EU opens a Defence Innovation Office in Kyiv

The European Union has officially opened a Defence Innovation Office in Ukraine, which will serve as a crucial hub for collaboration between Ukrainian and European innovators, startups, and defence companies, informed the Ministry for Digital Transformation, as reported by Rubryka.

What is the issue?

Ukraine has emerged as one of the world’s largest defence tech hubs during the full-scale invasion, the Ministry noted.

To further develop the defence tech market and create more game-changing technologies for the war effort, the Brave1 cluster was launched. This platform fosters effective cooperation between all stakeholders in the defence sector, helping attract investments for Ukrainian manufacturers to develop defence solutions and fast track their deployment to the front lines.

“The platform already boasts over 2,600 registered innovative developments, with 200 codified according to NATO standards. Additionally, Brave1’s grant programme has invested over $7.5 million for scaling up these developments,” the Ministry emphasized.

What is the solution?

The EU Defence Innovation Office in Kyiv was announced in February 2024 to leverage Ukraine’s military experience and expertise in military technologies.

According to the President of the European Commission, this step will:

• Further strengthen ties between Ukraine and Europe.
• Enable EU countries to use Ukraine’s combat experience and defence sector innovations.

How does it work?

On September 21, the EU officially launched the EU Defence Innovation Office in Ukraine, poised to become a pivotal centre for collaboration between Ukrainian and European innovators, startups, and defence companies.

At the opening ceremony, Deputy Minister Oleksandr Bornyakov, alongside the head of the Brave1 defence tech cluster, Nataliia Kushnerska, showcased the achievements of the Ukrainian defence technology platform.

The Ministry of Digital Transformation believes that the opening of this Office will unlock new opportunities for Ukrainian companies, attract investments in defence technologies, and bolster the defence capabilities of not only Ukraine but also the entire European Union.

“Through joint innovative solutions, we will not only accelerate victory in this technological war but also fortify the defence capabilities of the entire EU,” stated the Ministry.

As a reminder, the Defence Ministry of Ukraine is establishing a community of innovators to achieve a technological advantage over the enemy.

Previously, we reported on the first hackathon held in Ukraine to enhance unmanned platforms on the front lines, titled “The Rise of the Machines.” The jury selected 12 winning ideas across various categories.

rubryka.com