ANALYTICAL ASSESSMENT OF THE DEVELOPMENT AND MANAGEMENT OF DEFENSE TECH STARTUPS IN UKRAINE DURING CURRENT GEOPOLITICAL CHALLENGES

Abstract

The article examines the latest transformation of the Ukrainian startup ecosystem under the influence of full-scale war, with a particular focus on the development of defense tech startups. A general assessment of the Ukrainian startup ecosystem’s position in global ranking and its dynamics during the past years (2022-2025) was made. Structural changes in the distribution of Ukrainian startups by different industries are analyzed, demonstrating a significant shift of innovative activity towards defense and dual-use technologies. The study highlights the key management characteristics and features of Defense Tech startup projects, including accelerated development cycles, constant increased uncertainty, close interaction with end users (Ukrainian military structures), a fast-changing environment, the necessity of scaling, and the enhanced role of the state in these processes as a major stakeholder. The main changes in the Ukrainian defense tech startup sector are presented, including larger investments, a significant increase in projects quantity and quality, and new specific state programs, like BRAVE1, whose target is to provide versatile support to these companies. Detailed structure of national startups in the sphere of defense tech is provided. A complex comparative analysis of the Ukrainian defense tech segment with a selected group, which is Central and Eastern European countries, is conducted to identify specific features, competitive advantages, disadvantages, and development constraints. A conclusion about the current situation within the highlighted group, its perspectives, and its main targets was made. Main drawbacks and tasks for the Ukrainian defense tech segment are underlined. The research emphasizes the relevance of Industry 5.0 core principles for managing Defense Tech startups, particularly human-centricity, resilience, sustainability, and the integration of technological and social objectives. The results contribute to the further academic discussion on startup project management in times of crisis conditions and may serve as a basis for improving innovation policy and management models during war and post-war economies or further studies.