Solutions to win: Innovation Hub to boost groundbreaking "garage" inventions for the frontline
TAF Drones has launched the Defense Tech Innovation Hub cluster in order to implement "garage" innovations on the frontlines. How can inventors without a background in startups apply?
Rubryka reports this.
What is the problem?
In January of 2024, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Transformation Mykhailo Fedorov announced that the Brave1 cluster participants had already submitted over a thousand developments geared towards aiding the military on the battlefield. Of these, 481 have received BRV1 status, meaning they are deemed a top priority for the Ukrainian Defense Forces.
However, there are a significant number of promising developments that, unfortunately, do not receive sufficient funding for their implementation. According to TAF Drones, the number of such developments has already exceeded several thousand.
What is the solution?
TAF Drones' Innovation Hub aims to address this issue by utilizing venture investments and more adaptable forms of funding.
The funds will be directly invested in promising technologies and talented teams, even if they do not have prior startup experience.
This approach will empower technically focused teams, regardless of their business or management experience, to materialize their ideas and make valuable contributions to advancing defense technologies.
How does it work?
Unlike other defense clusters, TAF Drones' Innovation Hub differs in its approach to investment. Typically, defense clusters distribute grants to a wide range of projects to support the development of the defense technology industry. At the same time, the Innovation Hub focuses on direct funding of specific technologies and ideas, regardless of the commercial stage of development.
This way, the Innovation Hub will invest directly in innovation and inventors, providing resources to move rapidly from concept to production and front-line use.
Unlike traditional venture funds, which prioritize increasing corporate profitability, Innovation Hub leverages the resources and expertise of TAF Drones, one of the largest manufacturers of FPV drones, to focus on innovation. This makes it an ideal partner for "garage" inventions that may not otherwise reach a refined stage and enter mass production.
"Our focus is on innovations from the "garages and trenches," which, without our support, could remain only a dream of their creators. We strive for each promising development to quickly reach the front, where it can save lives and contribute to victory," Oleksandr Yakovenko, founder of TAF Drones, says.
"For example, a target guidance board has been developed, and 10-20 drones need to be broken down to test it, including for compatibility with the autopilot, etc. Once the development is finished, this technology can be applied to all future drones, making it a highly sought-after product for consumers."
Features of the Defense Tech Cluster Innovation Hub
Rapid implementation: TAF Drones has the experience and resources to rapidly move promising developments into serial production and delivery to the frontline.
Access to Manufacturing Facilities: Inventors gain access to TAF Drones' manufacturing facilities to test and refine their technology.
R&D base support: TAF Drones has a team of experienced R&D center specialists who can help develop and improve new technologies.
First of all, the Innovation Hub is looking for technologies that add value to FPV drones. The following are now top priorities:
- Developing radio modules resistant to EW interference for FPV drones;
- Creating target guidance systems;
- Localizing the production of components for FPV;
- Advancing EW and anti-EW technologies.
How to apply:
TAF Drones encourages anyone developing innovative defense technology to apply to participate via its website.
For reference:
TAF Drones is a military-tech company that produces and develops military technologies, from FPV drones to artificial intelligence for aerial reconnaissance.
It should be noted that in Zaporizhzhia, engineers and students of the "School of Robotics" have developed a robotic sapper to assist the needs of Ukraine's armed forces and emergency personnel.
