European deftech startups pitched to the Ukrainian military at an event by Defence Builder and 17Tech

Ukrainian accelerator Defence Builder, in collaboration with Finland’s 17Tech, organised a meeting between Ukrainian military personnel, investors and European defence tech startups. During the session, founders from the 17Tech accelerator programme pitched frontline solutions. Defence Builder shared details of the event with Defender Media.

Among the solutions presented by the startups were technologies to protect vehicles from FPV drones on conventional communication channels and fibre-optic networks. These systems combine several types of detection, from radio-frequency and optical to integration with classic surveillance radars.

Participants also demonstrated optical, radar, and sensor solutions that can detect not only drones but also mines and other threats on routes. Another section was dedicated to proprietary components for UAVs and ground systems with a controlled supply chain. Manufacturers received feedback from military units involved in electronic warfare, unmanned systems, and support forces of the 7th Corps.

In November 2025, Finnish venture capital company and accelerator 17Tech announced a strategic partnership with Ukrainian Defence Builder. In addition to such events for startups, they organise technology testing under combat conditions and exchange experience to improve acceleration models.

This gives Ukrainian developers access to feedback from the Finnish Armed Forces, investors and Nato structures, while Finnish developers gain access to mentors with combat experience from Ukraine.