Three Years In, Europe Seeks Ukraine’s Blueprint for Defense Innovation
Three Years After the Invasion: Ukraine’s Spark of Innovation on a War-Torn Stage
It’s hard to believe that the curtain has been up on Russia’s unprovoked assault on Ukraine for a full three years. Yet every day, Ukrainians keep proving that courage isn’t just about bravado; it’s a daily hustle in the face of adversity.
Waging War, Building Innovation
- BRAVE1 – A defense tech initiative that turns risk into a resource.
- IT Arena – A tech conference that keeps the wheels turning even while war drums beat.
- AI‑driven drones that’ve caught the eye of Western investors and push Ukraine to the forefront of aerial warfare.
While Ukraine dominates the AI‑drone sphere, the question remains: is it enough to keep the region secure?
The European Eye-Opener
A recent sing‑on from VC firm Lakestar jotted a stark reality: Europe faces its biggest threat in decades. Observers caution that Russia could rebuild its forces in a mere 2‑8 years, but NATO’s European members are dulling their defense budgets by roughly 30% since the 1990s.
- Current military production and imports are a mere fraction of the stockpile needed.
- European R&D spends a tenth of what Washington spends.
At last month’s DLD conference, Lakestar’s Klaus Hommels told TechCrunch that “Europe’s got to pour money into defense.” He felt the fuel behind the economy is: entrepreneurs need proof of funding, VCs will see what they’re promised and can start backing fresh startups. “We’re gonna need success stories – you have them now,” he grinned.
He summed it up in no small dose of pure drama: “If you don’t equip, if you don’t invest, you forfeit sovereignty.”
Momentum is on the Rise
With Trump broadcasting that Europe’s likely to stand alone, European defense‑primers are gathering momentum. European VCs are stepping up, injecting capital into startups that promise the next leap in troops’ capabilities.
It’s the time that Ukrainian resilience will meet Europe’s bandwidth. The final push? All of us must recognize that the devil’s not in the details, but in the commitment to innovation on all fronts.
Tech and VC heavyweights join the Disrupt 2025 agenda
Netflix, ElevenLabs, Wayve, Sequoia Capital, Elad Gil — just a few of the heavy hitters joining the Disrupt 2025 agenda. They’re here to deliver the insights that fuel startup growth and sharpen your edge. Don’t miss the 20th anniversary of TechCrunch Disrupt, and a chance to learn from the top voices in tech — grab your ticket now and save up to $600+ before prices rise.
Tech and VC heavyweights join the Disrupt 2025 agenda
Netflix, ElevenLabs, Wayve, Sequoia Capital — just a few of the heavy hitters joining the Disrupt 2025 agenda. They’re here to deliver the insights that fuel startup growth and sharpen your edge. Don’t miss the 20th anniversary of TechCrunch Disrupt, and a chance to learn from the top voices in tech — grab your ticket now and save up to $675 before prices rise.
European Defense Tech Gets a V‑Payout
San Francisco (Oct 27‑29—2025) – In 2024, Europe’s defense start‑ups didn’t just fuel hope; they loaded the pockets of venture capitalists with a 1 B dollar boost. Dealroom says that’s the first time a continent sent such a hefty cash splash, and it’s a five‑fold jump since 2018.
What’s Really Growing?
- Venture capital is now outpacing every other technology sector in the region.
- All the enthusiasm is funneling into German, UK, and French fireworks—pretty much the headquarters of European defense innovation.
New Trailblazers in the Funds‑Pool
Alongside the €1 B NATO Innovation Fund and Estonia’s fresh €100 M SmartCap defensive vault, the scene is buzzing with fresh capital. One standout: Helsing—a UK/Germany‑based outfit backed by Spotify’s Daniel Ek, among others. They’re now producing high‑tech strike drones at a scale that could make a superhero feel weirdly old‑fashioned, and they have plans to line up several factories across Europe.
Why Ukraine Matters
For Europe to get the right tech, the continent has to listen to Ukraine’s battlefield soundtrack. It’s where future wars are humming today, so the lessons there are priceless.
TechCrunch’s Take‑away from Ukraine
TechCrunch recently called out Ukrainian dual‑use and defense tech founders for a status update. Below is what they shared—unfiltered, as always:
- They’re developing dual‑use solutions that can work both in civilian and military scenarios.
- New defense tech is on point and urgently needed—especially as crises evolve.
- Networking – they’re calling for more cross‑border cooperation to help accelerate growth.
So, if you’re keeping an eye on Europe’s defense playbook, the most exciting chapters are still being written over THERE. Stay tuned!
Technary
How Ukraine’s Drone Detective App Is Turning Civilians Into High‑Tech SWAT Teams
Why Low‑Flying Drones Are a Real Pain
When a drone dips below radar’s sweet spot—so low it’s practically invisible—traditional defense systems are left scrambling. The result? Gaps that leave factories, villages, and even groceries on the coast in a precarious spotlight.
The Clever Solution
Enter a little app that lets ordinary folks become a first‑line intelligence squad. By simply opening the app, you can report a drone, rocket, or plane that’s buzzing overhead. The information is then sent straight to the Ministry of Defense’s intelligence wing.
