Startups specialising in innovations in the field of military and defence technology are currently experiencing a boom. A few weeks ago, Munich-based Helsing raised a record sum of 1.8 billion US dollars in a funding round. In Hamburg, too, defence tech is becoming increasingly important, as reflected in the events calendar. We’ve picked out four events worth attending for you over the coming weeks and months.
© newdoctrine.eu
6 August: Defence Tech Meetup Hamburg
For a long time, defence tech was virtually non-existent in the startup scene. That changed with Russia’s war against Ukraine. This will also be the focus of the Defence Tech Meetup Hamburg, organised by Alexander Ternovy, which takes place for the third time on 6 August. Among other things, the event will showcase the government platform Brave1, which began by funding startups and has since developed into a leading initiative for Ukraine’s defence strategy.
© European Defense Tech Hub
28–30 August: European Defence Tech Hackathon – Hamburg
In June 2024, the European Defence Tech Hub held its first hackathon in Munich. This led to a series of events taking place across Europe and even in Asia. From 28 to 30 August, Hamburg will host a hackathon for the second time, with more than 100 participants expected to attend. Over the course of 48 hours, they can contribute their own project ideas or help develop existing projects.
© Vogel Communications Group
13 & 14 October: European Defence Supply
This conference wants to build bridges between the civilian industry and the defence sector. It therefore focuses primarily on dual-use technologies – those that can be used for both civilian and military purposes. Among others, it is aimed at startups working in the fields of sensors, cyber security, artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things.
© Enterprise Europe Network
3 & 4 December: EEN Invest 2026 – Aerospace & Defence European Investment Forum
Unlike the other events mentioned so far, EEN Invest 2026 is an exclusively online activity. The aim is to bring together Europe’s leading companies from the aerospace and defence sectors, innovative startups, private investors, venture capital funds, corporate venture departments, family offices and financial institutions. As the name suggests, the event could be of interest to startups seeking funding.
