Ukraine’s defense technology incubator Brave1 has launched a renewed grant program aimed at accelerating the development of advanced weapons, including ballistic and surface-to-air missiles.
The initiative, announced at the recent event “Decisive Innovations: Ukraine’s Next Steps in the Technological War”, provides up to 150 million hryvnias ($3.6 million) for projects focused on explosives, missile systems, and artificial intelligence applications.
According to Brave1, the program is designed to help bring technological “game changers” to the battlefield more quickly, directly addressing Ukraine’s urgent defense needs. Among the stated priorities are the creation of a Ukrainian equivalent to the U.S. Army’s HIMARS multiple-launch rocket system and the development of new air defense solutions.
In a statement during the event, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Transformation Mykhailo Fedorov underscored the role of technology in sustaining Ukraine’s resistance. Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal also attended, highlighting the collaboration between government leadership, the armed forces, and the country’s technology sector in shaping the program.
The new grant opportunities will support projects ranging from 500,000 to 8 million hryvnias, with a total of 70 priority areas defined in coordination with Ukraine’s security and defense forces. Brave1 said the structure of the grants has been revised to allow applicants to select the amount of funding based on the maturity of their technology. The review process has also been shortened to approximately six weeks, reducing the time from application to decision.
The initiative reflects a broader strategy to increase Ukraine’s self-reliance in advanced weapons production. By directing funding toward guided ballistic missiles and next-generation surface-to-air missile systems, the program seeks to strengthen both offensive and defensive capabilities. Ukrainian officials have repeatedly stressed the need to expand domestic production in order to meet battlefield requirements and reduce dependence on foreign suppliers.
Brave1 reported that the total budget for grant support through the end of 2025 stands at 2.7 billion hryvnias ($65.5 million), covering a wide spectrum of defense technology. Developers are encouraged to apply by September 9, after which projects will be assessed under the updated criteria.
The announcement comes as Ukraine continues to adapt to Russia’s ongoing war, where long-range strike systems and air defense have proven decisive. Kyiv’s forces have relied heavily on Western-supplied missile systems such as HIMARS and Patriot batteries, but the new program is positioned as a step toward building Ukrainian-designed alternatives.
By linking government, the military, and private developers, Brave1 aims to accelerate the cycle from concept to battlefield deployment. As noted at the event, the focus is not only on filling immediate gaps but also on ensuring Ukraine maintains technological momentum in the long term.