Research and Innovation Series (RIS) – Part XI: Ukraine’s Defense Tech Revolution and Lessons from Beetroot Academy

The Institute for Security and Development Policy (ISDP), through its Stockholm Center for Research and Innovation Security (SCRIS), is pleased to invite you to the next webinar in its Research and Innovation Series (RIS), featuring Andreas Flodström, Swedish entrepreneur, Founder of Beetroot, Founder and CEO of Beetroot Academy, and Chairman and Co-founder of Varangians. 

Organized by SCRIS, the Research and Innovation Series (RIS) promotes dialogue on issues shaping research, technology, and innovation security. By bringing together policymakers, researchers, industry representatives, and practitioners, the series explores national approaches to research and innovation, emerging technological developments, and the challenges that affect economic competitiveness and national security. 

Ukraine has emerged as one of the world’s most dynamic defense technology ecosystems. Faced with Russia’s full-scale invasion, Ukrainian companies, engineers, researchers, and entrepreneurs have rapidly developed innovative solutions ranging from drones and autonomous systems to battlefield software, cybersecurity capabilities, electronic warfare technologies, and AI-enabled applications. Many of these innovations are not only strengthening Ukraine’s defense but are also changing Europe’s understanding of defense innovation, resilience, and technological preparedness. 

This webinar will examine how Ukraine’s wartime innovation ecosystem has developed, the factors that have enabled rapid technological adaptation, and the lessons European governments, industry, and research institutions can draw from Ukraine’s experience. The discussion will also explore how stronger cooperation between Ukraine and Europe can contribute to innovation, defense preparedness, and long-term security. 

Drawing on more than a decade of experience building technology companies and educational initiatives in Ukraine, Andreas Flodström will share his perspectives on Ukraine’s technology ecosystem, the role of entrepreneurship and talent development during wartime, and the opportunities for deeper collaboration between Ukraine and Europe. 

Melita Phachulia, Executive Assistant, will moderate the discussion. The event will begin with a presentation followed by a Q&A session.  

Join us for this timely discussion as part of ISDP’s Research and Innovation Security (RIS) Webinar Series, which brings together leading experts to examine national approaches to research security and the future of international scientific cooperation in an increasingly contested geopolitical environment.  

The webinar will explore: 

• The evolution of Ukraine’s defense technology ecosystem. 
• The role of startups, education, and entrepreneurship in wartime innovation. 
• Defense technology investment and the emergence of dual-use innovation. 
• Rapid technology development during wartime. 
• Lessons for European innovation, resilience, and research security. 

Speaker: 

Andreas Flodström is a Swedish entrepreneur and the Founder of Beetroot, Founder and CEO of Beetroot Academy, and Chairman and Co-founder of Varangians. Over the past decade, he has built Beetroot into a technology ecosystem comprising several companies dedicated to creating positive societal impact through software development and technology education, now operating across five countries. Ukraine has been at the center of this work since 2012. Throughout Russia’s full-scale invasion, Andreas has continued expanding operations in Ukraine, supporting grassroots initiatives, investing in local talent, and promoting Ukraine’s technology sector internationally. Through Varangians, a defense technology investment firm, he supports innovation that strengthens both Ukraine’s defense and Europe’s long-term security.