The Ukrainian Startup Fund (UFS) has allocated UAH 61.5 million to support 49 companies developing dual-use technologies, Digital Transformation Minister Mykhailo Fedorov announced.
Dual-use startups are companies whose products can be used in both civilian and military sectors. They cover a wide range of areas: from medicine and education to defense, security and logistics.
"With the beginning of a full-scale war, many technology companies began working for the defense complex. Ukraine's experience on the dual-use track is enormous. Our companies are flexible, adaptive, and able to quickly change the product, production scale, and sales markets," said Mykhailo Fedorov.
Examples of supported projects:
- Aspichi Luminify. The team developed VR solutions for psychological well-being, but after the war began, they focused on VR rehabilitation of soldiers with PTSD. They received a $35,000 grant and support for participation in international technology missions (CES in Las Vegas, Slush in Helsinki).
- Mantis Analytics. An AI-based platform that used to help businesses make strategic decisions. Now it’s being used by defense organizations for threat analysis and planning.
- UA Damage. Initially, the team created a system for assessing damage to residential infrastructure. Later, it developed a technology for humanitarian demining: drones identify dangerous objects in real time. The startup received grants from Brave1 ($25,000 and $50,000) and presented the solution at IT Arena and Dual Use Meetup.
- Rovertech. Since the beginning of full-scale war, the company has been developing mobile ground robotic systems for logistics, casualty evacuation, and mine clearance. Their solutions allow tasks to be performed without risk to humans.
- Drill App. An interactive platform for fire and medical training, protected from cyber threats. Its application has been downloaded by more than 200 thousand users worldwide via Google Play and AppStore. The UFS provided this platform with a grant of $35,000.
- FarSight Vision. Development for working in areas without GPS and LIDAR, which uses neural networks for accelerated surveillance. In November 2024, the startup received a grant of UAH 2 million for the production of FSV Mappers, as well as support for participation in international events.
The Minister also emphasized that Ukrainian dual-purpose startups are currently demonstrating practical benefits for both the defense and civilian industries, thereby gaining international recognition.