The Brave1 Cluster has extended the registration deadline for its Battle Proven defense startup competition to July 25, 2025. This highly anticipated event will take place during the Brave1 Defense Tech Valley 2025 investment summit on September 16-17, offering a unique platform for innovative defence and dual-use startups to showcase their technologies.
Battle Proven is designed to identify and support the most promising startups in the defence sector. As stated by Brave1, “Battle Proven is a competition for 30 defence and dual-use startups… As part of the competition, selected teams will present their developments to the largest community of specialized investors, get a chance to scale, and compete for the prize pool.” This initiative underscores the growing emphasis on fostering innovation and technological advancement in the defence industry.
The competition is structured into three distinct categories, each targeting a different stage of startup development. The Trail Blazers category is for startups at the pre-seed stage but with already powerful solutions. The Gamechangers category is aimed at startups whose products are already operational on the battlefield. Finally, the Power Players category is for technologies that have a daily impact on the course of war. This categorization ensures that startups at various stages of maturity have the opportunity to participate and benefit from the competition.
The prize fund for the Battle Proven competition is generously provided by a consortium of Ukrainian and international defence technology companies, including Tekever, Quantum Systems, and Athlon Avia. The list of partners is expected to expand, reflecting the growing interest and investment in defence innovation. This financial backing not only provides a significant incentive for startups but also highlights the collaborative efforts within the international defence community.
The extension of the registration deadline provides additional time for startups to prepare and submit their applications, ensuring a broader and more competitive field. The Battle Proven competition is poised to be a pivotal event in the defence tech calendar, offering unparalleled opportunities for startups to gain visibility, secure funding, and scale their technologies.
This initiative is particularly timely given the recent launch of the BraveTech EU defence initiative by the European Union and Ukraine. This new initiative aims to mobilize 100 million euros to identify and support technological game-changers for modern warfare. The BraveTech EU initiative, coupled with the Battle Proven competition, underscores a concerted effort to drive innovation and technological advancement in the defence sector.
The Battle Proven competition represents a significant opportunity for defence startups to gain exposure and secure investment. It also reflects the broader trend of increasing collaboration and investment in defence technologies, driven by the need for innovative solutions to modern security challenges. As the defence industry continues to evolve, initiatives like Battle Proven will play a crucial role in shaping the future of defence technology and innovation.
