As global security dynamics shift, Ukraine has emerged as a critical hub for next-generation defense technologies – not only as a testing ground, but as the origin of new models of innovation built under real-world conditions.
Organized by Invest in Bravery and the European Defense Tech Hub (EDTH), together with leading ecosystem partners, KDTW connects Ukrainian experience with international capital, industrial capacity, and policy leadership, accelerating the deployment of solutions, talent, and partnerships shaping next-generation defense innovation in Ukraine and Europe.
A Platform for Defense Innovation
KDTW features flagship and partner events across Kyiv, including conferences, investor gatherings, hackathons, pitch showcases, field testing, tactical experiences, and closed-door sessions. The program focuses on moving ideas rapidly from concept to deployment – connecting those building technologies with those funding, scaling, and implementing them.
“Ukraine is a сenter for innovative defense, where technologies are tested in real-world conditions and shape how peace is secured. Powered by exceptional talent, hard-won frontline insight, and world-class engineering, Ukraine is redefining how innovation moves from urgency to impact, and from battlefield necessity to global security solutions. This is the goal of the Kyiv Defense Tech Week — to accelerate the ideas shaping the future of security.”
Key events include: University Defense Tech Forum | April 28–29
Connecting Ukrainian and European academia working on defense and dual-use technologies. [Learn more / Apply]
Invest in Bravery | April 30
A high-level summit giving international investors and strategic partners direct access to vetted Ukrainian defense tech startups. [Learn more / Apply].
Investors Mixer | May 1
An invite-only reception designed to foster investments, partnerships, and ecosystem collaboration.
Defense Hackathon | May 1–3
A three-day build sprint tackling real-world defense challenges, including counter-drone systems, sensing technologies, communications, and battlefield resilience. [Learn more / Apply]
The program will also include field testing with military units, tactical training, and demo days, where solutions are presented directly to investors, operators, and procurement partners.
Ukrainian Experience Meets European Scale
KDTW strengthens collaboration between Ukraine and Europe by combining Ukraine’s operational experience and rapid innovation cycles with Europe’s industrial capacity and capital.
“Ukraine’s defense revolution isn’t hardware – it’s the people: their mindset and their ability to build infrastructure and resilient systems under extreme conditions. This kind of experience cannot be replicated, only integrated. The future of European security depends not just on capital, but on the ability to combine these capabilities. Kyiv Defense Tech Week is where this integration happens.”
Backed by Investors and Ecosystem Leaders
KDTW brings together a growing coalition of investors and industry leaders to shape the future of democratic defense. Lead support comes from Fire Point, Airlogix, Tytan Technologies, Occam Industries, Moodro Tech, Sub Rosa, alongside investors including D3 VC, Rockaway Ventures, Depo Ventures, Bifrost Defence, Nunc Capital, and S-Tech Ventures.
Additional participating investors include Oedipus, Keen Venture Partners, Latour Capital, Baryon Fund, Darkstar, Oscar Mike Venture Partners, Presto Tech Horizons, BSV Ventures, UA1, Motanka VC, IP Lab Ventures, Victor Avenue Capital, Tillia Impact Ventures, Marshall Bridge Ventures, and others, reflecting strong international engagement across early and growth-stage Ukrainian defense tech.
The program is co-created with ecosystem partners such as Brave1, Double Tap Investments, Snake Island Institute, IRON, Defense Innovation Highway, Defence Builder, Women in Defense Tech, Calibrated, and Arsenal – organizations working across innovation, capital, and defense transformation in Ukraine and Europe.
Accelerating the Future of Defense Innovation
By bringing together startups, investors, engineers, government representatives, and the military, Kyiv Defense Tech Week drives investment, industrial partnerships, and the deployment of new technologies – reinforcing Ukraine’s ability to stop aggression, address emerging threats, and strengthen global security.
Invest in Bravery is an independent, non-profit platform connecting international investors and partners with Ukrainian defense tech startups. We build the ecosystem, enable cross-border collaboration, provide access to vetted deal flow for investors, and accelerate the scaling of battle-tested innovations with global impact.
European Defense Tech Hub (EDTH) is a network for community-led defense innovation in Europe. Their mission is to bring more talent into Europe’s defense technology sector, accelerate innovation, and foster collaboration. They organize events such as the European Defense Tech Hackathon and connect startups, defense agencies, and industry leaders to advance novel solutions for pressing security challenges.
