The rapid evolution of the Ukrainian defence sector, driven by immediate need and threat, has catapulted its tech and talent to the top of countries scrambling to innovate their security needs. As we accelerate the adoption and integration of these technologies into all aspects of our lives, every layer that underpins them is on the frontlines of great power competition and unforeseen systemic risks. 

Whether it’s espionage, sabotage in the depths of the sea, cognitive warfare, or solar storms, the digital architecture that we rely on to innovate and operate is being compromised and sometimes weaponised, with far-reaching impacts on our cyber and cyber-physical systems. As these risks converge, adversaries are finding new ways to collaborate to their advantage, while traditional Western partnerships are challenged. This requires entrepreneurs to not only understand the threats to their own startups but also how to identify opportunities for growth as innovation and instability collide.