I am a fan of solving problems with market-inspired solutions; markets efficiently allocate resources and drive innovation through decentralized decision-making. Earlier this year, I wrote about how modular, open systems architectures (MOSAs) could enable a competitive solution marketplace, allowing warfighters to pick the best solution for their mission and generating competition among solution providers.

Less than two months later, we learned that Ukraine is actually doing it. Soldiers in drone units earn points based on confirmed kills, which they can exchange for new gear in the Brave1 Market. The scheme benefits the war effort by bypassing bureaucratic acquisition processes and incentivizing developers to create the solutions needed in the field, getting innovative products directly into the hands of those who need them. Of course, Soldiers will be able to leave reviews which will further drive competition and product evolution.

The Market was created by Brave1, an innovation accelerator founded by the Ukrainian government, much like the DefenseWerx hubs in the US. Started in 2023, it has funded hundreds of projects resulting in dozens of fielded innovations and over $65M in private investments to further develop and manufacture technologies that will help Ukraine win the war.

While the US has also been committed to accelerating innovation, war forced Ukraine to move faster and more effectively. Ukraine has demonstrated resourcefulness and innovation throughout the current conflict, and this marketplace is yet another great example. Getting effective tools to the frontlines efficiently has been an important aspect to their success to date.

What are your thoughts on Brave1? What market-inspired solutions would you like to see in your domain? Comment below!