About eudis DEFENCE HACKATHONS
Overview of the initiative
The EUDIS Defence Hackathon is an initiative driven by the European Commission to foster innovation in the defence sector. It aims to bring together the brightest minds across Europe to collaborate on key challenges related to defence, cybersecurity, and resilience.
The hackathon provides a unique opportunity for participants to engage with industry experts, tackle real-world defence issues, and contribute innovative solutions that enhance European defence capabilities. Through a blend of online and in-person events, the hackathon encourages teamwork, creativity, and technological advancement for a stronger European defence framework.
The European Defence Fund (EDF), a programme of the European Commission, is financing the EUDIS hackathons.
Meet the hackathon local organisers for the Autumn 2025 edition
Fly over a location on the map to find out more about the 2025 local organisers or click on a country below:
Key dates and theme for Spring 2026
Upcoming Edition
The EUDIS Hackathon empowers young innovators across Europe to tackle real-world challenges in the fields of space and defence. Through hands-on problem-solving, participants work on cutting-edge topics such as autonomous systems, secure communications, energy resilience, cyber defence, and advanced aerospace technologies.
Each edition invites students and early-career professionals to co-create practical solutions that respond to the evolving needs of European security and technological sovereignty.
Join our Info Session for Local Organisers
12 January
The European Defence Innovation Scheme (EUDIS), under the European Defence Fund (EDF), is gearing up for the 4th edition of the EUDIS Defence Hackathon, taking place simultaneously across 8 different locations inEurope on 26–28 March 2026. The European Commission has officially launched the Open Call for Local Organisers, inviting organisations across EU Member States and Norway to host this pan-European defence innovation event.
Open call for organisers
Join the EUDIS Defence Hackathon Spring 2026 Info Session for the Open Call.
Benefits for participants and mentors
Why Join?
Why join the EUDIS Defence Hackathon 2025?
The EUDIS Defence Hackathon is your chance to be part of Europe’s evolving defence landscape, drive innovation, and build valuable connections. Here are some reasons why you should join:
Benefits for Participants
Recognition in the Defence community
Gain visibility and acknowledgment within the European defence sector. This hackathon is funded by European Union and is a part of EU Defence Innovation Scheme , offering you a unique platform to showcase your ideas on a grand scale.
Networking with industry experts
Connect with experts from the defence sector, innovators, and policy-makers. Networking opportunities like these can help build professional relationships and open doors for future cooperation in the industry.
Skill development in emerging technologies
Develop and refine your skills in key areas such as situational awareness and tactical surveillance, protective gear for frontline defence and medical support for frontline care. Workshops, mentor guidance from the EU defence industry, and hands-on experience during the hackathon provide valuable training that you can leverage in your career.
Mentorship from industry experts
Gain one-on-one guidance from experienced mentors who can help you navigate complex challenges and strengthen your solution. Mentors are top professionals in their fields, providing insights and real-world knowledge.
Contribute to Europe's Defence capabilities
Work on real-world challenges that address critical needs in defence. The solutions you develop have the potential to directly impact and enhance Europe’s ability to respond to critical challenges in EU defence and security.
Access to resources and workshops
Participate in workshops hosted by industry experts that help you learn more about specific technologies, problem-solving approaches, and teamwork techniques.
2025 Hackathon Highlights
The Spring 2025 edition of the EUDIS Hackathon, held under the theme Rapid Defence Solutions for the Ukrainian Battlefield and Beyond, took place across eight cities in the EU.
Over 48 hours of intense collaboration, participants, mentors, and defence experts came together to co-develop fast, deployable solutions focused on situational awareness, troop protection, and medical assistance.
This edition fostered dozens of breakthrough ideas, combining software and hardware innovation to meet real battlefield needs. Once again, the EUDIS Hackathon proved to be a dynamic platform for defence-driven creativity and pan-European collaboration.
Your journey to innovation
Participant Timeline
EU Defence Hackathon
2025
Prepare yourself for a transformative experience that takes your ideas from concept to impactful solutions.
01
Registration opens
Interested participants can start registering as individuals or as a team. Early registration is highly recommended to secure your spot and receive early information.
02
Pre-hackathon webinars
Get insights from our experts on what to expect during the hackathon. Learn about the structure, challenges, and opportunities to maximize your impact.
03
Registration opens
Interested participants can start registering as individuals or as a team. Early registration is highly recommended to secure your spot and receive early information.
04
Hackathon weekend
Participate in any of the 8 hackathon locations to work on your innovative solutions in any of the three presented challenges
05
Mentorship and preparation phase
Engage in a focused mentorship phase where you'll refine your ideas with the help of experienced mentors and prepare your solutions for the hackathon.
Game VR
Commercial VR
Product VR
Marketing VR
Mentorship program
The EUDIS Hackathon Mentorship Program provides participants with invaluable support from experienced professionals in the defence sector. Through one-on-one guidance and structured sessions, mentors help participants navigate complex challenges, refine their innovative ideas, and enhance their projects to reach their full potential. This program ensures that participants not only develop solutions during the hackathon but also continue their journey of growth and innovation after the event, with the aim of making a lasting impact in the defence industry.
Angel investor, Startup mentor
Through EUDIS, we have cultivated an environment that encourages collaboration, critical thinking, and technical excellence. The hackathon teams have not only showcased their skills but have also demonstrated remarkable teamwork and resilience under pressure. It is a joy to guide them, provide insights, and witness their growth throughout the process.
Angel investor, Startup mentor
Being a mentor for the EUDIS Hackathons has been an incredibly rewarding experience. The energy and enthusiasm of the teams are contagious, and their dedication to learning and innovation is truly inspiring. Watching these talented individuals collaborate, problem-solve, and push boundaries has reaffirmed my belief in the power of collective creativity and determination. The EUDIS Hackathons are not just a platform for innovation; they are a testament to the potential of passionate minds working together towards a common goal.
Angel investor, Startup mentor
EUDIS Defence Hackathon: Open Call for Local Organisers for the 4th Edition
The 4th edition of the EUDIS Defence Hackathon will take place simultaneously...
Being a mentor for the EUDIS Hackathons has been an incredibly rewarding experience. The energy and enthusiasm of the teams are contagious, and their dedication to learning and innovation is truly inspiring. Watching these talented individuals collaborate, problem-solve, and push boundaries has reaffirmed my belief in the power of collective creativity and determination. The EUDIS Hackathons are not just a platform for innovation; they are a testament to the potential of passionate minds working together towards a common goal.