From April 27 to May 3, 2026, the capital will host Kyiv Defense Tech Week (KDTW) – the first comprehensive gathering designed to integrate Ukraine’s battle-tested innovations into the global security ecosystem.
The Ecosystem Hub
Co-organized by Invest in Bravery and the European Defense Tech Hub, KDTW is positioned as a strategic bridge. The objective is clear: to connect localized innovation with global capital, industrial capacity, and high-level policy leadership. At a time when global security is being redefined, the event serves as a high-stakes environment where military necessity meets technological advancement.
The Three Pillars of KDTW
The week is structured around three critical engagement points, each targeting a specific sector of the defense industry:
University Defense Tech Forum (April 28–29): This forum focuses on the intellectual foundation of defense. It facilitates a direct dialogue between Ukrainian and European academia, prioritizing the development of dual-use technologies and long-term research collaboration.
Invest in Bravery Summit (April 30): A high-level investor summit. This curated event provides international strategic partners and VCs with direct access to a pipeline of vetted Ukrainian defense startups, focusing on solutions that have already faced real-world testing.
Defense Tech Hackathon (May 1–3): A three-day intensive build sprint. This technical track is designed to solve immediate battlefield challenges, including the development of counter-drone systems, sensing technologies, and resilient communication networks.
The Payoff: Beyond the Frontline
Ukraine currently operates as the world’s most advanced testing ground for next-generation defense. KDTW is not just a showcase of local talent; it is a platform for scaling these technologies for the European market and beyond. For global innovators and investors, the event represents a unique opportunity to engage with hardware and software solutions that are already redefining the future of global security.
Learn more and get involved: https://www.kyivdefensetechweek.com/