VDS Defense Manifiesto
Battlefield Experience
Grounded in real operational knowledge, ensuring every technology is tested against the realities of modern conflict.
Technological Innovation
Bridging the gap between defence startups and the field, accelerating ideas into deployable capabilities.
Defence investment
Connecting capital with high-potential startups building dual-use technologies with strong moats and long-term demand.
Strategic Autonomy for Governments
Scaling sovereign technologies that strengthen Europe’s autonomy, resilience and next-generation security capabilities.
Why VDS Defense exists
Europe has world-class research, ambitious startups and growing defence budgets, yet deployment remains the bottleneck. Innovation fails not because the technology is weak, but because the right connections are missing.
1. Operators are not involved early enough
2. Procurement processes move too slowly
3. Funding structures are misaligned
4. Companies do not understand real battlefield needs
VDS Defense bridges that gap: a structured platform connecting battlefield experience, industrial execution, funding mechanisms and policy influence. Because innovation only matters if it deploys.
VDS Defense Speakers
Bringing together the leaders and innovators from the organisations at the forefront of Europe's defence future.
Who Shapes VDS Defense
Uniting the key actors across the European defence landscape to accelerate continental sovereignty.
Strategic keynote sessions with defence leaders, policymakers and institutional representatives, offering high-level insights into the future of security, defence priorities and emerging operational needs.
Fireside discussions between operators, founders, investors and industry experts, designed to connect frontline experience with technological development, investment perspectives and market opportunities.
Sessions focused on helping civilian innovation tecnológica adapt to military requirements, operational standards and procurement expectations, bridging the gap between startup solutions and defence adoption.
Hands-on sessions focused on real technology validation, field-readiness and operational deployment, helping teams understand how their solutions perform in demanding defence and security environments.
Military and security professionals providing direct, practical feedback to startups, helping founders refine their products, identify operational gaps and improve real-world applicability.
A challenge designed to identify technologies ready for rapid deployment, bringing together startups, operators and defence stakeholders to test, evaluate and accelerate high-potential solutions.
Facilitating strategic connections between defence startups, investors, corporates and public stakeholders to support growth, industrial collaboration and future procurement opportunities.
Supporting dialogue around defence regulation, procurement frameworks, cybersecurity, data protection and international compliance environments, helping startups navigate complex security requirements.
Focus Areas
Drones & Autonomous Systems
Electronic Warfare
Battlefield Energy Systems
Tactical Communications
AI & Battlefield Software
Defence Logistics & Mobility
Critical Minerals & Supply Chains
Cyberdefense
Electronic Warfare (EW) & Spectrum Dominance
Dual-Use Energy & Systems
Space Systems & Space Domain Awareness
Defense Innovation Ecosystem
Originating as the defense vertical of VDS, VDS Defense is a year-round platform connecting military organizations, industry leaders, startups and policymakers to accelerate critical technology and strengthen European defense sovereignty. Participating EU Member States:Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden. Strategic Defence Allies:United States, United Kingdom, Norway, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, Turkey, Iceland, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Albania, Ukraine, and Switzerland.
