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The EU Defence Innovation Scheme (EUDIS) is a set of instruments enabled by the European Defence Fund (EDF) to strengthen defence innovation in the European Union. The EUDIS Hackathons and Mentoring Programme gives a unique opportunity to get acquainted with the European defence sector, connect with like-minded individuals and organisations, and use your knowledge and skills to solve current defence challenges together as a team!
The EUDIS Hackathons are a yearly series of hackathons taking place simultaneously in multiple locations across Europe with the same set of challenges and timeline.
The Hackathons, as part of EUDIS, serve as awareness and outreach events that propose innovative solutions for the defence sector. Specifically, they aim to:
Stay tuned for the next edition of the EUDIS Hackathon, scheduled for Spring 2025! Participants will have the opportunity to innovate, collaborate, and compete for EU-level awards. Keep an eye out for announcements and registration details as we get closer to the event. Join us to push the boundaries of defence innovation and contribute to Europe’s defence, security and technological advancements. Additionally, we are excited to announce that we are planning a second defence hackathon for autumn 2025, offering even more opportunities for groundbreaking innovation in the field.
The inaugural EUDIS hackathon, themed ‘Digital in Defence,’ took place from May 31 to June 2, 2024, bringing together participants from across Europe to innovate in the defence sector. This unique initiative brought together six visionary local organisers, fostering the birth of revolutionary ideas and innovative solutions in the defence sector. The event reinforced Europe’s defence industry with a focus on Subsea Infrastructure Protection, Improving Situational Awareness, and Cybersecurity in Defence.
For more information about the 2024 EUDIS Hackathon initiative, download the guidebook.
Budapest, Hungary
This theme aligned with the European Defence Fund Work Programme, capitalizing on the relevance of digitalization. Its inclusive appeal extended beyond the realm of defence, welcoming participation from a diverse range of stakeholders.
The challenge topics included information superiority, cyber security, digital transformation featuring trustworthy and energy-efficient AI, as well as advancements in human language technologies.
Additionally, the theme delved into the possibilities offered by the Internet of Things (IoT), particularly the integration of advanced passive and active sensors – such as drones – for situational awareness and operational effectiveness.
The sub-challenges put forward below were highly relevant for defence operational scenarios, not least in the Ukrainian context.
The 2024 EUDIS Hackathon focused on three key areas: Subsea Infrastructure Protection, Improving Situational Awareness, and Cybersecurity in Defence. Participants developed innovative solutions using advanced technologies like AI, robotics, and cybersecurity tools to address these critical defence challenges.
The 2024 EUDIS Hackathon brought together participants from across Europe to tackle pressing defence challenges. After intense competition, we are proud to present the winning teams who showcased exceptional innovation and problem-solving skills. These winners have been awarded the exclusive EUDIS Mentoring Programme to further refine their solutions and drive impactful changes in the defence sector.
As a mentor, you have the opportunity to guide aspiring innovators, share your expertise, and make a significant impact on the development of groundbreaking projects. You will be very welcome to join during the hackathon weekend and the mentoring programme.
Mentors play a crucial role in validating approaches and helping teams find product-market fit, ensuring their solutions meet the high standards of the defence industry.
We seek experienced professionals in the defence and technology sectors who are passionate about innovation and eager to share their knowledge. Ideal mentors have expertise in defence, innovation and support to SMEs and start-ups. They should be skilled in guiding teams through complex challenges, providing constructive feedback, and helping validate and refine solutions to achieve product-market fit.
Do you have any valuable expertise or insights that you’d be willing to share during the hackathon weekend and the mentoring programme? Become a mentor and offer your skills and knowledge. Help us shape the next generation and get acquainted with the European defence sector.
