The European Union is inviting innovators from across Europe to participate in the EUDIS Defence Hackathon Spring 2026 to help develop new defense capabilities.
According to the EU, the theme of the hackathon’s fourth edition, Defending Airspace, will focus on strengthening airspace security in response to evolving threats, including drone detection, monitoring and protection systems. The challenges reflect operational needs identified through EU cooperation with Ukraine and other defense stakeholders.
The hackathon will take place from March 26 through 28 across eight locations in EU member states and Norway.
What Is the EUDIS Defence Hackathon?
EUDIS Defence Hackathons are outreach and innovation events designed to connect startups, researchers, engineers and defense professionals with military end-users and industry partners. Participants form teams and develop prototypes during an intensive, time-limited idea sprints to solve challenges.
The initiative aims to bridge emerging technology communities with Europe’s defense ecosystem, helping small businesses and researchers better understand capability gaps while accelerating the development of deployable technologies.
Previous editions of the EUDIS Defence Hackathon attracted over 1,200 participants, the EU said.
What Benefits Do Participants Receive?
Teams will collaborate directly with defense experts, operators and industry representatives to ensure proposed capabilities are grounded in real-world applications. Winning teams will receive tailored mentoring to refine their technologies and business strategies. They also get the chance to pitch at European-level events and connect with investors and EU institutions.
Registration is open to innovators from the EU, Norway and Ukraine until March 20.