Brave1 Defense Tech Valley 2025: What you need to know about the world’s largest defence tech investment summit

In exactly one week, on 16 September, the Defence Tech Valley summit will open in Lviv — a two-day event organised by the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine and the state defence tech cluster Brave1.

The organisers describe it as the world’s largest investment summit dedicated to defence tech, with more than 5,000 participants from over 40 countries expected. As a media partner, Defender Media highlights the most exciting features awaiting visitors at the event.

Defence Tech Valley venues

For security reasons, the venue of the summit is being kept secret and will be shared only with registered participants and guests via personal messages. What is known is that two main stages will be in operation: the Main Stage and the Startup Stage. Over the two days, they will host panel discussions, keynote speeches, and the Battle Proven defence startup competition.

In addition to the two central stages, the summit will feature several interactive spaces for networking and collaboration:

• Brave1-on-1 — a blitz-networking zone. Guests can pre-book 15-minute meetings with other participants via a dedicated app.
• Invest Tinder — a catalogue of Ukrainian Brave1 technologies where visitors can leave their contact details for manufacturers of interest to explore potential cooperation.
• Roundtables — a space for defence discussions and problem-solving. Four thematic roundtables will be held with CEOs of Ukrainian and international companies, investors, military representatives, and experts.
• Charity and military stands — interactive zones presented by leading volunteer foundations and military units.
• Partner lounge areas — relaxation and networking spaces from Defence Tech Valley partners.
• Secret location — details to be revealed only to summit guests.

Programme highlights

The agenda promises two days of intensive discussions, speeches, and fireside chats. Confirmed keynote speakers include:

• Haluk Bayraktar, CEO of Baykar;
• Andrius Kubilius, EU Commissioner for Defence and Space;
• Mykhailo Fedorov, First Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine;
• Perry Boyle, CEO of MITS Capital;
• Kimberly Kagan, Founder and President of the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).

The organisers have also teased several surprise guest speakers. Among the many panel discussions, three stand out in particular:

• “Mythbusters: Top 5 common misconceptions about investing in Ukrainian defence.” Speakers: Eveline Buchatskiy (Managing Partner, D3), Pär Lager (Co-founder & CEO, Varangians), Bram Oostvogel (Founder & CEO, NUNC Capital), Justin Ziffé (Co-founder & Partner, Green Flag). Moderator: Maria Portoles (Vsquared).
• “First Software War: How AI Empowers Ukraine Defence.” Speakers: James Lithgow (Managing Director, Shield.ai Ukraine), Josef Kranvetfogl (SVP, Stark), Yurii Myronenko (MoD Ukraine), Yaroslav Azhnyuk (TheFourthLaw). Moderator: Clayton Williams (IQT).
• “The R&D flywheel: How to commercialise wartime innovation.” Speakers: Seppo Aaltonen (VP, Nordics & NATO, ICEYE), Vitalii Lopushanskyi (CEO, UADAMAGE), Andrii Chulyk (CEO, Sine Engineering). Moderator: Shruti Mehrotra (Syla Capital).

Earlier, Defender Media announced the Battle Proven startup competition, the finals of which will take place at Defence Tech Valley 2025.