Meet the Brainiacs Behind the App
- Hennadii Suldyn – the guy who dreamed up the idea in a cramped coffee shop.
- Andriy Kosyak – the tech wizard who turned that dream into code.
How It Works
1. Spot your sky‑intruder: While scrolling through your feed, you realize a drone is hovers above your balcony. No longer just an eye‑catcher—your phone becomes a weapon.
2. Tap and report: A quick tap sends the drone’s location, altitude, and visual data to the app’s servers.
3. Real‑time intel: The Ministry’s intelligence unit receives the feed instantly, allowing them to marshal interception assets.
The Funding Story
It’s a bootstrapped venture—meaning the founders piggybacked on personal savings, a few generous donors, and a handful of volunteer testers. The result is a lean, agile platform that’s already city‑wide and, thanks to the community, continuously evolving.
What It Means for the Future
By turning everyday citizens into citizen-operators, Ukraine is humming about a new kind of defense—one that is community‑powered, low‑cost, and incredibly fast. Whether it opens the door for other tech‑savvy nations or inspires a new generation of “sky‑watching” hobbyists, the app proves that the fight against drones isn’t just for the battlefield any more—it’s for your phone.
Dropla
Battling the Hidden Danger: A Ukrainian‑Danish Tech Masterclass in Mine‑Finding
Why the Mission Matters
Putting a life back on the ground after a war is no small feat. Mine‑clearing is riddled with peril, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. The company at the forefront being your unsung hero of the ESA ARTES program is molding the next generation of safe‑zones.
What Makes Them Stand Out
- Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) spearing with multi-modal sensors to spot potential threats from above.
- They follow up with budget‑friendly UGVs (unmanned ground vehicles) that confirm safe spots on the ground.
- A partnership with the European Space Agency gives them a steady stream of trust and verification.
- Their entry through a European Union robotics accelerator means they spark innovation at every turn.
- Government backing: supported by Denmark’s Export/Import Fund.
- They now hold Europe’s largest training database for landmine detection—making them the go‑to source for safer roads.
Behind the Scenes: Who’s Steering the Ship?
For security, founder identities are kept under wraps—because in this line of work, anonymity can be a lifesaver.
Funding That Keeps the Wheels Turning
From a mix of investors in Denmark and Germany, they secured a €1 million roll‑up, enough to keep stints of UAV footage and UGV ground checks coming in swarms.
In a world where every buried threat could mean a tragedy, this Ukrainian‑Danish duo is not just clearing mines—they’re democratizing safety, one drone patrol at a time.
SOC Prime
Meet the Cyber‑Defense Dream Team
Dual Use is not just a flashy name—it’s a full‑blown, AI‑agnostic, high‑speed threat detection ecosystem that’s shaking up the cyber‑security world.
Why It’s a Game‑Changer
- All‑In‑One Intelligence: Splashes powerful analytics across any platform—no matter what AI framework you’re using.
- Turbocharged Speed: Think “line speed” in a data center: instant detection, zero lag.
- Collective Know‑How: Every new finding feeds back into the system—so the next threat is identified faster.
Teething Competition
It’s already lined up against some heavy hitters: SnapAttack, Cyborg Security, and CardinalOps. That’s like having a scholarly library face‑to‑face with a high‑tech sneaker store—each with its own strong suit.
The Numbers That Make It Legit
- 1 Million Detection Rules: That’s about what a magic mirror would see each day, but with 100 % accuracy.
- 13 000 Distinct Labels: Every threat has a tag—think of it as a “catalogue of villains.”
Target Audience: Your Niche‑Stormers
- DFIR (Digital Forensics & Incident Response): For teams that love to dig deep after a breach.
- CTEM (Cyber Threat & Endpoint Management): For those who keep the vents closing tight.
- SIEM (Security Information & Event Management): The “big picture” folks—want data, trends, and alerts.
Who’s Behind the Magic
The founding trio—Andrii Bezverkhyi, Alex Bredikhin, and Ruslan Mikhalov—turned coffee‑driven brainstorms into a market‑ready powerhouse.
Funding: Not Just a Pretty Number
Dual Use has secured a total of $11.5 million from a who’s who of venture partners:
- DNX Ventures
- Streamlined Ventures
- Rembrandt Capital
- Atlantic Bridge
- J‑Ventures
- Tom Reilly & Greg Martin (investors who trust the mission)
- Slavik Markovich
- Mahendra Ramsinghani
With such backing, Dual Use is well‑positioned to keep the digital bad guys on the defensive while customers get the peace of mind to focus on what they truly do best.
Bottom Line
It’s a broth of raw data, shared insight, and relentless speed—ready to be rolled out for any company that needs to keep the cyber world out of their hood. And the founders? They’re the ones who made sure the final product is slick, robust, and, most importantly, human‑friendly.
Swarmer
Meet the Drone‑Swarm Mavericks: From Overwhelmed Pilots to One‑Person Mastery
Why Keep a Fleet of Pilots When One Can Do It All?
