SRI Deep Tech Security Accelerator is recruiting its second cohort and invites Ukrainian defence tech startups to apply

Deep Tech Security Accelerator, in collaboration with the American research organisation SRI International, has opened applications for its 2026 cohort. Startups in the defence sector whose solutions have proven effective in combat conditions are invited to participate. The accelerator shared the details with Defender Media.

Startups from Ukraine, the US, European countries, and Indo-Pacific countries are eligible to participate in the cohort. The focus areas for this cohort include defence, security, or critical technologies, such as aerospace, autonomy, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, energy, and biotechnology.

Basic requirements for startups to apply:

• Your product is TRL 6+;
• It has been tested in real operational or combat-like conditions;
• Already has users, pilots, or early contracts;
• You’re ready to scale beyond Ukraine;
• A technically differentiated, scalable solution, ideally with dual-use potential.

To apply, you must complete a form describing your company by 22 February 2026. Startups that pass the selection process will receive the following benefits:

• Silicon Valley residency at SRI International (April 13–24, 2026);
• Direct access to the U.S. DoD-facing organisations, allied stakeholders, and primes;
• Clear go-to-market strategy for the U.S. and allied defence markets;
• Investor readiness and curated introductions to VCs and strategic funds;
• Mentorship from people who actually operate in defence & dual-use ecosystems;
• 6 months of follow-on support after Silicon Valley.

The first cohort of the accelerator included 21 defence tech startups, including leading Ukrainian manufacturers: Swarmer, Himera, Airlogix, Farsight Vision, TAF Industries, etc. Deep Tech Security operates in partnership with SRI International. This is an independent non-profit research institute in Silicon Valley that works in the fields of AI, space and security, among others.