A program for military AI startups with grants of $250,000 is launching in Ukraine

The Ministry of Defence announced the launch of the K4 Startup Studio program, which is aimed at developing military AI startups. Its goal is to create solutions for technological superiority on the battlefield.

"K4 is a new format of state interaction: the program brings together world-class developers, military experts, and mentors," the defense ministry said in a statement.

The Ministry of Defence has identified four key challenges that directly address the needs of the military. Teams will submit their solutions for participation in the program in these areas. However, they can also propose their own ideas for AI solutions for the defense sector. The full list of challenges can be found on the website. You can also submit an application here until August 15, 2025.

The selection of program participants will take place in several stages. Up to 10 teams will be selected from among the candidates to participate in the program, four of which will receive grants of $ 250,000 for each technological solution. The teams will be evaluated twice – by a specially formed Grant Committee.

"Each team will first undergo a 4-month intensive development program: mentoring from leading Ukrainian and international experts, combat testing of their solutions, and feedback directly from the military. After that, there will be 6 months of individual support, which should culminate in attracting investment and/or concluding a state procurement contract," the report said.

The main advantage for startups in the Ministry of Defence is called direct communication with the end user and the ability to scale their solutions into a real defense system. For investors, this is quick access to technologies tested in war conditions.

It was also previously reported that the European Union and Ukraine are launching a new defense initiative, BraveTech EU. Under it, the parties are mobilizing 100 million euros to find technological game-changers for war.