Picture a battlefield buzzing with drones—every one needs a commander. That’s the old, sluggish way of doing things. Now, imagine a single operator steering a swarm as smoothly as a seasoned DJ tunes a set. It’s a game‑changer: effort shrinks, efficiency skyrockets.
Our Proven Track Record (Yes, the Numbers Speak)
- Battle‑field validated since August 2023
- 32,000+ missions flown (so far)
- All triumphs under real combat conditions
Who’s Behind the Boom?
- Sergey Kuprienko – Former AI and computer vision maestro at Ring.com, leading a squad of 500+ tech rockstars.
- Alex Fink – Once VP of engineering at Orah VR, now steering our engineering ship to new horizons.
Funding: The $3 Million Boost
Thanks to a generous million‑dollar investment, our tech story is not just a demo—it’s a full‑blown reality.
Accolades & Partnerships
After an inspiring stint at the SRI Deep Tech Accelerator program in El Segundo, we’ve also bagged a spot as finalists in DIGITALEUROPE’s Future Unicorn Awards right in the heart of Brussels.
Final Word
In a world where drones need to fly smarter, not harder, we’re turning a swarm into a single, savvy operation. Think of us as the cool tech weaver, blending human ingenuity with automation to keep the battlefield efficient and the future bright.
Kraken
Meet Kraken: The Super‑Couch‑Potato of Underwater Drones
Imagine a little robotic submarine that can snoop around the deep ocean, sniff out secrets, and keep an eye on vital underwater pipelines—all without needing a GPS signal or an operator waving its hands like a frustrated snorkel diver. That’s Kraken, the hyper‑tech hybrid that blends unmanned surface and underwater vehicles into one unstoppable machine.
What’s the Big Deal?
Kraken isn’t just another toy for tech geeks. It’s a multi‑usage hybrid USV/UUV drone powered by AI, designed to stay on the job for ages and handle long‑range missions. Think of it as the drone version of a senior citizen who never complains about the heat but can crawl upstairs on its own forever!
- Persistent patrols. It can circle around underwater infrastructure nonstop without spilling coffee over comms systems.
- Long‑range scouting. It’s built to survive a heart‑buddy zero‑GPS zone—proof that you don’t need a satellite to get lost.
- AI‑powered autonomy. With machine learning onboard, it can make decisions on its own, using data streams to navigate dangerous currents and pesky marine life.
The Dream Team Behind Kraken
Pavel Panasjuk and Oleksandr Kvasha are the brains behind this underwater marvel. Both turn coffee into code and code into a sub that can take on the deep sea like a boss.
Funding the Future
How do we get these cool tech cats off the ground? MITS VC and two savvy angels put their trust—and some serious cheddar—into this venture. It’s a match made in high‑tech heaven, and their money helps keep the Kraken silent, sleek, and safe.
Why You Should Care About Kraken
Whether you’re a marine biologist, a pipeline company, or just someone who loves oceanic mysteries, Kraken offers a way to keep everything safe and surveilled without the paperwork and parasite-filled bureaucracy that usually comes with it. Think of it as the silent guardian guard that can’t be seen, and yet feels the pulse of the sea.
In a Nutshell
Kraken = underwater drone + AI + long‑term endurance = no GPS? No problem! No operator eye‑strain? Point! With founders Pavel and Oleksandr at the helm and top-tier investors backing it, the future of marine defense and monitoring just got a lot cooler—and a lot less human‑drudgery.
Skyeton
Meet Raybird: The Tiny Jester of the Battlefield
Why a 25‑kg drone deserves your full attention
The star features that keep the war‑zones excited
Behind the scenes
Takeaway: Raybird isn’t just another drone; it’s a compact tactical ninja that can strike, recover, and roll out, all while staying unbothered by enemy jamming tactics. If you’re looking for a one‑stop, 25‑kg military marvel, the answer is in the sky—and it’s not bulky at all.
Ailand Systems
Dual‑Use Drones: From Golden Harvests to Safer Mines
Picture the future of farming—precision, efficiency, and a sprinkling of drone magic. Now, imagine that same technology swooping into battlefields to sniff out hidden landmines. It’s a win‑win, and the tech behind it is already making waves.
Meet the Dynamic Duo Behind the Switch
- Dmytro Titov – the visionary who brought a sharp eye for agriculture to the arena of humanitarian tech.
- Heorhii Shakula – the engineer who turned drone firmware into a versatile tool that can pivot from crop monitoring to mine detection.
These two pioneers aren’t just inventing gadgets; they’re reshaping how we see and use drones. Their mission? Give farmers the tools to maximize yields while turning dangerous mines into a thing of the past.
De‑Mining with a Drone Twist
When a drone spots a potential mine, it can instantly relay data to a ground crew, reducing the risk for human operators. The result? Faster, cheaper, and safest de‑mining operations. Think of it as the tech‑savvy version of a “minesweeper” game—only the stakes are real and the rewards are life‑saving.
Funding That Gets the Mission Rolling
- $425,000 raised from D3 Fund, Nezlamni Fund, and Google for Startups.
