The interest came within just two weeks of the scheme first being announced. 

A total of 45 international companies have applied to participate in Brave1’s ‘Test in Ukraine’ initiative since it launched on 1 August, it has emerged. 

The initiative allows international companies to send their innovations to Ukraine for testing by frontline personnel, and to receive rapid feedback on their effectiveness. 

The head of Ukraine’s Brave1 defence-technology accelerator, Andrii Hrytseniuk, announced the 45-company figure during a panel session titled “Arming the Transatlantic” at Iron Demo 2025 in Lviv on 1 August. 

Of the companies mentioned by Hrytseniuk, most of them are “manufacturers of UAVs, UGVs [uncrewed ground vehicles], and communication and navigation tools”, however, the names of the companies have not been disclosed. 

A Brave1 spokesperson told DSEI Gateway that the companies include participants from Australia, North America, Taiwan, and the UK.  

Their interest came within two weeks of Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Digital Transformation, Mykhailo Fedorov, first announcing the initiative. 

‘Test in Ukraine’ “gives foreign companies a rare chance to test their products in real conditions and quickly improve their technologies based on practical insights”, Hrytseniuk said. 

The spokesperson said that “manufacturers can test on-site [in Ukraine] and make adjustments in real time, or delegate testing to Brave1, which will conduct trials after an online briefing and provide a comprehensive report”. 

In terms of specific technologies, Brave1 has identified 10 priority areas, including UAVs, UGVs, counter-UASs, and naval drone systems. 

Notably, AI and machine learning are also being eyed for testing, as are electronic warfare and signals intelligence solutions. 

Brave1 is also open to testing ammunition, lasers, communications, navigation technology, missiles, and propulsion solutions. 

Eligible companies will be selected after they have provided “pricing, high-quality photo and video materials, clear technical specifications, [and] a description of the product’s benefits”, the Brave1 spokesperson said. 

There is currently no set end date for the scheme and Brave1 continues to welcome participants, they added. 

New applicants can apply on the Brave1 website, and if successful, Ukrainian troops will test the technologies and report back on their effectiveness. Information about how to obtain an import permit to deliver innovations to Brave1 is also available.