EUDIS Defence Hackathon 2026 – Czech Republic
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.
Upcoming event
EDF Info Days 2026
- 10 mar 2026 - 11 mar 2026
- Belgium, Brussels
- Registration
- Hybrid
IPEC 2026 – Defence & Security Online Conference
- 17 mar 2026 - 17 mar 2026
- Germany, Nuremberg
- Registration
- Online
Space & Defense Festival Budapest 2026
- 26 mar 2026 - 26 mar 2026
- Hungary, Bálna Budapest
- Registration
- On-site