- These funds provide the horsepower for development, testing, and deployment across varied terrains.
With this capital backing, the team is poised to ascend from prototypes to full‑scale operations. They’re not just keeping the drones in the sky; they’re ensuring they land on safe, productive ground—both for farmers and for communities living in mine‑affected areas.
In short, this innovation turns a high‑flyer into a dual‑purpose hero, proving that the smartest tech often takes a pragmatic, human‑centric approach. So next time you see a drone buzzing over a field, remember: it might also be the secret guardian of human safety on the ground below.
Anima
Meet Anima: Your New Therapist on Steroids
When we think of mental‑health checks, we often picture clunky questionnaires, wordy scales, and a whole lot of guesswork. Anima is stepping in to ditch the old‑school “yes/no” method and bring a fresh, tech‑savvy twist to the game.
Why the Old Way’s a Bad Idea
- Widespread False Positives – Studies show traditional tests flag 30%–80% of people as at risk, even when they’re fine.
- Subjective Self‑Reporting – The system relies on folks honestly describing how they feel, a process that’s often messy.
- Stigma & Underreporting – People may hide symptoms because they’re afraid of being labelled.
- Misdiagnosis & Unnecessary Treatments – Wrong results lead to wrong treatments, costing time and money.
What Anima Brings to the Table
By leveraging data science and biometric analysis, Anima cuts through the noise. It’s already proven useful in two crucial research pipelines:
- PTSD Screening – Quietly catching trauma before it takes a bigger bite.
- Concussion Detection – Finding subtle brain impacts that traditional tests might miss.
Now, they’re focusing on a new product that’s set to transform how we spot and treat brain‑related conditions. Imagine a brain health check that’s less “exam” and more “quick check‑in” with the help of wearables and AI.
Who’s Behind the Magic
Roman Havrysh and Sergiy Danylov co‑anchored the venture with a vision: make mental‑health diagnostics fair, accurate, and a little less scary.
Cash Flow & Funding Status
- So far, Anima has secured $340,000 in pre‑seed cash.
- They’re now hunting for an extra $500,000 to fuel their next growth phase and bring their platform to the real world.
We’re watching this ride with keen interest. If the world of mental health could borrow a page from science‑fiction, this feels like the start—cast the debut role of a near‑futuristic, data‑driven guardian for everyday mind health.
Aspichi
Dual‑Purpose Breakthrough
We’re crafting a VR experience that blends education with mental‑health workouts—all aimed at tackling PTSD head‑on.
Meet the Dream Team
- Viktor Samoilenko – The visionary behind the concept
- Max Goncharuk – The tech wizard making it happen
Funding Snapshot
Received a cool $780,000 boost from:
- SMRK.vc
- ZAS Ventures
- Catalyst Impact Investment Club Syndicate
FuelWell
Keep Your Truck’s Wallet (and the Planet) Happy
Picture a tiny plug‑in gadget that doubles as a fuel wizard and a road‑savvy superhero. When you hook it up to a diesel engine, it snips up to 20 % off your fuel bill and slashes 15 % of your truck’s CO₂ footprint. It’s even better at kick‑off: it cuts those pesky soot particles by a whopping 90 %—so your radiator stays cooler and your tailpipe stays cleaner.
Why Trucks Feel the Pain
- Average pickup: loses up to $1,000 annually on bad burning.
- Logistics trucks: can drop a staggering $11,000 a year in wasted fuel.
That’s a lot of coins that could have gone to a vacation, a new coffee machine, or a top‑up in your spare tire—if only the engine could be gentler.
Propelled by an Idea, Not a Bank
Serhii Dubinevych dreamed this thumb‑tactile fuel boost and built it from the ground up—no external investors, just a bootstrapped hustle. The tech has already earned a spot in EIT Mobility’s acceleration program, proving that even a small starter can drive big change.
Bottom Line
Plug in, power up, and let your truck save both your pocket and the planet. It’s the kind of innovation that makes you feel good about every mile you take.
Laser Guard Systems
Cyber‑Air Defence on the Frontlines
What They’re Doing
Picture a robot that’s basically the 3‑D version of a serious “keep‑your‑person‑or‑jersey‑safe” system. It spots drones, tracks ground creepers, and—yes—neutralises them in real time. The tech harnesses AI, infrared vision and a sniper‑level defence array.
Why It Matters
- Kyiv Hydroelectric Station is… still happy thanks to the system’s eyes.
- The north and south of Ukraine? “Secure” is now the new buzzword.
Who’s Behind It
Names are being kept under wraps (like secret agents), but you can bet the folks are all‑about safety.
Money Matters
The company is rallying investors, closing a funding round to fuel the next wave of defence tech.
HIMERA
Revolutionizing Battlefield Comm: The HIMERA Story
Picture the chaos on a frontline: soldiers trying to stay in touch with each other but the radios keep hiccuping. That’s the reality many armies face when they rely on outdated, expensive gear that simply can’t keep up with the fast‑paced demands of modern warfare.
Why the Old System Fails
- Low reliability – radios drop out more often than a bad Wi‑Fi connection at a coffee shop.
