The only coordination platform in defense tech BRAVE1 has started work in Ukraine. The project, designed to promote the development of defense technologies, was established by the Ministry of Economy, Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Digital Transformation, Ministry of Strategic Industries, General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and National Security and Defence Council. 

The BRAVE1 coordination platform was presented in Kyiv on 26 April 2023. As stated during the event, the goal of the project is to introduce and transfer advanced Ukrainian technological solutions to the front, comprehensive support of Ukrainian developers in the field of innovative defense technologies and development of the sphere to transform Ukraine into a world leader in defense tech.

“Currently, we have one main goal: defeat of the aggressor. The creation of the BRAVE1 defense cluster brings us closer to victory because it allows us to respond more effectively to the needs of the front. At the same time, Ukrainian defense tech has huge potential. And this allows it to become one of the leading drivers of rapid economic growth after the victory. Jeep, Ray-Ban Aviator, Motorola and many other world-leading corporations and brands were created during wartime or based on military technology. I am confident that our “incubator” will also produce brands that the whole world will learn about over time. The Ukrainian military-industrial complex is already attracting increased interest from potential investors. Our task is to maximize the attraction of investment in the industry and to shorten the time from requests to the implementation of projects,” says First Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of Economy of Ukraine Yuliia Svyrydenko.

During the presentation of the platform, representatives of state institutions signed a memorandum of cooperation and support within the framework of the project. The BRAVE1 portal was also presented, through which developers and manufacturers can submit their own project, gain access to military expert examination, grants and other opportunities provided by the cluster.

In particular, as noted by Deputy Minister of Economy Ihor Fomenko, the Ministry of Economy, in the framework of the project, will provide participants whose technologies and products will be approved by experts, assistance in registering patents and attracting investment. Including presentation of projects on available international platforms.

As Ihor Fomenko emphasized in his speech during the presentation, the creation of the BRAVE1 cluster contains significant potential and allows solving global challenges the country is facing not only in the short but also in the long run. 

“The war gives us a unique opportunity to radically update and actually create a new military-industrial complex. Modern. Effective both as a tool to increase the country’s defense capabilities and as a stimulus for economic development. Integrated into global production chains and the global arms market. Today, the attention of the whole world is focused on Ukraine. In particular – and first of all – major players in the arms market and businesses that make significant investments in the industry in various countries and governments of the most developed countries. Currently, all Ukrainian developments in the defense tech are being tested on the battlefield. And we have to make sure that the world learns about their effectiveness,” noted Ihor Fomenko. 

The BRAVE1 coordination platform was created as a single window for the cooperation of defense tech companies, the state and the military as well as investors, volunteer funds, the media and other stakeholders. 

BRAVE1 will focus on 5 areas:

• Invest: Provide grants to developers prioritized for the needs of the security and defense forces;
• Invent: Help the security and defense forces find effective technological solutions among Ukrainian developers;
• Platform: Create a platform that unites all industry stakeholders;
• Showcase: Ensuring interaction with the defense forces by showcasing the developments to them and receiving feedback on their use;
• Boost: Provide comprehensive support to projects prioritized for the security and defense forces.