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The IPEC 2026 – Defence & Security Online Conference is organised within the Transform_EMN project by the Nuremberg Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IHK Nürnberg für Mittelfranken), with the participation of European industry, SMEs, research organisations, and public institutions. The event is supported by partners including the Province of North Brabant, a member of the ENDR network. The online conference will take place on 17 March 2026 and will address current challenges shaping Europe’s defence and security landscape, including geopolitical tensions, hybrid threats, advances in artificial intelligence, and vulnerabilities in supply chains. Conference Focus The programme will explore applied technologies that strengthen Europe’s security, resilience, and industrial capabilities, with particular emphasis on: AI-driven defence and security solutions Secure and embedded software systems Sovereign industrial AI Resilient positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) systems Trustworthy Voice AI Dual-use technologies and applications Through concrete use cases, the conference will demonstrate how AI, data, and autonomous systems can accelerate complex projects, reinforce critical infrastructure, and support resilient European value chains. Key Information Date: 17 March 2026 Format: Online Registration is available online via the organiser’s website.  

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!