- Limited availability – soldiers often end up fighting without enough pieces of the puzzle.
- High costs – buying and maintaining the gear is a financial headache that drains resources.
The HIMERA Solution
Enter HIMERA – a tactical transmission system built from off‑the‑shelf parts but with the punch of combat‑proven tech. It’s designed to be:
- Secure with AES‑256 encryption so secrets stay locked up.
- Operative in a Mobile Ad Hoc Network (MANET), meaning it works even when there’s no central infrastructure.
- Resilient thanks to frequency‑hopping, which keeps the signal alive even in the middle of radio jamming.
Real‑World Impact in Ukraine
The Boryviter Center of Excellence in Ukraine, which has trained over 27,000 soldiers in drone piloting and comms use, has woven HIMERA’s battle‑tested gear into its training regimen. This week, in a bustling hall full of eager recruits, the new tactical communication kit was showcased as part of the regular training program. The move will empower these troops with reliable, scalable, and affordable connectivity – a game changer for future operations.
Founders & Backing
- Alex Oliinyk – the visionary behind the concept.
- Kyrylo Skyba – the strategist who keeps the tech on target.
- Misha Rudominski – the engineer who ironed out the last details.
The venture’s seed money came from a mix of military and civilian investors: $1.2 million from the Freedom Fund VC, support from United Angels Network, backing from Andriy Skoropad & Arnaud Dassier, a boost from Green Flag Ventures, and contributions from Nezlamni Fund and Dave Morgan. Together, they’re turning battlefield comms from a headache into a seamless advantage.
Strategy Force Solution
Drone Tech Revolution: Mafka AI Takes the Wheel
Who says flying must be a manual affair? Mafka AI has just flipped the script. By orchestrating fully autonomous missions that shrug off electronic warfare and ditch GPS altogether, the company is turning drones from obedient gadgets into real pilot‑in‑the‑clouds.
How it Works
- Mission‑Driven Mindset – The AI “sees” the objective, just like a seasoned pilot would.
- Route Planning on Autopilot – Algorithms plot the smartest path, cutting through chaos.
- Obstacle Avoidance – Whether it’s a rogue balloon or a sudden storm, the system keeps the drone safe.
- Target Detection – Think of it as a high‑tech radar, always on the lookout for the mission’s goal.
Why It Matters
Picture this: a team of drones racing through hostile skies with zero human operators, no snags from jamming, and no reliance on fickle GPS signals. The result? Less human error, instant reaction time, and a fat drop in operating costs. In short, it’s like having the best pilot in a squad that never sleeps.
Behind the Scenes
- Graduated from SRI University’s acceleration program in January – proof that the brain behind the bot is serious business.
- Completed a bootcamp with MITS Capital – ready to turn research into revenue.
- Now on a mission to secure investment for production – the next big step in drone autonomy.
Who’s Steering the Ship?
For security reasons, the founders are flying under a veil of anonymity—but their work speaks loudly.
First Funding Milestone
Kick‑started by a generous grant from Brave1, the platform is poised for a future where drones dominate the skies without a human touch.
Terminal Autonomy
Defense Breaks the Mold: Germany’s First Lethal Drone Lands a Massive NATO Deal
What’s the Buzz?
Defense has just clinched the largest NATO contract ever for loitering munitions. The secret sauce? AI‑powered drones that can literally hang around target zones like a grumpy cat over a laser pointer—and then strike when the timing’s right.
Inside the Deal
- German defense ministries are putting cash and confidence into this next‑gen tech.
- It marks the very first lethal drone in the German arsenal, a bold move that’s already getting whispers across Berlin’s coffee rooms.
- The contract is the biggest ever for this type of weapon, meaning we’re looking at a moon‑shot of funding and production.
Meet the Visionaries
Because no great invention is born on its own, we owe thanks to the brains behind the operation:
- Roman Antonov – the tech wizard who’s been twisting code into motion.
- Francisco Serra‑Martins – the strategist who keeps the drones on target—literally.
Funding Trail
The venture is supported by CADG and Serra de Estela Investments Ltd, two firms that saw the potential in a missile that can choose its own fate.
What Does This Mean?
For Germany, it’s a leap from “watch and watch” to “watch and attack.” And for NATO, this contract cements a new era of autonomous warfare—think modern scout pigeons, but with higher stakes and, obviously, a lot more irony.
Buntar Aerospace
Meet the New MVP of the Skies: Buntar 3
What’s the Story Behind the Spin‑Up?
Think of a drone that outlasts a marathon run, tackles stormy skies, and still drops data that’s sharper than a detective’s notebook. Buntar Aerospace rolled that out with Buntar 3, a long‑haul UAV that’s the “patience game” champ of the aerial world – and it’s doubling flight time compared to the previous model. No more pulling off the runway halfway through the intel chase.
The secret sauce? Their AI‑powered Copilot system fires up a “carousel” mode that lets operators loop in command, drop their tasks, and keep the big picture on track – like a DJ spinning beats but on air.
Meet the Mavericks Who Built It
- Ivan Kaunov – the brain behind the battle‑tested superstition.
