In Ukraine, the joint defense-innovation financing program UNITE – Brave NATO is being launched together with NATO.
This was reported by the Ministry of Digital Transformation.
“Ukraine and NATO are launching the first large-scale joint program UNITE – Brave NATO to accelerate the emergence of defense innovations on the battlefield,” the statement said.
Within the initiative, the first pilot competition with a total budget of €10 million will take place in early 2026. NATO will finance its contribution through the Comprehensive Assistance Package for Ukraine (CAP), and the Ministry of Digital Transformation will allocate an equivalent amount. On the Ukrainian side, the Brave cluster will implement the project, while from the Alliance it will be the NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCIA).
UNITE – Brave NATO will provide grants in the following areas: counter-UAS systems (c-UAS), SIGINT systems, navigation in electronic-warfare environments, and ground robotic platforms.
According to NATO Deputy Secretary General Radmila Šekerinska, this project will be a win-win initiative for both the Alliance and Ukraine, within which innovators from both sides will work together to address urgent battlefield challenges.
The expected start of the application period is February 2026. The winners of the first competition will be announced in spring 2026 at the second Ukraine–NATO Defense Innovators Forum.
After a successful pilot competition, the program’s funding may be increased to €50 million.
