Ukrainian defence technology accelerator Defence Builder Accelerator has opened applications for its Batch 4.0 programme, under which it will select ten teams from anywhere in the world developing defence technologies or dual-use technologies with a working prototype at TRL 4+ and prepare each of them for military procurement and investment raising. Defence Builder Accelerator reported this.
Applications are open until 30 October 2026 via the application form, and the full programme description is available here on the Batch 4.0 page. Integrated systems, software, modules and components at TRL 4+ are eligible to apply. The programme starts in November 2026 and runs in a hybrid format in English and Ukrainian, with around two one-hour workshops per week. Completing the application takes about 20 minutes and requires a non-classified pitch deck.
Each selected company receives a seed grant in exchange for a minority stake in the company, and during the programme may secure additional funding from partners based on performance.
After Demo Day, each company is assigned a dedicated portfolio manager and a six-month roadmap. The company also continues to receive introductions to manufacturers, integrators and end users, and can join Defence Builder’s international delegations.
The programme operates across military and business tracks. Within the military track, teams validate products with more than 30 military units through use-case reviews, field days and demonstrations for procurement bodies and end users. Within the business track, more than 80 experts help build a company around the product: unit economics, intellectual property rights, exports, manufacturing and capital raising.
The programme prioritises seven technology areas:
- multi-layer protection against aerial threats, including guided aerial bombs;
- resilient communications and navigation;
- rapid response;
- precision and autonomy of unmanned systems;
- robotics for hazardous tasks;
- next-horizon technologies;
- modules and components for existing platforms.
Batch 4.0 also introduces new elements: an AI track for R&D and operations, as well as executive round tables with C-level leaders from the defence industry.
Defence Builder is a Ukrainian defence technology ecosystem developed by Sigma Software Group, Kyiv School of Economics and Buntar Aerospace. It brings together an accelerator, an early-stage venture fund (DB Fund), an industry analytics and due diligence arm (DB Capabilities), and the Defence Talent Hub. Since 2024, the accelerator has completed three cohorts. Its 24 portfolio companies represent Ukraine, Denmark, Estonia, Canada and the United Kingdom. They have received more than $650,000 in grant funding.