Let’s take a look:
Ukrainian tech in D.C.
Sigma Software Labs joined the Ukrainian tech delegation in Washington, D.C., for the U.S.-Ukraine Tech Partnership and Ukraine Innovation Days 2.0. Our Investment Director Daria Yaniieva, joined meetings with the U.S. Department of State, RAND Corporation, and others. These events showed Ukraine’s strong voice in global tech and helped prepare for the 2025 Ukraine Recovery Conference.
Defence Builder 2.0 kicks off
Nine strong startups joined the new Defence Builder program. They’ll receive mentoring, meet investors, and work with defense and government experts. This builds on a network of 500+ scouted teams and 100+ active investors.
100+ sign-ups for Labs Galaxy AMA
Our second Labs Galaxy Community internal event — the “Ask me Anything” session, “Top Tech Ideas for the Future” — took place on May 6. Over 100 Sigma Software specialists signed up to hear Daria Yaniieva’s insights on future tech, product trends, and how to navigate the hype around AI, Web3, and more.
€910M for EU defense — Ukraine can now take part
The European Commission will invest €910 million in new defense technologies. For the first time, Ukrainian companies can apply. This opens the door to work on AI, drones, and other innovations with EU partners.
Worldcoin goes live in the U.S.
Sam Altman’s Orb — a device that scans your eye to create a digital ID — now works in six U.S. cities. The ID is stored on the blockchain. Big companies like Visa and Match Group are testing it. A smaller device called Orb Mini is coming in 2026.
UK startups raise concerns about low funding
UK startups raised £16.2B in 2024 — four times less than U.S. startups. Because of this, many UK founders are moving or registering in the U.S. to get more investment and grow faster.
Until next time…
From Kyiv to San Francisco, and from Brussels to London, innovation is more global than ever. We’re proud to be part of it.
