Ukraine’s defense innovation ecosystem is highly fragmented and lacks business development expertise. We exist to become its center of gravity and boost global commercialisation for startups.
Initiative overview
Who is behind KSE Defense Innovation
Kyiv School of Economics serves as a platform, providing its network and capabilities of KSE Institute. During the active phase of war, KSE Foundation has raised $30m+ in aid for defenders and medical needs. Tymofiy Mylovanov, KSE President, is a chairman of the Board at Ukroboronprom and the former Minister of Economy.
The core team behind KSE Defense Innovation consists of experts with background in venture development, corporate innovation, enterprise business development, and defense industry.
Venture investment
We are raising an early-stage VC fund to invest in defense, dual-use, space, veteran startups from Ukraine, as syndicates and lead investors. Our added value for entrepreneurs builds around facilitating defense funding applications, active business development engagement in Ukraine and globally, attracting co-investors.
Business development and insights exchange
Our team works with startups to commercialise globally through sales support and roadshows. For governments and defense contractors, we facilitate the exchange of relevant battlefield insights with Ukrainian combatants.