Ukraine and the Netherlands launch a €20 million joint fund for defence startups

Ukraine and the Netherlands have announced the launch of the Brave Netherlands programme, which will jointly fund defence tech projects developed by Ukrainian and Dutch companies. The initiative is being launched under the Brave International framework.

The programme is built around a grant fund with a planned budget of €20 million. Funding will be provided on a 50/50 basis, with Ukraine and the Netherlands each contributing half.

Ukrainian and Dutch defence tech companies will be eligible to apply for grants. Projects will be selected by joint expert committees and executive boards comprising representatives from both nations.

According to the organisers, priority will be given to technologies that address the current needs of Ukraine’s Defence Forces while also strengthening the defence capabilities of partner nations.

On the Ukrainian side, the programme will be coordinated by the Brave1 defence technology cluster. The Dutch Ministry of Defence will serve as the principal partner from the Netherlands.

The Brave Netherlands programme will operate similarly to Brave France, which was launched in June. As Defender Media previously reported, Ukraine and France each contribute €10 million, while individual grants can reach up to €1 million.