- Bohdan Sas – the tech juggernaut who keeps the code merry.
- Kateryna Bezsudna – the force of nature who steers design with brilliance.
Dollar Dance: Where the Funding Party Was Held
Three point two million dollars zoomed into the venture pool, courtesy of a cocktail of investors from the U.S., Ukraine, and Europe:
- D3 – “Deck the Bold” foundation.
- Sukna Ventures – shaking up the next frontier.
- Nezlamni – a patron of the resilient spirit.
- And a handful of other backers who believe in drone wonder.
That injection of funds means Buntar’s next leap will keep their drones as reliable as your coffee on a slow Monday, flying farther, smarter, and safer.
Bottom Line
With Buntar 3, AI Copilot, and a stellar founding crew, the company’s gearing up to put the “intelligence” back in “intelligent” – ready to land vital data whenever the situation demands.
NORDA Dynamics
Boosted Autonomy: Turning a 30% Efficiency Frown into an 80% Smile
What this Elusive Startup is Up To
Picture a lightweight drone whose flight power is like a sluggish hamster wheel—around 30% efficient. Now imagine that hamster suddenly running on a rocket launchpad, hitting a shock‑tastic 80% efficiency. That’s the magic happening with low FPV efficiency tech—covered almost like a secret recipe, so no founders’ names spill the beans for security reasons.
Key Features & Numbers
- Boost in Efficiency: From 30% to 80%.
- Potential annual savings for Ukraine: Roughly $750 million.
- Targeted mass‑market UAVs, from hobby drones to serious military aircraft.
- Team: Ukrainian engineers with a decade of battlefield experience.
Why Beneath the Mystery
This isn’t a Silicon Valley fairy tale. The founders—all seasoned Ukrainian tech wizards—keep their identities hidden because it’s a defense project. Their decade‑long gig with armed forces means they know the real‑world stakes up front.
Funding Snapshot
- Capital from MITS (a cryptic but powerful investor).
- Support from a handful of angel funds.
- Initial seed: $250,000—everything’s getting the start, but the real aim is huge scalability.
What’s Next?
Beyond the immediacy of savings, this boost in drone efficiency offers foric options—fewer battery swaps, more flying time, and a stronger statement that Ukrainian tech can keep pace with global challenges. And with the founders’ battlefield smarts, the company is ready to keep piloting advanced UAVs toward safer skies, all while pulling off a splashy, humour‑filled leap in the tech world.
Clarity
Defense: Turning Sky‑High Recon into Ground‑Level Insight
What It Does
Picture this: a fleet of drones snapping endless aerial photos over a shifting battlefield, and an AI that sifts through all that data to spot patterns, spot threats, and even whisper near‑future moves. That’s the magic behind Defense.
Why It’s a Game Changer
- Data‑Powered Decision Making: Uses every bit of real reconnaissance footage the Ukrainian Armed Forces have gathered.
- Smart Algorithms: Trained on actual battlefield footage, so it knows less about generic “war” and more about what’s happening right now.
- Rapid Insights: Turns hours of drone footage into actionable intel in a snap.
Accolades
At the Defense Tech Innovations Forum 2025 in Kyiv, Defense walked away with the Trailblazers prize in the pitching contest—an honor that speaks louder than a drumroll.
Who’s Behind the Curtain?
Because of the need for absolute secrecy, the founders remain a mystery. Think of it as a secret agent squad, but with code instead of trench coats.
Funding Style
They’re a bootstrapped operation—no big corporate windfall. That means every dollar goes straight into refining those AI models rather than fancy office décor.
Takeaway
With Defense, the battlefield’s airwaves become a goldmine of data, and the future? Well, it’s already flying somewhere in the sky—ready for some AI‑guided guidance.
OpenMinds
Meet OpenMinds: The Anti‑Propaganda Game Changer
Why we’re here: cut the $12 billion influence budget in half
Every year, Russia and China pour roughly $12 billion into world‑wide influence campaigns, election meddling, and opinion manipulation. We’re the squad that puts a stop to it. By feeding diplomats and national‑security teams with real‑time threat intel, we shine a light on hidden influence ops and help craft counter‑attack plans.
Our secret sauce
- Millions of data points = no data left unexamined
From media feeds to offline behavior, we crunch it all. - Proprietary ML models that sniff out undercover operations before they hit the headlines.
- Custom solutions that keep authoritarian narratives from spreading.
Showcasing at Munich
We showcased our tech at the Munich Security Conference, and the reaction was the kind of “wow” that keeps us motivated.
Founder & Funding
- Founder: Sviatoslav Hnizdovskyi
- Bootstrapped until now, with a fundraising round on the horizon.
TELETACTICA
Keeping the Fight Going: Our Real‑Time Video Hack Against High‑Intensity Jamming
Defensive tech isn’t just about good gadgets—it’s about staying visible in the thick of battle. We’ve built a system that keeps video and data flowing strong, even when the enemy tries to choke the line.
Why the Current Game Falls Short
- Tech glitches are only part of the problem. Real threats can totally wipe out whole networks.
