New Ukrainian gas pedal announces open call for defense startups

In Ukraine, the Defence Builder Accelerator program has been launched. Its goal is to quickly deliver technological solutions to the front.

This information was obtained from the project's press release.

The Defence Builder Accelerator program was developed with the participation of leaders of the tech ecosystem, including Genesis, the investment arm Sigma Software Labs, and the Kyiv School of Economics (KSE).

Among the program's mentors are representatives from companies such as Netpeak, Skyeton, Airlogix, Finmap, Buntar Aerospace, engineers, and military personnel with combat experience who understand battlefield needs. The names of the military personnel and some mentors are not disclosed.

The mission of the accelerator is to create conditions for the development of the country's defense sector through the training of new teams. The accelerator will help them develop technologies according to the Defense Forces' requirements. After completing the program, developers will have access to investors.

About the program

The Defence Builder Accelerator is a 4-month practical program for Ukrainian defense developers. It focuses on mentorship support throughout the entire cycle and the creation of military technology solutions.

Among the program's founders are the Ukrainian Armed Forces serviceman Ivan Kaunov (CEO) and Yekaterina Bessudnaya (COO). It all started with the launch of Buntar Aerospace, which creates UAVs and software for planning and conducting long-range reconnaissance, where Ivan and Yekaterina are co-founders. Saveliy Serebrov has also joined the accelerator team as a program manager.

Under the supervision of the Ministry of Defence, Ukraine is now accelerating the development of technological innovations for the battlefield. Defence Builder Accelerator will assist defense tech teams with military expertise, investments, business, and the startup community.

"The main advantage in warfare becomes smart technologies. The development of the defense market will create conditions for the emergence and scaling of local defense companies. The combination of military experience, technological background, and business skills is what will build a new vertical of Ukrainian defense technologies with a global focus," says Ivan Kaunov, co-founder and CEO of Defence Builder Accelerator.

What startups receive

The program is focused on systematic work and self-learning. As part of the innovative defense infrastructure, Defence Builder Accelerator will help teams transition from "garage" production to technology companies.

The accelerator will help teams:

• establish a team management system and goal setting;
• set up financial and legal structures to attract investments;
• develop a roadmap for scaling production and improving the product;
• gain access to investors and attract investments;
• quickly access testing on the range;
• receive feedback from the battlefield if the technology is sufficiently ready.

Acceleration format:

• 4 months of training;
• 100 hours of online lectures from mentors;
• 12 personal meetings with mentors;
• 70% practical and 30% theoretical cases;
• introductions to 100+ investors if the team is ready.

Selection criteria for startups

15 startups will go through the training program in the first batch. They must be developing technologies in the following areas:

• UAVs;
• ground robotic complexes;
• unmanned surface vehicles;
• EW and ES systems;
• software;
• demining solutions;
• cybersecurity;
• avionics;
• sensors.

Startups with a minimum of 2 team members, MVP, and product reviews from military personnel can apply.

Program mentors and partners

• Representatives of the military community;
• representatives of Ukrainian defense projects Airlogix, Falcons, and Himera;
• Mikhail Rogalsky, co-founder of Monobank and The Credit Thing;
• Alexander Solovey, co-founder of Finmap;
• Elena Mazhuga, partner at F1V;
• Sergey Bogoslovsky, founder of Trible;
• Daria Yanieva, investment director at Sigma Software Labs;
• Yekaterina Bessudnaya, co-founder and COO of Buntar Aerospace;
• Anna Znamerovskaya, founder and CEO of Znamy

Some mentors of the program are anonymous.

How to participate in the program

The first batch for the program runs from April 4 to 30. To apply, fill out the form on the website.

Advice from the accelerator team: apply under any conditions. In any case, the team will have an understanding of what needs to be improved for the next batch.