CEO Andriy Hrytseniuk Departs from Brave1 Defense Cluster
Andriy Hrytseniuk has officially stepped down from his role as CEO of the Brave1 defense cluster. During his tenure, the cluster launched several key initiatives, including revamping its grant program, introducing the Brave1 Market platform tailored for military needs, and bolstering domestic component manufacturing.
Hrytseniuk joined Brave1 in May 2025 alongside a fresh leadership team. Under his guidance, the cluster accelerated grant application processes and prioritized cutting-edge technologies. A notable achievement was the creation of Brave1 Market, an innovative marketplace where military personnel can redeem e-Balls for drones and other equipment. Additionally, infrastructure was developed for comprehensive testing of advanced weapon prototypes through Brave1 and the NEXT unit.
Brave1’s Key Projects and Achievements
The cluster is deeply involved in advancing new weapons technologies such as cost-effective anti-aircraft missiles, autonomous drones, ground robotic systems, and remote control mechanisms. Over two years, Brave1 has awarded more than 540 grants totaling over 2 billion UAH. The 2025 national budget allocates nearly 3 billion UAH specifically for grant support in defense technology.
Priority focus areas for Brave1 include:
- Missiles
- Laser systems
- Drone swarms
- CRPA antennas
- Waterborne drones
- Anti-Shahed technologies
- Anti-KAB systems
- Mother drones
- Ukrainian Mavic drone
- Precision-guided munitions
Brave1 unites over 1,500 innovative companies and has played a vital role in developing markets for technologies such as electronic warfare systems with short-range capabilities, AI-guided interceptor drones, and fiber-optic controlled UAVs.
Despite the CEO transition, Brave1’s leadership team remains intact. Viktor Rudenko continues as head of the Innovation Development Fund, while COO Iryna Zabolotna is focused on ensuring smooth cluster operations during this period. The successor to Hrytseniuk as CEO has not yet been announced.
Hrytseniuk’s resignation reflects shifts in the cluster’s strategic direction, which will undoubtedly shape Brave1’s future endeavors.
Brave1 is committed to advancing critical defense projects that require consistent leadership and innovative strategies. Given the current challenges facing Ukraine’s defense industry, it is crucial that the incoming CEO maintains and builds upon the progress established by the previous leadership.