- Traditional gear tends to be big, heavy and a target in its own right.
- Jamming and interference can make even the best‑in‑class hardware go silent.
Our Secret Sauce
What we did is fuse custom hardware with a slick, proprietary software stack. The result? A communication system that stays alive where everything else goes down.
- Crash‑proof reliability—engineered to shrug off the most brutal jamming.
- Boosts lightweight and portable modems that fit in small suits and can hop into any frontline setup.
- Special custom antennas that cut through “dead zone” territory like a radar‑guided missile.
Meet the Minds Behind the Mission
Founders: Eugene Zhebko & Anton Hetman, veterans who turned their battlefield frustrations into a tech triumph.
Putting the Money Where the Mission Is
- Funding backed by MITS Capital and a network of angel investors.
- We’re gearing up to close our seed round—and the next step is to bring this tech to the field.
In short: We’re turning what could be a “no‑signal” nightmare into a “stay‑connected” reality. Get ready to watch real-time video even when the enemy throws its best jamming tools at you—because you’re never going to let your data go silent again.
ARMOR
New Startup Slashes Ammunition & Saves Lives
Picture this: a tablet that can safely hit enemy targets in one to three shots, cutting ammunition use by over tenfold. It’s not science fiction—it’s the latest buzz from the Defense Tech Innovations Forum 2025.
Why It Stands Out
- Fast, precise, and safe engagement of a wide range of weapons.
- Traditional artillery? Inefficient. This solution turns a tablet into a high‑precision firepower manager.
- Reduces ammo consumption by more than 10‑times, turning a massive expenditure into a lean, mean, fight‑ready machine.
Pitch at the Brave1 Event
The startup won the “Best Seed Startup” award, showcasing how a clever idea and a tablet can revolutionize battlefield tactics.
Freelancers Turned Innovators
Founders Oleksii Havrysh, Kostiantyn Brendel, and Andrii Moruha bootstrapped the venture, proving that big impact doesn’t always need big funding.
Farsight Vision
Turning Drone Footage into Digital Twins: A New GPS‑Independent Real‑Time Insight
What the Magic Is
Imagine a spy drone flying over a field and, in the blink of an eye, turning that shaky video into a ready‑to‑use 2‑D picture and a detailed 3‑D model. Farsight Vision makes that happen—all while the drone is living in a “no‑GPS‑zone.” The result? A digital twin that’s as useful as a highly‑trained cat‑dog detective, giving analysts an instant look at the terrain, structures, and hidden threats.
Why It Matters
- Supercharged Analytics – Work with crisp maps instead of raw footage.
- Situational Awareness on 100% – Get real‑time updates, even when satellites are out of play.
- Time‑Saver Extra – Cut weeks of manual interpretation down to minutes.
Behind the Curtain: The Founders
Meet the dynamic duo steering this tech: Viktoriia Yaremchuk and Volodymyr Nepiuk. With a knack for turning complex data streams into friendly visuals, they’re the brains behind turning drone chaos into orderly insight.
Funding Freebies
Thanks to Darkstar VC Fund and Freedom Fund VC, the venture secured a neat €774,000 boost. That money helps keep the pipelines humming and the models sharp.
Ark Robotics
Introducing Ark Robotics’ Frontier: The Tactical Autonomy Powerhouse
Frontier isn’t just another piece of tech—it’s the secret sauce that lets robot fleets glide through secure networks, coordinate on the fly, and stay tough as a steel‑reinforced steel‑reinforced soldier against electronic jamming.
What Makes Frontier a Game‑Changer
- Seamless Network Integration: Robots connect smoothly, no lag, no patch‑up.
- Real‑Time Coordination: Think of it as a battlefield GPS for machines—robots know where everyone is and what to do next.
- Autonomous Decision‑Making: The platform makes split‑second calls, so operators can focus on the big picture.
- Electronic Warfare Resilience: Built to stay calm even when enemy guys try to jam their communications.
Frontlines in Action
Frontier has already landed in more than 20 frontline units, including the Ukrainian Unmanned Systems Forces. These units are now able to deploy robot swarms that act like an invisible army—quick, coordinated, and unbreakable.
Partnerships that Pack a Punch
Ark Robotics has secured strategic alliances with NATO agencies. The platform is expanding into Poland, Estonia, and other European defense arenas, cementing its place as the go‑to solution for modern armies.
Behind the Scenes: Who’s Funding the Future?
Backed by a blend of deep‑tech and defense‑focused investors at the early‑stage stage, Ark Robotics keeps key names under NDA. What we do know is that the venture capital is as committed as a robot on a mission.
Vidar Systems
How One Quiet Revolution Is Silencing the Sideshows of Modern Warfare
Just a handful of tiny speakers, a tangle of wires and a sprinkle of artificial intelligence – and the military can locate a mortar squad faster than a phone call in a busy café. That’s the new promise of acoustic‑tracking tech that’s quietly making headlines.
Listening to the Enemy with High‑End Microphone Pick‑ups
- Every explosion is a sonic puzzle: the boom arrives at each microphone in its own unique rhythm.
