Brave1 & Ukrainian Start-up Fund launch student engineering challenge "Alternative robots"

The Brave1 Defense Technology Cluster and the Ukrainian Start-up Fund, with the support of the Ministry of Digital Transformation and the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine, are launching a new challenge within the Brave Students program. 

This time, participants are asked to create a robotic device, capable of moving without wheels. Teams will independently define a purpose for their mission, create the device design, and implement main principles of movement. 

What needs to be developed?

The task of the "Alternative Robots" challenge is to create a robotic platform that can move overland, amphibious or underground without the use of wheels. Participants can experiment with different approaches to moving - such as walking, crawling, rolling, or other non-standard mechanisms.

The organisers have deliberately avoided setting a narrow technical specification. Teams must independently determine which task can be enhanced by robotics and offer their own technological solution for it.

The challenge involves a full cycle of work on an engineering solution: developing the concept, presenting the idea to engineers and manufacturers, creating a physical prototype, testing and demonstration, finalisation of the decision, final presentation of the prototype. Participants will gain practical experience through hands-on tasks and interaction with members of the defense industry and other stakeholders. The best teams will get the opportunity to continue developing their projects and moving away from student development into the actual practical implementation of the solution. 

Who can participate?

Students of Ukrainian universities and colleges who want to develop engineering skills, work on their own technological solution and try to go from idea to physical prototype are invited to participate.

Due to security restrictions, detailed conditions and deadlines for the next stages will be communicated to registered and selected teams separately. The challenge schedule may also vary depending on the security situation.

Further details and information

Registration lasts until September 17, 2026.

Register for the challenge .

More details on the website of the Ministry of Education and Science.

"Alternative Robots" — is the second engineering challenge within Brave Students, a Brave1 initiative aimed at involving students and universities in the development of applied solutions in the field of defence tech and dual-use technologies.

© National Coalition for Digital Skills & Jobs, Ukraine