Join us for the EUDIS Defence Hackathon 2025 and be a part of the next wave of security innovation.
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 EUDIS Defence Hackathon 2025 will focus on three key themes: Hardware Innovations for Ukrainian Defence, Civillian Defence and Community Resilience, and Hybrid Warfare Defence and Response. Mark your calendar as the next EUDIS Hackathon will take place from May 9 to May 11, 2025. These dates represent an exciting opportunity for participants across Europe to collaborate on innovative solutions to address critical challenges in the defence sector.
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:
Gain visibility and acknowledgment within the European defence sector. This hackathon is supported by the European Commission, offering you a unique platform to showcase your ideas on a grand scale.
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 collaboration in the industry.
Develop and refine your skills in key areas such as hardware innovation, cybersecurity, and hybrid warfare response. Workshops, mentor guidance, and hands-on experience during the hackathon provide valuable training that you can leverage in your career.
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.
Work on real-world challenges that address critical needs in defence, cybersecurity, and resilience. The solutions you develop have the potential to directly impact and enhance Europe’s ability to respond to emerging threats.
Participate in workshops hosted by industry experts that help you learn more about specific technologies, problem-solving approaches, and teamwork techniques.
Participation in the hackathon can serve as an impressive highlight on your resume, showing prospective employers your ability to innovate under pressure and tackle challenging real-world problems.
Gain a chance to win rewarding cash prizes which will help to further fund the development of your business idea.
Winners will receive a personalized mentoring programme designed to accelerate the growth of the teams from EUDIS hackathons, helping them transform innovative concepts into impactful defence solutions.
Play an instrumental role in nurturing the next wave of defence technology innovators. Your guidance will help participants create innovative, impactful solutions.
Connect with young professionals and students who are bringing fresh perspectives to the defence industry. It’s a great opportunity to identify talent that could be valuable for future initiatives in your organization or network.
By mentoring participants, you are directly contributing to European defence initiatives. It’s an opportunity to give back to the industry and inspire the next generation to meet the growing challenges in defence and security.
Engage with other mentors, partners, and stakeholders in the event. It’s an excellent chance to collaborate with peers from diverse backgrounds within the defence sector and beyond.
By being involved, you are helping to advance Europe’s defence capabilities, ensuring greater preparedness and resilience against emerging threats.
Focus Areas
The EUDIS Defence Hackathon is designed to foster defence innovation across Europe, promoting collaboration among member states and driving the development of emerging technologies. By focusing on key areas such as hardware innovations, community resilience, and cybersecurity, the hackathon aims to create solutions that enhance Europe’s ability to address complex defence challenges. The initiative encourages cross-border teamwork, enabling participants from different countries and backgrounds to combine their expertise, develop creative solutions, and contribute to a stronger, more integrated European defence ecosystem.
Stay tuned for a third edition in Autumn 2026, offering opportunities to innovate, collaborate, and compete for EU awards.
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
The EUDIS Hackathon 2025 will focus on three key themes: Hardware Innovations for Defence, Community Resilience in Defence, and Hybrid Warfare Defence and Response. Mark your calendar as the next EUDIS Hackathon will take place from May 10 to May 12, 2025. These dates represent an exciting opportunity for participants across Europe to collaborate on innovative solutions to address critical challenges in the defence sector.
The EUDIS Defence Hackathon 2025 will focus on three pivotal areas that are crucial for the future of European defence. This year’s themes are designed to tackle pressing defence needs through collaborative innovation. The challenges will include:
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.
