Ukrainian Ministry of Defense Launches $1M AI Startup Program for Battlefield Solutions

On July 15, the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine unveiled K4 Startup Studio, a new initiative to support AI-driven startups in the defense sector. Developed with the support of Germany’s Federal Ministry of Defense and the Better Regulation Delivery Office, the program is designed to accelerate technologies that can offer battlefield advantage.

K4 introduces a new model of collaboration, bringing together developers, military experts, and global mentors. The program targets four strategic challenges identified by the Ukrainian military, while also welcoming original AI solutions tailored for defense.

“The K4 program is not just about technology—it’s about solving real military problems with practical solutions,” said Kateryna Chernohorenko, Deputy Minister of Defense for Digital Development, Transformation, and Digitalization. “We believe in the power of Ukrainian innovation and are inviting partners to join us in scaling it.”

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Up to 10 teams will be selected through a multi-stage evaluation process, with four finalists receiving $250,000 each in development grants. Projects will be reviewed by a specialized Grant Committee that includes military professionals and front-line technology users.

Each selected team will undergo a four-month intensive phase featuring mentorship from Ukrainian and international experts, along with live battlefield testing. This will be followed by six months of tailored support, aiming to secure investment or formal defense procurement.

Applications for K4 are open now and will be accepted until August 15, 2025, through the official program website.

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Built on best practices from global accelerators, the K4 model offers startups direct access to end users and a clear path to integration within Ukraine’s defense infrastructure. For investors, it provides early entry into technologies that have been tested under real combat conditions.

“In Ukraine, artificial intelligence is already being tested in combat. We’re not just adapting—we’re setting global trends,” Chernohorenko added. “K4 is for those ready to turn their code into a weapon in the hands of our defenders.”

Previously, it was reported that Ukrainian defense tech startup The Fourth Law unveiled never-before-seen footage showing the battlefield deployment of its AI-powered TFL-1 autonomy module and Lupynis-10-TFL-1 drones.

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