BRAVE1 Special Grant Program for the Development of AI Technologies 2026

📝 About the Program

The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), in partnership with the Ukrainian Defense Innovation Fund, has launched a grant initiative to support the development and testing of advanced defense products. This program provides Ukrainian innovators with significant financial resources to transform defense concepts into fully tested, deployable solutions.

💰 Benefits

• Maximum grant per project: 8,000,000 UAH
  This funding enables companies to move from concept to operational testing with strong financial backing.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

Eligible Applicants

• Ukrainian companies
• Individual entrepreneurs registered according to Ukrainian legal procedures

Not Eligible

• State enterprises
• Municipal enterprises
• Public organizations
• Charitable organizations

This ensures the program focuses on private-sector innovation with direct production and testing capacity.

📅 Application Date and Process

Steps to Apply

1. Confirm your company or entrepreneur registration status in Ukraine.
2. Prepare a project concept describing:
   • The defense product
   • Development timeline
   • Intended combat testing
3. Detail expected outcomes and how the solution will support defense and security forces.
4. Prepare a budget within the 8,000,000 UAH limit, ensuring all expenses meet eligibility rules.
5. Submit the application through the Ukrainian Defense Innovation Fund’s designated portal or submission system.
6. Await evaluation based on:
   • Technical feasibility
   • Defense relevance
   • Testing readiness

📌 Application Deadline

14 January, 2026

🌐 Application Portal

• View details of the program on the BRAVE1 Special Grant Program Portal.
• Submit your application via the Ukrainian Defense Innovation Fund Portal.

This program is a unique opportunity for Ukrainian innovators to contribute to the defense sector with cutting-edge AI technologies. Don't miss the chance to secure funding and bring your ideas to life!

• Maximum grant per project: 8,000,000 UAH
  This sum enables companies to move from concept to operational testing with strong financial backing.