€1M Grants For Allied-Ukrainian Defence Innovation
UNITE — Brave NATO funds joint teams of NATO Allied and Ukrainian companies to co-develop and test defence technologies at TRL 7+. Scaling to €50M in 2026. Managed by NCIA and Brave1.
What Is UNITE?
UNITE — Brave NATO is the first joint NATO-Ukraine defence innovation programme. Launched in November 2025, it funds teams of Allied and Ukrainian companies to co-develop defence technologies that address real battlefield needs. The first competition focuses on counter-UAS, air defence, and frontline communications, with testing via Ukraine's "Test in Ukraine" platform and NATO testing sites.
Technology Focus Areas
- Counter-UAS / anti-FPV drone
- Counter-Shahed systems
- SIGINT electromagnetic support
- Electromagnetic attack tech
- High-altitude platforms
- Autonomous guidance systems
- GPS-independent navigation
Is UNITE For You?
You Qualify If
- Your company is registered in a NATO member country (any of 32 nations)
- You have a technology at TRL 7 or higher (tested prototype / near-market)
- You can form a joint team with a Ukrainian company
- Your technology addresses counter-UAS, air defence, or communications
Not For You If
- Your company is not in a NATO member country
- Your technology is below TRL 7
- You cannot partner with a Ukrainian company
- Your company is state-owned
- You have beneficiaries or ties to Russia, Belarus, or Iran
Frequently Asked
How does the joint team work?
Each project must have at least one Allied company + one Ukrainian company. NATO (via NCIA) covers Allied company costs up to €500K. Ukraine (via Brave1) covers Ukrainian company costs up to €500K. Total max €1M per project. The first competition has a €10M budget (€5M from NATO, €5M from Ukraine), scaling to €50M across 2026.
How do I find a Ukrainian partner?
Register on the UNITE matchmaking portal (portal.usf.com.ua/unite-nato). The matchmaking period runs end March – end April 2026. You can also contact unite@brave1.gov.ua directly.
What's the application timeline?
Registration: open now. Matchmaking: end March – end April 2026. Applications: March – May 2026. Review: April – June. First winners: May – July 2026.
Who manages procurement?
NCIA (NATO Communications and Information Agency) issues the contracts. This is NOT managed by DIANA or the NATO Innovation Fund — it's a separate programme.
Is there a Declaration of Eligibility?
Yes — Allied companies must submit a Declaration of Eligibility through their national NATO delegation. Ukrainian companies are verified through Brave1's compliance process.
What about IP?
IP arrangements are governed by individual NCIA contract terms. Request procurement documentation from NCIA for specifics.
Will there be more rounds?
Yes — the programme is scaling to €50M in 2026 with at least 2 competition rounds. Future focus areas include FPV/fibre-optic solutions, high-power lasers, and extended-range UAS/UGV communications.
Check Your Eligibility
Describe your defence technology and we'll assess your UNITE eligibility.
Defence Tech
Ready for Ukraine?
UNITE is the first NATO-Ukraine joint innovation programme. Let's get you in.