Applications have opened for the DefTech Forges technology challenges under BraveTech EU, the flagship European grant program.
Both Ukrainian manufacturers and companies from European Union countries developing defense and dual-use technologies at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 4 or higher are eligible to apply.
Grants for Ukrainian and EU manufacturers
DefTech Forges is a series of offline competitions for selected defense startups, which will compete for grants of €120,000 and potentially for further funding of up to €750,000.
The main goal of the grant program is to identify and fund new technological solutions for the needs of Ukraine’s frontline, while also strengthening Europe’s defense capabilities.
Stages of participation in DefTech Forges
To receive a grant, manufacturers must go through several stages:
- Applications. Applications will be accepted through September 6.
- Selection. An independent expert panel of military and technical mentors will select the 40 best solutions.
- DefTech Forge testing. Participants will be divided into two groups of 20 teams for two offline DefTech Forges events, expected to take place on November 9–13 in Germany and Romania. Manufacturers will be able to test their technologies in practice and receive direct feedback from military personnel.
- Winners. Following the trials, six winners — three at each event — will receive grants of €120,000.
The winning teams will then have an opportunity to undergo further testing with the European Defence Agency (EDA) and potentially receive grants of up to €750,000.
Technology challenges for manufacturers
DefTech Forges will feature five technology challenges:
- Hardware and software systems for missile and UAV guidance — multimode guidance, including passive, semi-active and active systems, designed to ensure effective engagement of targets under different conditions.
- Autonomous strike UAVs — smart loitering munitions, FPV platforms and decentralized swarm coordination with minimal operator involvement.
- Modular UAV systems — rapid payload replacement and operational mission reconfiguration.
- Detection systems — sensors and integrated sensor systems.
- Electronic warfare-resistant UAV platforms and flight controllers.
After the application period closes, Brave1 will participate in evaluating the submissions, while its leading experts will also join the jury during the trials in Germany and Romania.
The special BraveTech EU grant program is funded by the European Commission with the support of Brave1 and the European Defence Agency (EDA).
Detailed competition requirements and applications are available through the BraveTech EU portal.
