As part of a major European Union initiative to support Ukraine's defense industry, BraveTech EU has announced the opening of applications for the DefTech Forges technology challenges. According to RBC-Ukraine, citing the Ministry of Defense, the initiative aims to identify and fund breakthrough solutions for the needs of the Ukrainian front. The key selection areas are autonomous unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and advanced guidance systems for missile complexes.
Grant Program Mechanics and Participation Conditions
The DefTech Forges program is a series of offline competitions designed to identify the most promising defense startups. Both Ukrainian manufacturers and companies from EU countries developing dual-use technologies and purely defense solutions can participate. A critical condition for eligibility is a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of at least 4+. This means applicants must provide not just a concept, but a prototype that has undergone laboratory testing.
The financial potential of the program is significant: winners will receive seed grants of €120,000. However, this is only the first stage. For the most successful teams, there is an opportunity to receive additional funding of up to €750,000, which will allow them to scale production and deploy developments in combat conditions.
Competition Format and Practical Testing
The main goal of DefTech Forges is not just to distribute the budget, but to find solutions capable of genuinely changing the situation on the battlefield and strengthening Europe's defense system. Participants will be divided into two groups of 20 teams. These groups will take part in two major offline events, scheduled tentatively for the period between November 9 and 13, 2026. The locations for the tests have been selected in Germany and Romania.
An important feature of the competition is the practical component. Manufacturers will have the opportunity to test their technologies in real conditions and receive direct feedback from military specialists. At the end of the tests, three winners will be determined in each group (6 teams in total). It is these startups that will receive grants and access to further testing in cooperation with the European Defence Agency (EDA).
Key Technological Areas
Within the framework of the DefTech Forges competition, five specialized technology challenges will be held. Although the full list of all five areas requires clarification in official documents, autonomous drones and guidance systems are declared as priorities. This is confirmed by the current context of the development of the Ukrainian drone industry.
For example, earlier, the Dutch company Tulip Tech presented the results of the combat application of a new 4S1P 16Ah battery for reconnaissance drones. According to Ukrainian military data, in several configurations, this power element doubles the flight time of popular DJI Matrice 4T and Mavic 3T models. Such innovations, which increase the effectiveness of reconnaissance and strikes, are the benchmark that BraveTech EU is looking for.
Strategic Importance for Europe and Ukraine
The launch of the program in August 2026 indicates a transition in European support for Ukraine from the format of emergency aid to systematic partnership in the technology sector. The integration of Ukrainian developers into European supply chains and joint financing through the EDA create a long-term foundation for the continent's security. The DefTech Forges program becomes a bridge between Ukraine's innovative potential and the resources of the European Union.
