Introduction

“Attracting investment to speed up the deployment of next generation technology”

Introduction

The war in Ukraine has totally redefined warfare and the defence industry's future. Since February 2022 Ukraine has become synonymous with defence innovation.

Ukrainian and international defence tech start-ups are developing their technologies, not least in UAVs, EW tools, communication devices and robots, and their effectiveness is being proven on the frontline. What is required now is to channel investment to enable rapid scaling-up and the advancement of these technologies in order to speed up their deployment.

The Ukrainian and international defence tech VC ecosystems have mobilised and are proactively investing in the most promising technologies and innovative companies. At the same time international investment funds’ exposure to defence and aerospace is steadily rising as investors recognise the need for a strong and technologically advanced defence industrial base.

The Forum has been convened to once more bring together all key stakeholders – government, technology developers and VCs – for a timely discussion on how to channel investment without delay to where it is most needed.

Background

In 2024 we held the Ukrainian Drone Defence Forum and the first UK-UA Defence Tech Forum at RUSI in London in cooperation with Kinstellar and with the support of D3 VC.

The series of conferences was convened to enhance the collaboration between Ukrainian, British and international defence tech firms, together with the VC community, to scale up production and speed up R&D and new innovations.

We cooperate with the Embassy of Ukraine in the UK, UK Department for Business and Trade and the UK Ministry of Defence on the delivery of the events. Keynote speakers have included the Chief of the UK Defence Staff, Admiral Sir Tony Radakin. and Major General Anna-Lee Reilly and other senior MOD and DBT officials. The forums have been supported by the Ukrainian government and military, with representatives from the Ministry of Strategic Industries, the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces and Brave1 clarifying Ukraine’s front line technology needs.

To produce tangible outcomes on each occasion D3 VC has brought 15 hand-picked leading Ukrainian defence tech companies to London to create partnerships with technology sector members of ADS Group.

We are grateful to the outstanding Sponsors of the Forums, namely Palantir, Helsing, Sigma Software Labs, Defence Builder, Evolve Dynamics, Destinus, Tetra Tech, FUIB, Vantiq, and Red Hat.

Our 2024 Forums attracted over 500 participants and registration had to be closed well in advance of each event.