During IRON DEMO 2025, young teams showcased innovative technologies in military applications. The best projects received funding to further their development.

The first place went to the smart EW system "Falcon," capable of detecting and neutralizing enemy drones. This technology is based on software that jams the main frequencies of UAVs. The system can be mounted on vehicles and carried by soldiers.

The second place was awarded to an innovative thrust block for missile systems that significantly enhances launch system effectiveness. This involves a rotating-detonation engine that allows for a fuel savings of up to 25%.

This engine operates on a blast-rotational principle, combining both reactive and kinetic thrust. Experts from Lviv Polytechnic were involved in its development.

Some drawbacks of this engine include difficulties in steering and instability of the installation. However, it allows for longer flights due to fuel savings while maintaining high speeds. Additionally, it is simple and cost-effective to manufacture.

Similar technologies are actively being researched in the USA and China. In the USA, there are plans to equip fourth-generation fighter jets with rotating-detonation engines.

The third place was taken by a relay for FPV drones, already operational in the Pokrovsk direction. It ensures stable communication in challenging combat conditions. Thanks to its directional antenna that adjusts its position, operators can maintain stable control over the UAV.

"The Lviv City Council has long been supporting defense companies. There are vouchers worth 2 million UAH for companies creating innovative developments and 1 million UAH for those wishing to scale their existing solutions. A few months ago, together with the IRON cluster, we launched new support for early-stage developments," says Lviv City Council member Oleksiy Voznyak.

According to him, grants can be awarded to projects with a technological readiness level as low as TRL-3, meaning at the concept stage. The Lviv City Council allocates funds: the first place receives 300,000 UAH, the second place 200,000 UAH, and the third place 150,000 UAH.

Overall, in 2024-2025, the Lviv territorial community issued 92 grants for defense developments, totaling 79.7 million UAH.

"The funds can be used for purchasing components, paying engineers, conducting tests, etc. Everything needed to create a prototype and test it," says IRON cluster leader Volodymyr Cherniuk.