Less PowerPoint,
More Field Testing
Our bootcamps are five-day field-testing programmes bringing together the best minds in defence tech. Hosted in Ukraine, in partnership with elite military units, these events forge real partnerships, integrations, and combat-validated solutions on the spot.
Potential funding allocated per bootcamp, rigorous pre-selection of startups, and direct engagement with military, banking, and governmental partners.
Companies receive invaluable feedback, field-testing opportunities and combat validation. Partnerships, integrations, and sales — all on the spot.
From guided munitions to terrain imaging, thermal cameras to remote weapon systems — alumni have delivered combat-ready solutions that redefine the battlefield.
Not a Conference.
A Proving Ground.
This isn’t a theoretical exercise. Teams tackle actual challenges facing their product development and Ukraine’s defence today.
Teams work on actual challenges facing Ukraine’s defence. Live polygon demos under realistic combat conditions with direct feedback from combat veterans.
Ukraine’s leading army units, NATO militaries, and defence tech innovative minds join forces. Operators, engineers, and investors in the same room.
With support from leading industry partners and the Darkstar Coalition, participants have access to cutting-edge tools, resources, and capital.
A rare chance to collaborate with top defence players, network with industry leaders, and compress the path from prototype to deployment in weeks.
The Challenges
Modern warfare demands capabilities that didn’t exist a decade ago. We’re looking for technologies that win the war and rearm Europe’s defence forces for the threats ahead.
Operations under GPS denial, EW jamming, and degraded communications. Resilient navigation, mesh networks, and systems that function when the electromagnetic spectrum is hostile.
From short-range loitering munitions to mid-range precision strike and deep-strike cruise capabilities. Scalable, producible weapon systems across the full engagement spectrum.
Sensors, autonomy, and targeting that work in rain, fog, snow, and darkness. Mobility platforms and ISR that don’t degrade when conditions do.
Directed energy, high-power microwave, advanced batteries, field power generation. The force that can sustain energy superiority controls the tempo of the fight.
AI-driven autonomous systems, swarm coordination, counter-UAS, human-machine teaming, and next-generation C2. The technologies that will define the battlefield of 2030.
Europe cannot rearm at legacy-programme costs. We need mass-producible, attritable systems at a fraction of incumbent pricing — volume, not gold-plating.
Your Impact Matters
Whether you’re building drones, rockets, communication technologies, autonomous weapon systems, BMS, camera systems, or sensors — this bootcamp will amplify your impact.
Deep-dive into the defence community, apply your products in real conditions, commit to collaborations and partnerships, and contribute to solutions that matter.
Evaluate cutting-edge technologies under realistic conditions. Provide direct feedback to innovators and identify solutions for your unit’s capability gaps.
Get front-row access to battle-tested startups. See technologies validated in real conditions before committing capital.
Contribute resources, expertise, or infrastructure. Help shape the future of European defence alongside the coalition.
Join Bootcamp #7
Kyiv, Ukraine — Summer 2026. Five days that could redefine your trajectory.
Apply to Camp