Brave1 Club has launched: more than 100 defence tech manufacturers have already applied

The Ukrainian defence tech cluster Brave1 has launched a new initiative — the Brave1 Club — designed to provide simplified access to the ecosystem for established companies and manufacturers that do not require grant support. As of June, over 100 Ukrainian manufacturers have applied to join, according to the announcement.

The Brave1 Club targets manufacturers with ready-made product samples that are either already on the market or nearing release. Club members gain access to field and combat testing, direct communication with combat units, the ability to showcase products on the Brave1 Market platform, opportunities for investment, support for forming joint ventures with foreign manufacturers, as well as closed chats, networking events, and other ecosystem activities.

The only Brave1 service not included in the club membership is access to grant funding. Companies do not need to prepare grant-related documentation to apply — it is sufficient to fill out a form on the initiative’s website.

Among the applicants are attack drone manufacturer Perun, interceptor drone specialist Vinnytski Bdzholy, and laser combat simulator developer SKIFTECH.

Brave1 is a state-supported cluster for the development of military technologies in Ukraine, established in April 2023. It operates under the coordination of the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine, the Ministry of Defence, the General Staff of the Armed Forces, the National Security and Defence Council, the Ministry of Strategic Industries, and the Ministry of Economy. Following the resignation of Nataliia Kushnerska, Viktor Rudenko was appointed Acting Director of the Innovation Development Fund, which includes Brave1.