Innovative Program for Military Startups
The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine is launching the K4 Startup Studio initiative aimed at supporting innovations in military technology based on artificial intelligence. The primary goal of the program is to develop solutions that can provide an advantage in combat situations. This initiative is implemented with the support of the Federal Ministry of Defense of Germany and the Office of Effective Regulation.
K4 represents a new approach to collaboration between government entities and entrepreneurs, bringing together developers, military experts, and world-class mentors.
The Ministry has identified 4 key challenges that address the needs of the military. Teams can submit their solutions for participation in the program, as well as propose innovative ideas in the defense sector. A complete list of challenges is available on the website: k4.mod.gov.ua.
The selection of participants will occur in several stages. Up to 10 teams will be chosen, of which 4 will receive grants of $250,000 for their technological solutions. Teams will be evaluated twice by a special committee consisting of military experts and practical users of new technologies.
Each team will first undergo a 4-month intensive development program, including mentorship from leading experts, combat testing of their solutions, and feedback from military personnel. This will be followed by 6 months of individual support that will culminate in attracting investments or signing government contracts.
The K4 Startup Studio model is based on best practices from accelerators. The main advantage for startups is direct communication with the end user and the ability to integrate their solutions into the real defense system. For investors, it offers quick access to technologies tested in combat conditions.
“In Ukraine, artificial intelligence is already undergoing combat testing. We are not just adapting; we are setting new trends. We have real examples of effective AI application in combat situations, which is why we believe in this direction and are engaging partners to invest in Ukrainian developments. K4 is a program for those ready to turn their code into a weapon in the hands of our defenders,” said Kateryna Chernogorenko, Deputy Minister of Defense for Digital Development.
Applications can be submitted until August 15, 2025, at the website k4.mod.gov.ua.
We invite developers and investors who want their solutions to work where it truly matters – on the battlefield. K4 is your gateway to technologies that change the rules of war.
