EDF Online Matchmaking #6 by EOA

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!

The EDF Info Day Croatia 2026 is organised by the Croatian Defence Industry Competitiveness Cluster in cooperation with the Croatian Employers' Association (HUP) and in coordination with the Croatian Ministry of Defence. The event will take place on 14 April 2026 in Zagreb and will focus on the European Defence Fund (EDF) 2026 Work Programme, including presentations of upcoming opportunities, experiences of Croatian companies participating in EDF projects, and a panel discussion. The programme will conclude with an on-site B2B matchmaking session, providing opportunities for networking and partnership building. Key Information Date: 14 April 2026 Location: Hrvatska udruga poslodavaca – Velika dvorana, Radnička cesta 37a, Zagreb, Croatia Further details are available here.  Don't forget to register! Registration is available via this online form.