BATTLEFIELD ReDEFiNED 2026

The Hellenic EDF Info Day 2026 is a strategic briefing event designed to empower the Greek defense ecosystem—including industry, academia, and research centers—with essential insights into the European Defence Fund (EDF). The session features high-level briefings from European Commission (DG DEFIS) officials on the 2026 strategic landscape, the SAFE tool, and the EU Defense Industry Transformation Roadmap. Complementing the European perspective, ELKAK will outline the Greek national approach and provide practical administrative and legal guidance. The event concludes with a dedicated "Best Practices" segment, where successful Greek participants share firsthand experiences to help newcomers navigate the competitive EDF landscape. Event Details: Date: March 19th, 2026 Location: Athens, Greece (Venue: "Hellenic Cosmos" Cultural Centre) Organizer: Hellenic Centre for Defence Innovation (HCDI / ΕΛΚΑΚ) Find more information on this link Register via this link

Are you considering engaging with the European Defence Fund (EDF), or are you simply curious about the opportunities the fund offers for you and your company? On 23 March 2026, the Danish Ministry of Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organisation (DALO) and DI Danish Defence and Security are hosting a national EDF Info Day in Copenhagen. The event is open to all who register (on a first-come, first-served basis) and is aimed at both experienced stakeholders looking to connect with other EDF-interested parties, as well as newcomers who wish to learn more about the fund’s structure and the support mechanisms available in Denmark. Tentative programme: 09.30 Registration 10.00 Welcome and introduction 10.05 Keynote address 10.15 Overview of the Commission's ongoing initiatives and an update on the defence industrial programmes in the next MFF Presentation of the work programme for 2026 and EUDIS initiatives 11.00 Coffee break 11.15 EDF application guidelines; submission process, selection criteria and EDF financing 12.30 Lunch and networking 13.30 Engaging the Danish MoD; applications, co-financing, and administrative procedures 14.00 Overview of key Danish support instruments and stakeholders 14.15 Coffee break 14.30 Lessons learned and best practices for EDF from a coordinator 15.00 Panel debate 15.55 Closing remarks 16.00 Networking Date: 23 March 2026 Place: Copenhagen, Denmark Registration: Don't forget to register!

The Space & Defense Festival Budapest 2026 is organised by HypeX Consulting and will take place on 26 March 2026 in Bálna Budapest. The event is Hungary’s largest space and defence forum, bringing together government decision-makers, industry leaders, international institutions, academia, diplomats, and experts to discuss key challenges facing the space and defence sectors. Key Information Date: 26 March 2026 Time: 09:00 – 17:00 Language: English and Hungarian Location: Bálna Budapest, Hungary Registration Registration is open via the event website: Space & Defense Festival 2026

The EUDIS Defence Hackathon 2026 will take place across eight simultaneous locations in EU Member States and Norway, bringing together innovators, startups, researchers, and defence stakeholders to address pressing challenges in the European defence and security sector. The Czech edition will be hosted in Brno by the University of Defence and JIC on 26-28 of March. The hackathon focuses on developing practical technological solutions that strengthen Europe’s defence innovation ecosystem and cooperation with partners. The winning teams from each national location will gain access to a two-month mentoring programme (40 hours), followed by the opportunity to pitch their solutions to EU Member State representatives and compete at EU level. Hackathon Challenges The 2026 spring edition focuses on airspace protection and counter-drone capabilities, including: Cost-Effective Drone Interceptors – development of affordable interceptor technologies to counter hostile drones Next-Generation Drone Detection Systems – scalable early-warning and detection solutions for low-altitude drone threats Force Protection Against Air Threats – mobile and scalable systems to protect military units and critical infrastructure from aerial threats Czech Hackathon Location Host organisations: University of Defence & JIC City: Brno, Czech Republic Venue: Klub UO, Šumavská 4/2, Brno Participants will have access to specialised facilities, including prototyping laboratories, drone testing areas, and technical equipment for rapid development and experimentation. Prize The Czech edition of the hackathon offers a local prize pool of EUR 10,000. Winning teams will also advance to the European mentoring programme and have the opportunity to present their solutions at an EU-level pitching event. Key Dates Local Czech webinar: 10 March 2026, 17:00–17:30 - join via MS Teams! Registration deadline: 20 March 2026 - register via the TAIKAI platform! Hackathon weekend: 26–28 March 2026 - in Brno! More Information Further details about the hackathon, participation conditions, and registration are available here.  Don't forget to register!