A non-profit programme for UK and Ukrainian startups has launched today to support businesses developing technology that can provide assistance on the frontline.
TechExchange will provide pro-bono support in the form of introductions to investment and commercial opportunities to defence and agritech startups.
It will provide UK-based startups with the opportunity to test their technology in “live environments”, TechExchange said.
The launch comes nearly two years after Russia mounted its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
TechExchange has launched with four Ukrainian startups in its first cohort. They are developing technologies that include mine removal, missile detection systems, unmanned aerial systems and drones to map out battlefield environments.
The programme is being solely funded by TechExchange founder Andriy Dovbenko, who told UKTN that he is open to providing equity investments into participating startups.
“As a Ukrainian who has been living and working in the UK since 2018, I’m laser-focused on contributing to the Ukraine’s war effort against Russia in any way I can,” said Dovbenko.
“It’s an unfortunate truth that war breeds innovation and the companies we’re seeing being created in response pushing new boundaries. Both nations have renowned engineering pedigree so connecting them in a two-way technology programme enables the cultivation of ideas, growth and knowledge.”
TechExchange is launching with one cohort per year for four to six startups, split evenly across defence tech and agritech.
The first four startups are Pilotechnika, Skyeton, Transimpex and Zvook.
Participating companies must have received pre-seed funding or beyond, be based in the UK or Ukraine, and operating in the defence or agricultural technology space.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has prompted support from the UK’s tech sector in the past. In December 2022, the UK and Ukraine agreed to expand their digital trading relationship.