Ukraine and France Collaborate on Defense-Tech Grant Initiative

Ukraine and France have taken another step toward strengthening their defense technology collaboration by announcing the creation of "Brave France", a joint grant initiative for startups from both countries. This move stems from a letter of intent signed between Ukraine’s defense-tech cluster Brave1 and the French Defense Innovation Agency, as revealed by Oleksandr Borniakov, Ukraine’s Acting Minister of Digital Transformation.

The program, officially scheduled to launch in the second quarter of 2026, aims to bolster the development of innovative technologies in defense and security through joint efforts. According to Borniakov, the initiative will focus on three primary areas: providing joint grants to developers, organizing hackathons to foster collaboration, and testing new technologies in real-world conditions via Ukraine’s "Test in Ukraine" platform.

"We continue to develop Brave1 and create technologies that change the course of war", Borniakov stated on Telegram, emphasizing the transformative role of defense technology in Ukraine's efforts.

A Growing Hub for Defense Innovation

Brave1, Ukraine's state-led defense tech accelerator, has become a cornerstone for integrating private-sector innovation into the country's security forces. In 2025, the cluster reported significant growth, with over 50 Ukrainian defense-tech startups collectively securing more than $105 million in funding from venture capital and angel investors. This underscores the increasing maturity of Ukraine’s defense-tech ecosystem.

The accelerator has identified key trends shaping the sector in 2026, including a faster integration between established defense firms and emerging startups. These developments are expected to drive heightened merger and acquisition (M&A) activity, as well as more early-stage deals within Ukraine, made possible by the Diia City special tax regime. Additionally, the first Series B funding rounds exceeding $50 million may be on the horizon.

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Looking Ahead

The Brave France initiative represents a significant milestone in international defense cooperation, highlighting the shared commitment of Ukraine and France to fostering innovation in the sector. As the launch date approaches, both countries are poised to leverage this partnership to support cutting-edge projects, further strengthening their defense capabilities.

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