On February 18th, the U.S.-Ukraine Business Council (USUBC) and BRAVE1, Ukraine’s defense technology cluster, co-organized the Defense Tech Innovations Networking Reception in Kyiv. This exclusive gathering, held within the framework of the Defense Tech Innovations Forum 2025, brought together representatives from the Ukrainian and international defense industries, technology companies, and key government stakeholders to promote collaboration in the defense technology sector.

The event provided a strategic networking platform for industry leaders to exchange insights on Ukraine’s evolving defense needs, advancements in military technology, cybersecurity, UAV systems, and dual-use innovations. Participants had the opportunity to explore investment and partnership opportunities in defense-related projects while engaging with USUBC members and key industry experts.

The evening featured welcoming remarks from Nataliia Kushnerska, CEO of Brave1; Greg Fishman JD, USUBC Executive Committee member and Defense Working Group Co-Lead; Daniel Bilak, USUBC Executive Committee member, Defense Working Group Co-Lead and Partner at Kinstellar; and Andrew Bain, Co-founder and Executive Director of the Ukrainian Freedom Fund. Their insights set the stage for active and productive business networking.

USUBC extends its appreciation to GardaWorld Security, Teledyne FLIR, and Mack Defense, LLC for their partnership and support in making this event a success.