- By comparing those tiny time gaps, the system uses triangulation to figure out from which corner the shell came.
- With three or more microphones spread across the battlefield, the software stitches that data together and spits out a live map showing the artillery’s exact location.
Why the Sound Matters
Mortars are notoriously hard to counter – they’re low‑profile, move fast and can surprise you in an instant. Sound is the only thing that can betray their position almost immediately.
Imagine you’re at a concert and someone drops a paper cup. You hear the clink almost instantly, even if you can’t spot the cup. The same principle lets a watchful army “hear” the enemy’s moves before they can start them.
Video and AI – Making Sure the Numbers Don’t Go Wrong
Even with smart algorithms, the system needs to avoid false alarms. The AI cross‑checks the audio fingerprints against known offensive patterns and filters out wind, traffic or the occasional wrong beat from a picnic.
From Theory to Practice
Initial tests in open‑field simulations have shown that the system can zero in on a mortar site within several seconds of firing. That’s a huge advantage when every minute counts.
The Secrets of the Mad Scientists
For safety, the company’s leadership is kept on a tight‑fisted secret list. The only public “founders” name that has surfaced is one “Vidar,” although the full identity remains locked like a high‑defense vault.
Funding – Crypto and Coffee Cups
- The startup has raised over $0.7 million.
- Key backers include Presto Ventures, a handful of boutique funds and a roster of angel investors who believe in a sound‑based future.
In a world where budgets are flexed and budgets are also, the investment illustrates the trust that defense and tech enthusiasts alike have in this next‑gen sound sensor.
What’s Next?
Already on the radar of several armed forces, the next wave of plans might involve integrating these acoustic sensors with drones and satellite feeds. That could really put the enemy on the acoustic black market with a single glance.
One thing’s for sure: the future of military counter‑artillery isn’t just about rockets; it’s about listening to the battlefield’s own soundtrack.
Biostream
Life‑Saving Tech on the Move
Picture this: in a high‑stakes battlefield, up to half of the casualties could be avoided if help arrived just a beat earlier. Yet, the current reality is that commanders and medics have no way to know where a soldier is or what condition he’s in while the chaos roars on.
The Big Problem
- Missing Situational Awareness: No real‑time data on a soldier’s health or location.
- Delayed Response: Critical injuries—like severe bleeding or dehydration—may become fatal simply because medics don’t know to arrive quickly enough.
- Touch‑and‑Go: Even the best medical teams can’t keep up when you lose track of a unit mid‑operation.
The Innovative Fix
Enter a next‑generation wearable that keeps soldiers safe—and keeps medics in the loop.
- Early Detection: The device continuously monitors for early signs of hemorrhage, dehydration, and other life‑threatening states.
- Smart Alerts: When a red flag pops up, a secure, geolocalized alert rockets straight to the nearest medic.
- Speed Matters: With precise location data, medics can be dispatched to the exact spot—no guessing games, no wasted minutes.
Meet the Trailblazers
- Mikita Zabuga – the visionary who saw the gap and tried to fill it.
- Sophia Metz – turning human intuition into smart tech.
- Chris Mussett – the engineering maestro keeping everything, from circuits to code, shipshape.
Funding Snapshot
The venture is bootstrapped, proving that ambition and ingenuity can outshine hefty budgets.
Why It Matters
- Fewer beds for the wounded.
- Less strain on rush squads.
- Higher mission success rates (because soldiers survive longer).
Takeaway
When help is dispatched at the right moment, lives are saved. This wearable tech doesn’t just promise a future; it’s heading straight into it—so you can spend more time out there and less time worrying about those “Where am I?” moments.
Sine.Engineering
Meet Sine: Ukraine’s Brainy UAV Powerhouse
Think of Sine as the Swiss Army knife of drones—only it’s built in Ukraine, and it’s all about smashing those pesky GPS glitches that Russia’s electronic warfare throws at anyone flying in the skies.
What They’re Building
- High‑Tech Modules – From rugged frames to power‑efficient motors, the hardware is designed to keep drones running smooth without breaking the bank.
- Smart Software Tools – Data links, live‑stream video, and a whole kit‑do‑it‑yourself command system that lets you control fleets without fuss.
- Satellite‑Free Navigation – In 2024, Sine rolled out a system that doesn’t rely on GPS—perfect when those signals go rogue.
Why It Matters
When Russian jamming tries to knock out GPS, Sine’s satellite‑free navigator steps in like a savvy detective, keeping drones on track and avoiding costly mission failures. And the game is just getting better: they’re now testing swarming flight protocols, hoping to let clouds of drones work together like a well‑coordinated dance troupe.
Founders Who Made It Happen
- Andriy Chulyk – The mastermind behind the tech’s brainpower.
- Ostap Ferensovych – The gear‑and‑design guru.
- Bohdan Tymkiv – The financing wizard.
Funding Status
It started off as a bootstrapped venture—meaning they rolled the raw dough themselves—yet the plan is in motion to secure a seed round. The goal? Bigger budgets, faster scaling, and more drone‑liberties across the globe.
