In late July, the public union Techosystem announced the creation of a new cluster dedicated to the development of Ukrainian defense startups – Techosystem Defense. As of today, the cluster includes 13 companies. It is headed by Yehor Dudinov, CEO of Falcons, a company that has developed a radio-electronic intelligence system already in use on the front lines.
Formation and Joining the Cluster
The idea for Techosystem Defense stemmed from the recognition that DefenseTech permeates all spheres of activity and work in Ukraine, with the primary goal of winning the war with minimal human losses through the use of advanced technologies. The cluster was formed within the Techosystem union to efficiently combine all other areas of the economy and technology.
Techosystem is an open association of players in the technology ecosystem with a focus on product companies. Initiators of the union include BRISE Capital, Center42, Genesis, Sigma Software, Ukrainian Bridge, Vacuum Deep Tech Acceleration, and the Ministry of Digital Transformation. The union is also supported by TECHIIA, Qollabe, and SMOK Ventures.
Yehor Dudinov was elected as the head of the cluster due to his experience and vision for its development. He is the co-founder and CEO of Falcons, a defense miltech company that produces software and hardware for the military.
Any company can join Techosystem Defense, but first, they must become a member of the Techosystem union. The process includes verification and obtaining two recommendations from current members.
The Work of Techosystem Defense
Techosystem Defense focuses on small and medium-sized enterprises in the innovation sector, with an emphasis on DefenseTech in the defense sector. It distinguishes itself as an association created by businesses and entrepreneurs, serving as a tool in their hands.
The cluster’s routine work includes weekly calls to update issues and discuss operational tasks. Working groups on projects determine the frequency and format of communication independently. Main cluster meetings are held at least once every three months, and the working group meets once a month.
Key goals of the cluster include addressing issues such as team member reservation, cooperation with the state, fulfillment of state orders, and attracting investments for the development of technologies and innovations in the defense sector.
The cluster aims to build relationships with various stakeholders in the defense market, prioritizing the end-users – the military. Understanding their needs and creating products that meet those requirements is a top priority. Maintaining constant communication at all levels of the military hierarchy and with government institutions is also crucial.
Interaction with the State and Attracting Investments
While acknowledging the state’s efforts in promoting the industry, Techosystem Defense believes there’s room for improvement. The cluster aims to act as a “glue” that unites and directs certain efforts, potentially implementing pilot projects that can be scaled up nationally and internationally.
Attracting investments is another key goal. The cluster plans to introduce both Ukrainian and foreign investors to its developers through a series of events. The focus is primarily on attracting foreign investments to strengthen the economy.
Techosystem Defense envisions itself as a platform for uniting the efforts of teams working on effective solutions for Ukraine’s security and defense forces. The hope is to reduce the number of parallel projects, consolidate the efforts of technology teams, and create effective, accessible battlefield solutions.
Conclusion
Techosystem Defense represents a promising initiative in Ukraine’s defense technology sector. By fostering collaboration, attracting investment, and addressing key challenges, the cluster aims to play a significant role in strengthening the country’s defense capabilities.
Based on materials from our partners at dev.ua: Oleksii Dziuba
