The action aims to strengthen the innovation capacities of the Ukrainian Defence Technological Industrial Base in the context of Ukraine’s EU alignment and evolving European security priorities. It addresses three systemic barriers identified during consultations held in November 2024 – May 2025: regulatory constraints blocking investments and scaling, limited cooperation between EU and Ukrainian defence innovation ecosystems, and insufficient funding and advisory support for defence researchers and innovators.
To tackle these gaps, the project supports modernisation of relevant regulations and policies in Ukrainian governmental systems, creates structured matchmaking and networking formats between EU and Ukrainian innovation ecosystems, and increases the capacity of Ukrainian innovators through financial and advisory support. Key activities include policy analysis and recommendations, legal drafting and advocacy, the Annual Brave1 Forum, a thematic innovation hackathon, the creation and operation of the Brave1 Exporoom, and a competitive grant scheme with up to 40 innovation grants accompanied by training and mentorship.
By the end of the 18-month implementation period, the project will have improved the regulatory environment, strengthened EU–Ukraine defence innovation cooperation, and advanced Ukrainian defence technologies closer to operational readiness and integration into European value chains.

• To improve the regulatory and policy framework for Ukrainian defence innovation and international cooperation, enabling increased foreign investment and partnership agreements.
• To strengthen cooperation and networking between EU and Ukrainian defence innovation ecosystems.
• To enhance the technological and innovation capacity of Ukrainian defence researchers and innovators through targeted funding and advisory support.

• Policy analysis reports and evidence-based recommendations on regulatory barriers for defence innovation are produced and validated with stakeholders.
• Draft regulatory acts (laws, CMU resolutions, ministerial orders) on defence innovation and international cooperation are developed, consulted and advocated with relevant government bodies.
• Ecosystem networking formats are implemented, including at least one Annual Brave1 Forum, a thematic innovation hackathon and the creation and operation of a permanent Brave1 Exporoom.
• A competitive grant scheme is designed and implemented, with up to 40 research and innovation grants for Ukrainian defence and dual-use technologies awarded, monitored and audited.
• Training and mentorship programmes are delivered for grant recipients and other innovators, improving their technical, business and commercialisation capacities.