EDTH x RISER Accelerator — Battlefield Validation for Defense Startups: How to Get Real Data and Not Die Trying
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For defense startups, real-world validation is the difference between promising technology and mission-ready capability. Yet gaining access to battlefield-relevant data is complex, risky, and often misunderstood.
In this session, the founders of the Riser Accelerator share firsthand insights from Ukraine—today’s most demanding and rapidly evolving defense innovation environment—and share how startups can validate their solutions under real conditions.
What “battlefield validation” really means—and what it doesn’t
How startups can access real operational environments responsibly
Lessons learned from deploying and testing technologies in Ukraine
Translating battlefield insights into scalable, fundable products
About the Speakers
This session is led by the co-founders of the Riser Accelerator, a platform connecting defense startups with real operational environments and end-users:
Anatolii Kalantarian
Co-Founder, Ukraine Operations Lead
Based in Kyiv, Anatolii spearheads Riser’s on-the-ground operations, collaborating closely with military units and local partners to ensure responsible and effective field validation. Previously serving as CEO of a defense investment fund in Ukraine for the last three years, he brings over 15 years of investment experience to drive impactful outcomes.
Vitaliy Kriukov
Co-Founder, Technical Lead
Based in Kyiv, Vitaliy, a former commander of a strike UAV unit in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, delivers frontline expertise in deploying and adapting drone technologies amid combat conditions. His career encompasses UAV development, operational deployment, and defense innovation, blending engineering prowess with invaluable battlefield insights.
Natascha Grams
Co-Founder, Global Partnerships & Investor Relations Lead
Based in Germany, Natascha leads global defense ecosystems and investor relations for Riser Coming from a global executive background, she brings in 20 years of international leadership experience and is one of the leading voices in Germany for the collaboration with Ukraine focusing on market entry, investments and joint ventures.
Sandra Weeser
Co-Founder, Policy & Institutional Lead Germany
Based in Germany, Sandra leads engagement with public institutions and industry bodies in Germany. Having served eight years as a member of the German Bundestag, she offers profound insights into national policy and legislation, complemented by her leadership of the National Security Group of the German-French Parliament, advancing defense, security cooperation, and European integration.
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