Defence Builder accelerator opens applications for 4th batch: which teams are they looking for

Defence Builder has opened applications for the fourth batch of its accelerator programme. Ten teams from any country in the world developing defence or dual-use technologies with a working prototype at TRL 4+ can join.

This batch prioritises seven technological areas: multi-layered protection against aerial threats, including guided bombs, resilient communications and navigation, rapid response, precision and autonomy of unmanned systems, robotics for hazardous tasks, next-horizon technologies, and modules and components for existing platforms.

Selected developers will work across two tracks:

• Military track – teams validate products with over 30 military units through use-case analysis, field days and demonstrations for representatives of procurement bodies and end users.
• Business track – over 80 experts help build a company around the product. Teams will work with founders of leading technology and defence companies on unit economics, intellectual property rights, export, production and capital raising.

This batch will also feature a separate AI track for R&D and operational activities, along with round tables with defence industry leaders.

Mentors on the programme include commander of the 93rd Brigade’s UGV unit Oleksandr Kharkovets, CEO of Buntar Aerospace Ivan Kaunov, and former NATO DIANA programme director Vijay Sekhara. In addition, the programme opens access to a network of over 100 investors.

Applications are accepted until 30 October 2026 via the form, and a full description of the programme is available via the link. It begins in November 2026 and runs in a hybrid format in English and Ukrainian.

Each selected company will receive a starter grant in exchange for a minority stake in the company, and during the programme may raise additional funding from partners based on results achieved. After Demo Day, each team will retain a personal portfolio manager and a six-month roadmap.