Battle Proven 2026: Brave1 invites applications from defense startups
The Brave1 defense technology cluster, supported by the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine, has launched applications for Battle Proven, an annual competition for defense startups.
Frontline units join the selection process
This year’s selection partners include the Unmanned Systems Forces, the Third Army Corps of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and the Second Corps “Khartiia” of the National Guard of Ukraine.
Battle Proven 2026 will be hosted within Defense Tech Valley 2026, the largest defense technology event in Ukraine, scheduled for September 16–17 in Lviv. The event is expected to attract more than 7,000 participants from 50 countries, including leading international investors and defense industry representatives.
Who is eligible to apply for Battle Proven?
Startups from Ukraine and abroad at various stages of development are invited to apply. The key selection criterion is technological readiness. The competition focuses on products already in operational use on the battlefield or expected to reach frontline units over the coming year. The selection process will identify 30 finalist teams across three categories:
- Trail Blazers – Teams developing conceptual solutions with the potential to unlock new capabilities for the front line.
- Game Changers – Developers whose products have already undergone field testing.
- Power Players – Teams whose technologies are being systematically employed in combat conditions and are ready for scaling.
The partner formations — the Unmanned Systems Forces, the Third Army Corps, and the Second Corps “Khartiia” of the National Guard of Ukraine — will take part in selecting and evaluating participants directly on the Defense Tech Valley 2026 stage. This ensures that applications are evaluated with due consideration for real-world combat experience and current frontline needs.
The application period is open through June 15, 2026. To apply, register using the application form.
Reference information: Defense Tech Valley 2026 is organized by Brave1 and supported by the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine and the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine. The event, to be held in Lviv on September 16–17, will bring together leading representatives of the defense sector from more than 50 countries. For more information about the event, visit defensevalley.tech.