Innovative Prosthetics: Ukrainian Startup Fund and Brave1 offer up to UAH 8 million to developers of prostheses and components

The Ukrainian Startup Fund and the Brave1 defence tech cluster, supported by the Ministry of Digital Transformation and the Ministry of Social Policy, Family and Unity, have launched the Innovative Prosthetics grant programme. The initiative is designed to stimulate domestic research and development, helping Ukrainian teams build competitive, functional, and personalized prosthetic technologies.

The initiative offers non-repayable state funding of up to UAH 8,000,000 per project. Available financing depends directly on the technology readiness level, supporting teams across different phases from initial idea validation to fully functional prototypes and market-ready products.

The official announcement does not specify an application deadline, indicating an ongoing or rolling intake process through the fund’s official portal. The call aims to alleviate acute national demand for prosthetic devices and reduce reliance on critical foreign components.

What is funded

The grant supports research, development, testing, and enhancement of advanced prosthetic solutions. Core priority areas include technologies for upper and lower limb prosthetics, incorporating bionic, electronic, and mechanical systems that improve patient mobility and day-to-day usability.

Funding also covers the creation of domestic prosthetic components such as specialized electronics, drives, battery systems, and mechanical units to substitute imported alternatives. Furthermore, projects utilizing 3D printing and other advanced customization methods designed to tailor devices to individual amputee requirements are eligible.

Who can apply

The call is aimed at Ukrainian developers, including early-stage startups, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and research institutes or R&D organizations. Applicants must focus on engineering viable prosthetic solutions and components capable of clinical validation and future scaling.

Eligible entities should possess the requisite technical and engineering expertise in fields like biomechanics, electronics, or industrial design. The programme supports entities capable of navigating long development cycles and preparing products for domestic and global deployment.

Conditions and requirements

Grant amounts are structured strictly according to the maturity of the proposed technology. Projects focused on testing an idea can receive up to UAH 2,000,000, while developing a laboratory sample qualifies for up to UAH 4,000,000. Initiatives aiming to build a functional prototype or a finished product are eligible for up to UAH 8,000,000.

Practical tip. Clearly substantiate your project’s technology readiness level and present realistic milestones, as funding allocations are tied strictly to developmental stages ranging from concept verification to market-ready prototyping.

The initiative requires participants to demonstrate clear pathways toward prototyping, testing, and regulatory certification. Beneficiaries must focus on reducing import dependency, ensuring technical serviceability, and improving the affordability of the final products.

How to apply

Applications must be prepared and submitted online through the official portal of the Ukrainian Startup Fund. Applicants need to register their accounts, complete the standard application templates, and attach relevant project documentation outlining the technological and commercial scope.

The official source material does not state a definitive submission deadline or outline multi-stage review dates. Prospective applicants are encouraged to complete and file their submissions promptly via the portal.

Applications are submitted on the donor’s page: usf.com.ua.