The Ukrainian-American defense accelerator MITS and American University Kyiv have completed their first programme for Ukrainian miltech startups.
According to Forbes Ukraine, participants in the programme received $100,000 in investments from MITS each, with an additional $100,000 allocated for expertise provided in partnership with American University Kyiv.
The funded startups are developing solutions such as secure communication systems for drones, portable detectors and drone jammers based on AI, visual positioning systems for use in the absence, jamming, or damage of GPS signals. The programme also includes a team focused on manufacturing drone engines.
“MITS accelerator programme startups provide solutions that continuously adapt to user needs,” said MITS Advisory Board member David Bonfili.
Following the conclusion of the first programme, MITS is starting the selection process for the next cohort.
The defense accelerator MITS (Military Innovation Technology Solutions), with a targeted size of $50 million, launched in Ukraine in February this year. It was founded by a group of American investors led by Perry Boyle, a former executive committee member of Point 72, LP. The advisory board co-chairs include former strategic advisor to the US Secretary of Defense and NATO Secretary General Philip Karber, and former Deputy Assistant Secretary General of NATO for Defense Investments Ernest Herold.
American University Kyiv is the first private university in Ukraine with American education standards, which began admitting students in February 2022.