DB Accelerator has opened the second wave of the Batch 4.0 open call. Following requests from teams, applications are now open until 15 November 2026.

In the first wave, the accelerator received applications from defence and dual-use teams in 22 countries. The average technology readiness level of the applicants is TRL 5, and 64% of the teams report TRL 5 or above. Strong teams have applied in all of the programme's priority domains.

Over the past weeks, teams have asked the accelerator to extend the call. The second wave gives more teams the time to prepare a complete application. Teams that applied in the first wave don't need to reapply: their applications are already under review.

Batch 4.0 works with teams at different stages. For teams ready to scale, the programme offers a starting grant in exchange for a minority equity stake, investment readiness work on IP, equity and company structure with Defence Builder's legal partner AEQUO, and introductions to investors from a network of more than 100.

For teams that need validation, Batch 4.0 provides testing with more than 30 Ukrainian military units, direct feedback from operators and a Field Demo Day with more than 80 military participants.

For teams looking for customers and partners, the programme includes demonstrations to procurement officers, introductions to Ukrainian manufacturers and integrators, and preparation for export and international markets.

• Applications are open until 15 November at defencebuilder.com/batch4-application-form  

• Programme details are available at defencebuilder.com/batch4