Former Acting Minister of Digital Transformation of Ukraine Oleksandr Bornyakov has taken over as head of the Supervisory Board of the Brave1 defense technology cluster. This key position had remained vacant for the past six months. As noted, Bornyakov played a decisive role in establishing and developing the Brave1 project from its launch in early 2023, and was also actively involved in developing support mechanisms for companies working in the defense technology sector (DefTech).

In parallel with his new role at Brave1, Oleksandr Bornyakov has also been appointed adviser to the newly appointed Minister of Digital Transformation, Oksana Ferchuk, who took office on July 16, 2026. His task in this role will be to help the ministry implement priority projects that need to be completed or actively supported by the end of the current year.

As an innovation hub that brings together developers, startups, and investors in the defense technology sector, Brave1 faces the need for further development and optimization of its processes. One of the first tasks for the newly elected head of the Supervisory Board is to implement corporate governance reform. This reform involves strengthening the role of the Supervisory Board, which will make it possible to manage the organization’s strategic development more effectively. Bornyakov plans to create specialized subcommittees that will focus on individual areas of activity, taking into account the wide range of tasks facing the cluster.

“We want to make the Brave1 system more sustainable and efficient,” Oleksandr Bornyakov comments. “This includes both reforming internal management processes and strengthening external engagement with the defense industry and investors.”

In addition, Bornyakov plans to increase the number of grant competitions. This will be an important step toward accelerating the process from development to deployment of technologies at the front, as well as attracting additional investment in Ukrainian defense innovations. Increasing funding and support for startups working on urgent security and defense challenges is a key element of Brave1’s development strategy.

“Our task is to shorten the path from an idea to its practical application,” Bornyakov explains. “We must ensure that the best Ukrainian developments can quickly receive the support and investment they need to reach the market.”

As part of the corporate governance reform, a team is planned to be formed to audit individual decisions and operational processes. This will ensure transparency and efficiency in management, as well as a better understanding of how successful management decisions are. Legal and procedural changes are also part of this comprehensive reform.

Bornyakov will also pay special attention to strengthening networking for entrepreneurs. His goal is to more actively represent the Ukrainian defense industry on the international stage, helping entrepreneurs find contacts, partners, and potential customers. Although the Supervisory Board operates at the strategic level, Bornyakov believes it is necessary to devote more attention to practical support for business development.

Brave1 priorities: from research to scaling

Brave1’s work covers two key areas of defense technology development. The first is early research (R&D), which includes developing solutions based on artificial intelligence, new approaches to secure communications, laser weapons, and other promising technologies. These projects may not produce immediate results, but they are critically important for the country’s future defense capabilities.

The second area is scaling technologies that have already proven effective. These may include underwater drones, new types of missiles, or other solutions that require large-scale production. Grant programs will be aimed at supporting teams working to take these developments to the next level.

“We understand that in the conditions of modern war, the speed of innovation implementation is crucial,” Bornyakov notes. “That is why we are focusing on accelerating this process, both for research projects and for ready-made solutions.”

Bornyakov also plans to focus on eliminating delays in holding grant competitions. Approval has already been received from the Ministry of Defense for 20 new directions, for which competitions are planned to be launched as soon as possible. This indicates active work with the defense ministry to meet urgent needs at the front.

Cooperation with the Ministry of Digital Transformation: stability and strategic development

As adviser to Oksana Ferchuk, Oleksandr Bornyakov plans to help ensure the stable operation of the Ministry of Digital Transformation, a large state institution with more than 200 employees, 40 communication and information systems, and 96 different projects.

“Transferring knowledge and experience is a key task at this stage,” Bornyakov says. “The Ministry of Digital Transformation is a complex ecosystem that requires a deep understanding of processes to ensure effective operation.”

According to Bornyakov, the new leadership’s priorities at the ministry will be artificial intelligence and the development of services in Diia. He also believes that support for the IT industry and preserving the conditions for the development of Diia.City as the foundation for the entire sector will remain important areas of work.

“I know that the new head of the ministry pays significant attention to the eExcise project, which is extremely important for the state,” Bornyakov notes. “Brave1 will likely also remain in her focus, given the close cooperation between these two areas.”

With experience in the security and defense sector, Oksana Ferchuk may bring a new, deeper perspective on certain aspects of the ministry’s work, both at the political and operational levels. Her willingness to continue cooperation with the security and defense sector is an additional incentive for innovation in this area.

For now, according to the available information, the Ministry of Digital Transformation team remains unchanged. Any possible personnel changes will be determined by Oksana Ferchuk in line with her vision of staffing policy.

Diia.City as a successful example of a free economic zone

Oleksandr Bornyakov proudly recalls the success of the Diia.City project, which he calls the only example of a free economic zone that has not been involved in scandals related to the transfer of funds abroad. During his time as Acting Head of the Ministry of Digital Transformation, Diia.City became a space where more than 10 Ukrainian unicorn companies emerged, bringing together over 4,500 residents, 187,000+ IT specialists, and generating more than UAH 93 billion in tax revenue for the budget.

“I am proud to have been an architect of such a project, which today includes around 5,000 companies and provides jobs for more than 250,000 people. In my opinion, this is the best indicator of success,” Bornyakov says.

At the beginning, the project sparked a lot of controversy and skepticism, but thanks to persistent work and transparency, it achieved results that changed attitudes toward it. Diia.City became a symbol of innovative development in Ukraine’s IT industry and an effective tool for attracting investment and talent.

Assessment of Mykhailo Fedorov’s work as Minister of Defense

Answering a question about the possible resignation of Mykhailo Fedorov from the Ministry of Defense, Oleksandr Bornyakov expressed the opinion that Fedorov was “a very strong Minister of Defense.” He believes that under the current circumstances, Fedorov was the best candidate for this position.

“There may be other candidates, but I don’t see any for now,” Bornyakov said, emphasizing his effectiveness and contribution to the development of the defense ministry.