From DEF.Talks to the NATO Innovation Challenge: A digest of the most Interesting defence tech events in June

Defender Media has recently launched a calendar of events in the defence tech sector. Starting in June, the editorial team is introducing a new monthly digest highlighting the most interesting events of the month. 

Over the next three weeks, several meetups, hackathons, and conferences will take place. This selection includes four events in Ukraine and three international ones worth noting. Participation in most is free, subject to prior registration and confirmation from the organisers.

DEF.Talks: Strategic technologies in the media’s spotlight

Where: Kyiv, UNIT.City
When: 4 June, 18:00
Cost: Free

The next event in the Def.Talks series will focus on communications in the defence tech sector. Organisers aim to answer the question: how to talk about defence without causing harm. The panel discussion will explore how to strike a balance when covering sensitive topics, whether it is appropriate to report on defence innovations, and what role the media plays in shaping Ukraine’s image as a security innovator.

Panel participants:

• Roman Sudolsky — Founding Editor at Defender Media
• Sviatoslav Posmetnyi — Founder & CEO at Milzo
• Denys Sviatokum — Chairman of the Board, Ukrainian Dual-Use Technology Cluster & Co-Founder of the Defence Media Centre

Participation is free; registration is available via the link.

European Defense Tech Hackathon – Prague

Where: Prague, Czech Republic
When: 6–8 June
Cost: Free for participants; €50 for demo day visitors

After a successful debut in Ukraine, the European Defense Tech Hackathon returns to the EU. This weekend, over 100 hackers from across Europe and beyond will gather in Prague for a defence tech hackathon.

Applications are still open on the event page. Only teams will be admitted during the first two days. The demo day on Sunday is open to guests, with a ticket price of €50.

Grant programs for defence tech and dual-use companies: Opportunities from Europe and Ukraine

Where: Kyiv + online via Zoom
When: 11 June, 10:30
Cost: Free

How do the European Defence Fund (EDF) and Horizon Europe grant programmes work? What innovations are foreign partners most interested in? What should dual-use tech producers focus on? What opportunities are already open for Ukrainian companies?

These questions will be addressed during the event “Funding for Defence Tech and Dual-Use Companies: Opportunities from Europe and Ukraine,” hosted by EDF, Horizon Europe, and Brave1. The event will also mark the launch of a new Horizon Europe grant programme specifically for Ukrainian dual-use companies. Attendees will be the first to learn about these opportunities and engage directly with Horizon Europe representatives.

Participation is free but requires prior registration and organiser confirmation.

Dual-use Invest Meetup

Where: Kyiv + online via Zoom
When: 11 June, 13:00
Cost: Free, pre-registration required

On the same day, the Dual-Use Invest Meetup will be held, organised by the Innovation Development Fund with support from the Ukrainian Startup Fund and Brave1.

Eight promising Ukrainian dual-use technology startups will present their solutions to investors, venture funds, and strategic partners. The event aims to foster investment, collaboration, and innovation in technologies serving both civilian and military needs.

Free to attend, but prior registration and confirmation are required.

Tech360: Policy, Talents & Growth

Where: Kyiv + online
When: 17 June
Cost: 1500–7000 UAH

Tech360: Policy, Talents & Growth is a new event by the IT Ukraine Association, designed to be a platform for meaningful dialogue, strategic decisions, and experience exchange. Over 50 thought leaders and experts from government and business sectors will gather.

Expected participants:

• Founders, CEOs, CBDOs, and CISOs
  
• Business, government, and defence sector representatives
  
• Financiers, investors, donors, sales and export managers
  
• Legal advisors and IT law consultants, HR professionals and recruiters
  
• Experts in brand and digital communications, marketers and PR specialists

European Defence Tech Meetup

Where: Berlin
When: 19 June, 18:00
Cost: Free with prior registration

Atlantic Labs and the European Defence Tech Hub are organising the June edition of the European Defence Tech Meetup in Berlin. The event will bring together defence innovators, founders, venture capitalists, and industry experts to support the development of defence innovation for European sovereignty.

 Registration is required for full event details.

NATO Innovation Challenge 2025 / June

Where: Tallinn, Estonia
When: 20 June
Cost: Online pitch viewing is free

The 16th NATO Innovation Challenge will be focusing on countering FPV drones operating via fibre-optic control systems.

Fibre-optic FPV drones are more resistant to electronic warfare (EW) and pose a serious threat to both Ukrainian and NATO forces. In response, JATEC has initiated a search for solutions capable of effectively detecting, identifying, and neutralising such UAV threats.

The challenge is organised in partnership with NATO Allied Command Transformation (ACT).

Applications closed on 30 May, and finalists will be announced on 5 June. Pitch presentations will be available to watch online.