Get ready for the second edition of the EUDIS Defence Hackathon: An open call for local organizers

Are you ready to drive defence innovation and showcase your region’s talent in Europe? The EUDIS Defence Hackathon is back for its second edition. We are now seeking eight passionate local organizers to host hackathon events across EU Member States and Norway. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to innovative solutions for defence end-users, connect with top experts, and make a lasting impact on Europe’s defence and technological advancements. To learn more, join the dedicated info webinar on 12th December 11:30 CET via the following link.

The EUDIS Defence Hackathon is one of the innovation tracks of the European Union Defence Innovation Scheme (EUDIS). EUDIS, integrated into the European Defence Fund (EDF), aims to strengthen defence innovation in the European Union. Building on the first EUDIS hackathon, the excitement for the 2nd EUDIS Defence Hackathon commences. Participants will get the chance to innovate, co-operate, and compete for prestigious EU-level awards and regional prizes and awards. Furthermore, they will push the boundaries of defence innovation and make a lasting impact on Europe’s defence, security, and technological advancements. The EUDIS Defence Hackathon Programme is looking for top-notch public or private entities in EU Member States and Norway, willing to contribute proactively to EU Defence by organising a local hackathon.

The main theme of the Spring edition, May 9-11, 2025, focuses on creating innovative hardware and software solutions tailored to the urgent needs of the Ukrainian battlefield and

similar operational contexts. As the conflict continues to evolve, there is a critical need for cutting-edge technologies that address the immediate challenges faced by the Ukrainian Armed Forces while offering broader applicability in defence and civilian sectors. Participants will tackle sub-challenges that range from enhancing situational awareness and tactical surveillance systems to developing cost-effective protective gear for frontline defence. The challenges are expected as follows:

• Enhanced Situational Awareness and Tactical Surveillance Systems.
• Cost-Effective Protective Gear for Frontline Defence.
• Advanced Medical Support for Frontline Care.

This is an incredible opportunity to be part of a transformative defence innovation event that shapes the future of European defence industrial ecosystem. Interested parties can set the tone to showcase their skills, connect with like-minded innovators, and contribute to groundbreaking defence solutions. We are delighted to announce the expansion of this year’s EUDIS Defence hackathon, welcoming a broader community of innovators. Aligning with this year’s challenges, in addition to participants from the EU Member states and Norway, we are now inviting citizens from Ukraine to join as participants and mentors. We look forward to embracing the diverse perspectives and talents of our newest additions.

Open Call Timeline:

Launch: 4 December Applications are open for communities across the EU and Norway to organise one of the official hackathon events. This call offers them an opportunity to engage in defence innovation and connect with experts in defence and technology.

Info session webinar: 12 December 11:30 CET Join an informational session covering everything you need to know about the EUDIS Hackathon 2025, including theme, challenges, eligibility, and what to expect. This session is a great opportunity to ask questions and receive advice on developing a strong application.

End date: 26 January 2025 23:59 CET All interested organizers should submit their completed applications by this date to be considered for the EUDIS Hackathon 2025.

Background:

The EUDIS Defence Hackathon and Mentoring Programme offers a unique platform to engage with the European defence sector, connect with peers and experts, and leverage knowledge to tackle current defence challenges. These hackathons take place simultaneously in multiple locations across Europe, featuring the same set of challenges and timeline to:

Promote skills development and attract new talents to the defence sector.

Foster connections between different communities, such as linking young researchers and innovators with defence industry experts and end-users like the Armed Forces.

Provide an environment for creating innovative defence ideas and solutions, supporting the defence needs of EU Member States, Norway and contributing to a more competitive and innovative European defence industry.

Increase awareness of EUDIS initiatives and programs.

Join us in enhancing Europe’s defence sector. For more information on how to be part of the next wave of defence innovators, visit: eudis-hackathon.eu.

The first EUDIS Defence Hackathon, themed ‘Digital in Defence,’ was held from May 31 to June 2, 2024. It brought together 6 visionary hosts from Belgium, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Lithuania, and Poland, 275 participants from 16 countries, 79 mentors and experts, and 6 winning teams. In just 48 hours, this unique initiative sparked the creation of 70 cutting-edge ideas and innovative solutions in the defence sector. The event focused on enhancing Europe’s defence capabilities in three challenge areas: Subsea Infrastructure Protection, Improving Situational Awareness, and Cybersecurity in Defence. The teams Eunify, Superlabs, and Aquahub emerged as the top 3 teams, benefiting from an expert mentor programme gaining valuable skills in the defence area, team management, intellectual property protection, and pitching their ideas to defence companies and potential investors.

Highlights of the previous EUDIS Defence Hackathon edition: