08:30   Registration and morning refreshments

09:30   Session 1: Channelling Investment Into The Latest Defence Technologies To Enable Rapid Scaling-Up And Advance Cutting-Edge Technologies To Speed Up Their Deployment And Bring Victory Closer

• Charting the growth of UK-UA defence industrial and Defence Tech cooperation in the last 2 years – key milestones
• Status update on the rapidly evolving technology being employed on the frontline
• Can the controlled export of Ukrainian military production during the war be a viable option in order to raise additional tax revenues and allow the defence industry to invest in new technologies and expand production?
• Providing an insight into UK Government funding and procurement procedures
• How Government and Primes can drive innovation and a more agile and responsive defence sector through closer collaboration with VCs, startups and SMEs

11:00   Morning refreshments

11:30   Session 2: Financing Scalability: The Importance Of The VC Ecosystem For Ukrainian And International Defence Tech

• The critical role of Venture Capital in driving and accelerating technological advancements
• How securing investment is enabling Defence Tech startups to fulfil existing demand, scale operations, refine their technology and accelerate their impact
• Charting the growth of European sustainable investment funds’ exposure to defence stock
• Who is winning the debate on whether defence companies can be classified as an ESG investment? Are overcautious or misapplied ESG considerations still restricting the ability of the sector to attract the required financing?
• Developing dual-use projects as a means to alleviate investor concerns
• The impact Defence Tech clusters and accelerators are having on educating investors, identifying emerging technologies and channelling investment

13:00   Lunch

14:00   Session 3: Showcasing Case Studies From Fast-Growing Defence Tech Startups In Ukraine And The UK

• The importance of building integration and collaboration amongst companies and founders to grow the Defence Tech ecosystem
• The crucial nature of the rapid feedback loop from the frontline to achieve accelerated development cycles
• An overview of the latest tech solutions being developed and which are most urgently required, including:

• Advanced guidance systems, algorithms and machine learning models
• Sensor integration and real-time data analysis
• Smart munitions capable of adjusting trajectory in-flight
• Simulators and training software
• Autonomous and semi-autonomous systems with high-precision targeting capabilities
• Network-centric warfare tools to improve data exchange and enhance command and control systems
• Counter-drone and electronic warfare systems
• Secure and adaptable tactical communication systems

15:30   Afternoon refreshments

16:00   Session 4: Practicalities Of Doing Business In The Ukrainian Defence Tech Sector For UK And International Business

• Highlighting the range of investment incentives available and the importance of a single window investment agency
• The need for long-term planning to align investments with government procurement plans
• Streamlining, simplifying and digitalising import and export licencing processes to encourage FDI
• Progress report on the development of war risk insurance mechanisms to stimulate and protect investment flows
• Addressing the challenges of shortages in the workforce, the possibility for key workers to receive exemption from mobilisation and the importance of labour upskilling and reskilling. Simplifying work and residency permits for international staff
• Ensuring the necessary mechanisms and legislation are in place to protect international and domestic investors in disputes and arbitration

17:30   Evening reception