Grants of up to €120,000: applications now open for BraveTech EU technology challenges

Applications are now open for the DefTech Forges technology challenges under BraveTech EU, Europe’s flagship grant program.

Ukrainian manufacturers and companies from European Union member states developing defense and dual-use technologies at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 4 or above are eligible to apply.

Grants for defense manufacturers from Ukraine and the EU 

DefTech Forges is a series of on-site competitions for selected defense startups competing for €120,000 grants, with the potential to secure up to €750,000 in further funding.

The grant program’s primary goal is to identify and fund new technological solutions that address the needs of the Ukrainian front and strengthen Europe’s defense system.

Stages of participation in DefTech Forges

Manufacturers must complete several stages to qualify for a grant:

1. Application submission. The application period will run through September 6.
2. Selection. An independent expert panel comprising military personnel and technical mentors will select the 40 best solutions.
3. DefTech Forge testing stage. Participants will be split into two groups of 20 teams for two on-site DefTech Forges events, tentatively scheduled for November 9–13 in Germany and Romania. Manufacturers will have the opportunity to put their technologies to the test and receive direct feedback from military personnel.
4. Winners. Based on the test results, six winners — three from each event — will receive grants of €120,000.

These teams will then have the opportunity to proceed to further testing with the European Defence Agency (EDA) and potentially secure a grant of up to €750,000.

Technology challenges for defense manufacturers

The DefTech Forges competitions will feature five technology challenges:

1. Integrated hardware-software guidance systems for missiles and UAVs — multi-mode guidance (passive, semi-active, and active) enabling effective target engagement under varying conditions.
2. Autonomous strike UAVs — smart one-way attack munitions, FPV platforms, and decentralized swarm coordination with minimal operator involvement.
3. Modular UAV systems — rapid payload swapping and operational mission reconfiguration.
4. Detection capabilities — sensors and sensor systems.
5. UAV platforms and flight controllers resistant to electronic warfare (EW).

Following the close of applications, Brave1 will participate in their evaluation, and its leading experts will serve on the jury during the testing in Germany and Romania.

The BraveTech EU special grant program is funded by the European Commission with support from Brave1 and the European Defence Agency (EDA).

Companies can review the detailed competition conditions and apply on the BraveTech EU portal.