EDF 2026/27 Pitching and Consultations

European Defence Week 2025 serves as a flagship platform to activate, connect, and showcase the pan-European defence, security, and strategic innovation ecosystem. Held for the first time in Paris, this five-day event brings together key public and private stakeholders to explore the future of Europe's strategic capabilities and reinforce cross-sector collaboration. The programme is structured around thematic focus days designed to engage distinct communities across the defence and security landscape: Monday – Industry Day A dedicated session with strong participation from armed forces and defence companies. Tuesday – Policy Forum Featuring high-level representatives from European institutions, delegations, and venture funds. Wednesday – Investment Forum Focused on connecting innovative projects with public and private investment sources. Thursday – Defence Business Angels Day Launch of a new European initiative to support early-stage innovation in defence. Thursday–Friday – TechTour Sessions A platform for startups and innovators to pitch dual-use technologies and engage in panel discussions. Open to professionals from the defence industry, public institutions, finance, research, and technology sectors, European Defence Week 2025 offers a unique opportunity to network, exchange ideas, and build lasting partnerships for Europe’s strategic autonomy. Date: 27–31 October 2025 Venue: Bpifrance, 6–8 Boulevard Haussmann, 75009 Paris, France For more information, visit the official event page. To register, please use the registration link here.

Smart textiles are playing an increasingly important role in the defence sector, offering advanced solutions in protection, connectivity, and operational performance. These innovations enable new applications such as health monitoring, adaptive camouflage, and energy harvesting. Organised by the Enterprise Europe Network, this international webinar will take place ahead of the A+A Trade Fair (4–7 November 2025) and will showcase recent technological advancements, as well as current EU funding opportunities that support research, development, and cross-border collaboration in smart textile innovation for defence. The programme will feature contributions from scientific and technological experts from North Rhine-Westphalia, Baden-Württemberg, Saxony (Germany), Łódź (Poland), and Hauts-de-France (France). Agenda Highlights: Science Session Nanoshield Project – Prof. Amir Fahmi, Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences Interdisciplinary R&D in Defence Textiles – Paulina Król & Paweł Kubiak, MORATEX Modernising Protective Apparel – Prof. Yordan Kyosev, Saeed Hassan, and Nataliya Sadretdinova, TU Dresden B2B Presentations: From Fibre to Field Lightweight Functional Fibres – Dr. Andreas De Palmenaer, Fibrecoat GmbH 303 Years of Textile Manufacturing: One Family, One Focus – Adrian Wood, DELCOTEX Flexible Anti-Shrapnel Fabrics through Industry–Lab Collaboration – Remi Thiry, TIBEKA Protections Smart Energy Textiles for Defence – Hilal Fetouhi, TIBECH Funding Opportunities Overview of EU Support Schemes – Marcus Collier-Wright, ZENIT GmbH The event will conclude with a Q&A and interactive discussion session. Click here to register for the webinar. 

The European Cluster Collaboration Platform (ECCP), together with Kuopio Water Cluster, Comprehensive Security Cluster North Savo, SuperEcosystem, BoostECO, Savonia University of Applied Sciences, and the North Savo Regional Council, invites you to the Cluster Summit Finland 2025 on 28 October and to the next edition of the Cluster Collaboration Lab (C2Lab) on 29–30 October 2025 in Kuopio, Finland. The C2Lab will for the first time focus on the theme of Comprehensive Security, introduced by the North Savo Comprehensive Security Cluster, alongside a special emphasis on Water Resilience, a long-standing strength of the region. The event will provide a unique co-creation space where participants work together on project ideas addressing these themes, supported by facilitators and project development tools. In addition to the in-person sessions, participants are invited to attend online pitching sessions on 18 September 2025 at 10:00 CET and 9 October 2025 at 10:00 CET to introduce themselves and present project ideas to fellow attendees. An info session hosted by the ECCP team will take place on 4 September 2025 at 10:00 CET, providing details about the event format, agenda, and opportunities. Event Details: Cluster Summit Finland 2025: 28 October 2025 C2Lab Event: 29–30 October 2025 Location: Kuopio, Finland This C2Lab is an excellent opportunity for ENDR partners and European clusters to collaborate on practical project development and build sustainable cooperation in the field of comprehensive security. Read more and register via this link!

Space Tech Expo Europe is the premier European event dedicated to space engineering and technology. It brings together key players from across the space supply chain to showcase innovations in launch services, satellite operations, ground systems, software, components, and dual-use technologies. Taking place in Bremen, one of Europe’s main aerospace hubs, the event provides a platform for industry professionals, researchers, and policymakers to connect, explore the latest developments, and establish strategic partnerships. The 2025 edition will feature an exhibition, technical sessions, and B2B networking opportunities. Date: 18–20 November 2025 Location: Bremen, Germany To register and view the full programme, visit the official event page.