Europe’s flagship dual-use technology investment summit Defense Tech Valley 2025 is set to return in 2025 on an expanded scale. The two-day event, taking place on September 16–17 in Lviv, Ukraine, will bring together innovators, investors, military officials, and industry experts shaping the future of defense.
The forum provides a platform for high-potential startups and established companies from Ukraine to showcase technologies that are transforming modern warfare. Low-cost, scalable unmanned systems, battlefield-tested solutions, and other cutting-edge innovations will be on display, highlighting how Ukraine has become a hub for practical, combat-proven security technology.
Ukraine, where unique technological solutions are developed and tested daily, is emerging as a leading producer of security innovations for the free world. The summit offers a rare opportunity to invest in solutions that have already demonstrated their effectiveness in real combat and are helping define the future of global security.
A highlight of the summit will be the “Battle Proven” competition for defense and dual-use startups. Ukrainian developers whose technologies are either already deployed on the frontlines or planned for deployment within the year can participate. The contest is divided into three categories:
- Trail Blazers — early-stage teams with promising solutions
- Gamechangers — teams already operating at the front
- Power Players — major players whose technologies influence the war on a daily basis
Thirty selected teams will have the chance to present their solutions to leading investors and compete for a prize fund.
The summit is expected to draw over 5,000 participants from more than 40 countries, including technology developers, end-users, and strategic decision-makers. Attendees will gain firsthand insight into how battlefield-proven innovations are shaping the future of defense and global security.
