Conference Description
Key Takeaways
- Hybrid hackathon addressing cyber defence, autonomous systems, secure communications and energy resilience challenges
- Organised by the European Commission and funded by the European Defence Fund
- Targets students and early-career professionals in STEM, engineering, IT and defence studies
- Combines workshops, mentorship programmes and webinars across multiple EU cities
- Focuses on European technological sovereignty and cross-border collaboration in defence
About the Event
The EUDIS Defence Hackathon 2026 brings together participants from across Europe to develop practical solutions for defence and security challenges. The European Commission organises the event with funding from the European Defence Fund. Local delivery partners include Civitta, CARSA, Cecoforma and Tehnopol.
The hackathon operates in a hybrid format, combining online activities with in-person events held in multiple EU cities. Participants work on real-world problems with support from industry mentors, and the programme includes webinars and post-event support for continued development.
Technical Focus Areas
Teams will tackle challenges spanning several defence technology domains:
- Autonomous systems
- Secure communications
- Cyber defence
- Energy resilience
- Advanced aerospace technologies
- Situational awareness and tactical surveillance
- Protective gear and frontline medical support
European Defence Context
The hackathon addresses gaps in European defence innovation and technological sovereignty. By connecting participants across borders, the event aims to strengthen collaboration between universities, research institutes, defence contractors, startups and EU agencies working on emerging military and security technologies.
Who Should Attend
The event is designed for students and early-career professionals studying or working in STEM, engineering, IT and defence studies. Engineers, developers, researchers, analysts and startup founders working on defence applications will find relevant problem sets. Defence sector professionals and policy-makers seeking to identify emerging talent and partnership opportunities may also participate.