Ministry of Defense of Ukraine announced about the launch of the “K4 Startup Studio” program, which is aimed at the development of military startups using artificial intelligence. Its main goal is to create technological solutions that will provide an advantage on the battlefield. The initiative is implemented with the support of the German Federal Ministry of Defense and the Office for Effective Regulation (BRDO).
The “K4” program is a new format for the state’s interaction with the innovation environment, uniting developers, military experts and world-class mentors. The Ministry of Defense has identified four main challenges that meet the current needs of the Ukrainian army. It is in these areas that the participants will present their solutions, although they can also propose their own ideas in the field of defense application of AI.
The selection of teams will take place in several stages. Up to 10 teams will be selected to participate in the program, 4 of which will receive funding of $250,000 each for the implementation of a technological solution. Startups will be evaluated twice – a specially created Grant Committee, which will include military experts and end users of solutions on the front, will make the selection.
The program envisages two-phase development of projects. First, the teams will undergo a four-month intensive with mentorship from leading Ukrainian and international specialists, combat testing and feedback from the military. After that, another six months of individual support are provided, which should end with the attraction of investments or the signing of a state procurement contract.
“K4 Startup Studio” was created taking into account the leading practices of technology accelerators. Its main value for startups is its direct connection with the military, which allows it to adapt and scale products for the defense sector. For investors, this is an opportunity to quickly gain access to war-tested technologies.
“In Ukraine, artificial intelligence is already undergoing combat testing. We don’t just adapt – we set trends. We have real examples of the effective use of AI in combat conditions – that’s why we believe in this direction and attract partners to invest in Ukrainian developments. K4 is a program for those who are ready to turn their code into a weapon in the hands of our defenders.” – said Kateryna Chernogorenko, Deputy Minister of Defense for Digital Development, Transformations and Digitalization.
Applications for participation in the program are accepted until August 15, 2025. Developers and potential investors are encouraged to join the program, which is designed for those whose technology needs to work where it really matters – on the battlefield. “K4” is the entry point to technology that changes the rules of war.
