Building the Future of Defense: Inside 17Tech’s 4-Month Accelerator With a Frontline Field Lab in Ukraine
Defense innovation demands speed, precision, and brutal real-world feedback. At 17Tech, we’ve designed an accelerator specifically for that mission — to help early-stage startups go from first prototype to battlefield-tested solution in four months.
This is not just a startup bootcamp. It’s a product forge for teams building technologies that protect lives, defend sovereignty, and shape the future of defense.
Why We Built This Accelerator
Traditional startup support programs don’t work for defense. Timelines are too slow. Feedback loops too abstract. And the stakes? Much higher.
17Tech exists to close that gap. We are utilizing our defence, R&D, accelerator (29 done) and investment as well as global business experiences to support defence startups.
We help defense and dual-use startups move faster, build smarter, and validate directly with those who matter most: the end users — soldiers, frontline operators, and defense leaders. That includes two unique features:
A field immersion in Ukraine already in the first phase to validate the real problem and learn organic product development with real users
Battlefield testing at the end of the program for the most promising products — under operational conditions, with real consequences
Startups begin by engaging directly with soldiers and frontline experts. Through shadowing, interviews, and scenario-based analysis, they uncover real needs and begin designing solutions grounded in the lived reality of warfighters. They return with sharper focus, validated use cases, and a clearer understanding of how their technologies must perform.
From there, teams move into rapid prototyping, supported by technical mentors and domain experts. Weekly reviews, expert-led workshops, and test planning push teams toward building products that are not just functional — but field-ready.
What sets 17Tech apart is the depth and range of expertise we bring. Our mentors and advisors include:
World-class R&D professionals from top-tier research institutes and tech companies
Product leaders and engineers from global tech companies
Defense professionals, battlefield operators, and procurement experts
Expertise on innovation events around the world
This mix ensures that each startup gets support across science, engineering, product design, and go-to-market execution — not just from the defense world, but also from those who’ve built at scale in business and deep tech.
The most mature teams move on to battlefield testing in Ukraine, where they deploy solutions in real operational conditions with support from local military partners. Structured testing, performance feedback, and on-ground iteration give teams irreplaceable experience and credibility. They don’t just imagine their product being used — they see it used, under pressure.
The accelerator culminates in a final Demo Day, where teams present to a curated group of investors, defense buyers, integrators, and military leadership. Each team walks away with field validation, investor visibility, and—crucially—direct contacts with defense forces who can support operational adoption and deployment beyond the program.
Why It Works
Startups validate early and often — not months later
Mentors bring deep experience from defense, global tech companies, and cutting-edge science
Field testing happens in real operational environments, not simulations
The program focuses on solving urgent, real-world needs — and building from user pain, not founder theory
Founders graduate with real traction, real test data, and real relationships that can turn pilots into contracts
And you have then done the whole process with your potential customers
At 17Tech, we’re not here to generate slides or hypotheticals. We exist to build defense tech that works — in the field, under pressure, for people whose lives depend on it.
Applications are open.
If you're building for defense, we want to hear from you.
→ Apply now at 17tech.fi
