Applications Open: EUDIS Hackathon 2026 Comes to France to Tackle Airspace Defence Challenges

Applications are now open for the EUDIS Hackathon 2026, inviting innovators from EU Member States, Norway, and Ukraine to develop solutions addressing some of the most pressing challenges in European airspace defence.

Organised under the European Union Defence Innovation Scheme (EUDIS), this year’s hackathon will focus on the theme “Defending Airspace”, bringing together innovators, researchers, engineers, and defence experts to prototype and refine solutions aligned with evolving operational needs.

Addressing Critical Airspace Defence Challenges

As aerial threats evolve rapidly, the need for resilient and sovereign European capabilities has never been more pressing. Participants will work on four key challenge areas:

1. Cost-effective drone interceptors

2. Next-generation drone detection systems

3. Very high-altitude capabilities for resilient airspace protection

4. Alternative aerial guidance systems in GNSS-denied environments

These challenges reflect concrete operational priorities for European defence, offering participants the opportunity to test and develop their technologies against real-world needs.

Who Should Apply?

The hackathon welcomes a wide range of participants, from start-ups and technical experts to researchers and defence professionals.

Participate as a Hacker

You can apply as a hacker if you are:

• A founding team in dual-use or defence applying with an existing MVP

• A team with a well-defined idea ready to be developed during the hackathon

• A researcher, student, engineer or defence enthusiast looking to join a team

• An individual contributor eager to apply your expertise to a real operational challenge

Participate as a Mentor

Mentors will play a key role in supporting participating teams. Applications are open to:

• Business experts active in companies addressing the challenge areas

• Technical experts with hands-on experience in relevant technologies

• Defence industry professionals willing to guide emerging teams

• Current or former armed forces end-users ready to share operational feedback and lessons learned (RETEX)

Why Participate?

The hackathon offers a unique opportunity to develop and validate technologies in direct connection with defence stakeholders. Participants will:

• Validate and develop solutions aligned with real defence operational needs

• Connect with European defence stakeholders and decision-makers

• Accelerate their roadmap through rapid prototyping and expert mentoring

• Spend 2.5 days collaborating alongside leading partner companies and defence experts

• Compete for an exclusive cash prize and access to post-event mentoring support

Application deadline: 20 March 2026

Apply Now

Whether you are building innovative defence technologies, advising emerging teams, or bringing operational experience from the field, the EUDIS Hackathon 2026 is an opportunity to contribute to the next generation of European defence innovation.

👉 Apply as a Hacker
👉 Apply as a Mentor

Learn more about the programme and challenges on the official website.