For the first time, Ukrainian developers and scientists had the opportunity to take part in the NATO Innovation Challenge, a hackathon aimed at finding solutions to common security challenges of the Alliance member states. This was reported by the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine.
The main theme for 2025 is the fight against guided aerial bombs (CAB)
The competition will take place on 27 March in Bydgoszcz (Poland) and will be available online.
What is known about the hackathon?
The NATO Innovation Challenge is an initiative of the NATO Innovation Hub, coordinated by the Alliance’s Joint Transformation Command. It aims to engage start-ups, research centres and individual developers in creating innovative solutions in the field of defence and security.
Why is it important for Ukraine?
“Hostile CABs are one of the biggest threats to our military on the frontline and peaceful cities. It is important that this problem has become a key topic of the NATO hackathon. This confirms that we are in a single security context with the Alliance,” said Deputy Minister of Defence Valeriy Churkin.
Until this year, participation in the NATO Innovation Challenge was open only to NATO member states, but in 2025 Ukraine was admitted to the competition for the first time.
How to apply?
- Registration is open until 13 March.
- The solution must be relevant, innovative and realistic.
- Evaluation criteria include usability, compatibility, security, scalability and cost-effectiveness.
- Detailed terms and conditions are available on the hackathon’s official website.
The Ministry of Defence has called on Ukrainian inventors, innovators, scientists and representatives of the defence industry to join the NATO hackathon.
