Advancing Defence Innovation: Highlights from the EU Defence Innovation Scheme’s Hackathon
The second edition of the EU Defence Innovation Scheme’s (EUDIS) Defence Hackathon, themed “Rapid Defence Solutions for the Ukrainian Battlefield and Beyond,” convened from May 9 to 11, 2025. The event took place simultaneously across eight key locations: Krakow Technology Park (Poland), Kaunas University of Technology (Lithuania), Riga Technical University (Latvia), Bayern Innovativ GmbH (Germany), National Defence Technology Center (Denmark), Prague Innovation Institute (Czechia), Arribes Enlightenment (Spain), and Fondazione E. Amaldi (Italy).
Commitment to Ukraine: A Collaborative Effort
This iteration of the hackathon was particularly focused on addressing the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, aiming to devise innovative prototypes and solutions tailored for military applications. Notably, it welcomed participants from Ukraine for the first time, fostering cross-border collaboration between European nations and Ukraine in defence and security initiatives. Winning teams at each venue were granted access to an exclusive two-month mentorship program and the opportunity to present their innovations at the final pitching event scheduled for July 9, 2025.
A Dynamic Environment for Innovation
Throughout the three-day event, a talented cohort of 478 participants engaged in collaborative efforts to push the boundaries of EU defence capabilities, culminating in over 119 diverse projects. The hackathon opened with insightful keynote addresses from prominent leaders, including Andrius Kubilius, European Commissioner for Defence and Space; Hanno Pevkur, Estonian Defence Minister; former Deputy Minister of Defence of Ukraine, Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Volodymyr Havrylov; and Laura Elise Arvisto from Galttech, a defence startup.
The hackathon provided a rich environment for participants, featuring mentorship from industry experts and workshops that helped refine ideas. Each location organized local engagements and offered substantial incentives for winners, encompassing cash prizes, mentorship opportunities, and even travels to Ukraine for real-world application testing.
Addressing Core Military Challenges
Participants tackled pressing military challenges, including:
- Enhanced Situational Awareness and Tactical Surveillance Systems
- Cost-Effective Protective Gear for Frontline Personnel
- Advanced Medical Support for Battlefield Care
The event attracted a diverse group of individuals and teams aged 18 and over from EU Member States, Norway, and Ukraine, including researchers, developers, students, and defence specialists.
A panel comprising experts from academia, industry, and innovation sectors evaluated submissions and selected winners from each location, who will move on to the EUDIS Hackathon Mentorship Program, culminating in a final live competition in July.
Recognizing Excellence in Defence Innovation
The esteemed winners of this spring’s EUDIS Defence Hackathon include:
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AEREUS (Germany): Utilizes real-time 3D scene reconstruction combined with geospatial data from drones to enhance situational awareness for operational teams.
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BFT Frontier (Denmark): Developed a tracking system to accurately identify friendly drones on the battlefield, thus minimizing risks of friendly fire.
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SPECTRE (Italy): Introduced next-generation acoustic stealth technology for multirotor UAVs to operate effectively in hostile territories.
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Harlequin Defense (Lithuania): Created an autonomous, modular counter-FPV drone system designed to detect, track, and neutralize aggressive FPV drones targeting protected assets.
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18°C Thermal (Poland): Developed defensive equipment aimed at camouflaging against thermal imaging threat technologies increasingly used on battlefields.
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EchoSentinel (Latvia): Presented a lightweight, effective battlefield intelligence system that analyzes audio signatures, boosting tactical situational awareness.
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Aegis Medic (Czech Republic): Focused on offline life-saving medical care utilizing a small language model (LLM).
- Battle Field Network (Spain): A comprehensive network of sensors and servers designed to significantly improve situational awareness in combat zones.
Implications for European Defence Strategy
The success of the Spring 2025 EUDIS Defence Hackathon signifies a crucial advancement in the ongoing evolution of Europe’s defence landscape. This event serves as a pivotal catalyst for enhancing the EU’s defence ecosystem, promoting talent, accelerating innovation, and fostering international collaboration. The ingenuity displayed among the winners illustrates the programme’s potential to significantly influence the future trajectories of European security.
Timo Pesonen, Director-General for Defence Industry and Space at the European Commission, emphasized the importance of innovation, creativity, and collaboration, reflecting the essence of Europe’s commitment to transforming into a global centre for defence innovation capable of addressing emerging challenges.
Join the Next Chapter of Defence Innovation
The upcoming Autumn 2025 edition of the EUDIS Defence Hackathon promises to continue this legacy of innovation. Interested parties are invited to keep an eye on the official website for announcements regarding local organising opportunities expected in late May 2025.
For further inquiries about media engagements, partnerships, participant registrations, or additional details, contact us at contact@eudis-hackathon.eu.
This continued dialogue and collaboration exemplify a unified European commitment to responsive and resilient defence solutions in an increasingly complex global environment.
