The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine is launching the K4 Startup Studio program aimed at supporting military startups focused on artificial intelligence development. The initiative seeks to create innovative solutions that provide a technological advantage in warfare. This project is implemented with the support of the Federal Ministry of Defense of Germany and the Office of Effective Regulation (BRDO).
K4 is a new format of state interaction: the program brings together developers, military experts, and international mentors.
The Ministry of Defense has identified 4 key challenges that address the needs of the military. Teams can submit their ideas in these areas for participation in the program. Participants may also propose their own AI solutions for defense. A complete list of challenges is available on the website: k4.mod.gov.ua.
The selection of program participants will occur in several stages. Up to 10 teams will be chosen to participate, with 4 receiving funding of $250,000 for each project. Teams will undergo evaluation twice by a specially formed Grant Committee, including military experts and end users of new technologies.
Each team will first complete a 4-month intensive development program: mentorship from leading experts, combat testing of their solutions, and feedback directly from military personnel. Following this, there will be 6 months of individual support aimed at securing investments or signing a procurement contract.
The K4 Startup Studio model is based on best practices from accelerators. The main advantage for startups is direct communication with end users and the opportunity to scale their solutions into a real defense system. For investors, it offers quick access to technologies tested in combat conditions.
“In Ukraine, artificial intelligence is already undergoing combat testing. We are not just adapting; we are setting trends. We have real examples of effective AI application in combat conditions, which is why we believe in this direction and engage partners to invest in Ukrainian developments. K4 is a program for those who are ready to turn their code into weapons in the hands of our defenders,” says Kateryna Chernohoryenko, Deputy Minister of Defense for Digital Development.
Applications can be submitted until August 15, 2025, on the website k4.mod.gov.ua.
We invite developers and investors to collaborate, aiming to have their technologies utilized where it truly matters – on the battlefield. K4 is your entry point into the technologies that change the rules of war.
