If you’re developing technologies that could shape the future of defence, this is your opportunity.
Registrations are now open for the 5th edition of the EUDIS Defence Hackathon, taking place onsite from 15 to 17 October 2026 across eight locations in Europe. Engineers, startups, researchers, developers and defence professionals are invited to tackle real operational challenges and connect directly with experts and industry leaders shaping the future of European defence.
This autumn’s theme: Autonomy on the Battlefield. Teams will work on GNSS-denied navigation and autonomous swarms for reconnaissance and logistics. Each host location will also propose a third challenge based on regional priorities.
More than a hackathon
Over three intensive onsite days, teams work side by side with mentors from the defence industry and research organisations to build solutions that address real capability needs.
The onsite format is what makes it work: direct collaboration with innovators, defence experts and end-users, and real connections within Europe’s defence innovation ecosystem — whether you’re after future collaborations, industry insights, or your first step into the European defence market.
And it doesn’t stop after the hackathon. Winning teams join a two-month Mentoring Programme covering product development, business strategy and market positioning, plus a defence innovation bootcamp and the chance to pitch to investors.
A growing European community
Since its launch, the EUDIS Defence Hackathon has brought together more than 2,300 participants across 30 hackathons. Each edition strengthens ties between innovators, industry, investors and EU institutions — helping innovative technologies move closer to real-world deployment.
Autumn 2026 locations: Austria, Cyprus, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Norway, Portugal, Sweden.
Ukrainian participation encouraged
The European Commission actively encourages Ukrainian citizens to take part across all locations, as competitors, mentors or jury members. Ukrainian expertise continues to play a key role in developing deployable defence solutions.
How to participate
Open to startups, SMEs, engineering teams, researchers and technology professionals from eligible countries ready to tackle real operational defence challenges.
Key dates
Registrations: open now
Hackathon: 15–17 October 2026 (onsite)
Locations: Austria, Cyprus, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Norway, Portugal, Sweden
Register today and find full details on challenges, eligibility and local locations: eudis-hackathon.eu
For media enquiries or partnerships: contact@eudis-hackathon.eu
