{"id":21087,"date":"2026-01-25T12:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-01-25T10:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thedefender.media\/?p=21087"},"modified":"2026-01-24T14:01:01","modified_gmt":"2026-01-24T12:01:01","slug":"top-events-february-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thedefender.media\/en\/2026\/01\/top-events-february-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"Top February events in defence tech: summits, bootcamps, and grant program presentations"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The last month of winter will be packed with international and local events for those working in defence technology, security, and innovation. Summits focused on AI and unmanned systems, grant programs for Ukrainian companies, startup intensives, hackathons, and major international exhibitions \u2014 this month, the industry is all about practical solutions and scaling technologies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Defender Media editorial team has put together its traditional roundup of the most important defence events in February to keep on your radar. Most of them are international, but the list also includes two Ukrainian events \u2014 the first IRON \u0421luster bootcamp in Lviv and the presentation of EDF and Horizon Europe grant programs in Kyiv.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

AI in Defence Summit 2026<\/a><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Where:\u00a0<\/strong>Brussels, Belgium
When:\u00a0<\/strong>February 2<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first summit where leaders in defense, cybersecurity, and institutional sectors will engage in in-depth discussions on the role of artificial intelligence in defense.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Eight hours of talks, analysis, and practical planning for leadership teams who prioritize substance over spectacle. The summit will feature focused discussions and demonstrations of AI applications in the defense sector.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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AI in Defence Summit 2026<\/strong>: What the event will focus on and who will take part in it<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

UAV Technology USA<\/a><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Where<\/strong>:\u00a0<\/strong>Arlington, USA
When<\/strong>:\u00a0<\/strong>February 2-3<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A leading American<\/a> conference dedicated to unmanned aerial systems and their role in modern warfare and civilian airspace. The event will bring together representatives from the U.S. Armed Forces, government agencies, international partners, and the defence industry to discuss key trends, technologies, and practical cases in the UAS sector.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

IRON Forge Bootcamp: 4-day intensive for defence tech startups<\/a><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Where<\/strong>:\u00a0<\/strong>Lviv, Ukraine
When<\/strong>:\u00a0<\/strong>February 3-7<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the beginning of February, the IRON defence technology cluster<\/a> is launching a new project \u2014 the IRON Forge Bootcamp. This is a four-day intensive workshop for teams that already have a prototype (hardware, software, or hybrid) and need a clear, practical roadmap for their next steps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The intensive is designed for defence startups at TRL 3\u20135 stages that aim to validate their technical solutions, prepare for certification processes, explore pathways to government contracts or international grant funding, and collaborate with industry leaders to create the best solutions for the Armed Forces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From February 4 to 6 in Lviv, over 10 startups will undergo intensive training, culminating in a Pitch Day on February 7. The top three teams will share the prize fund based on the results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Presentation of grant programs from the European Defence Fund and Horizon Europe<\/a><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Where<\/strong>:\u00a0<\/strong>Kyiv, Ukraine
When<\/strong>:\u00a0<\/strong>February 4<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ukraine is becoming an associated country of the European Defence Fund<\/a>. What does this mean for Ukrainian companies, and what opportunities does it open up? During the event hosted by EDF, Horizon Europe in Ukraine, and Brave1, participants will learn about available grant programs, priority innovation areas, and practical steps for applying for funding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Read more<\/strong>: European Defence Fund and all it has to offer to Ukrainian Innovators<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

DDAC 2026<\/a><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Where<\/strong>:\u00a0<\/strong>Copenhagen, Denmark
When<\/strong>:<\/strong> February 5-6<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Against the backdrop of recent events around Greenland, Denmark<\/a> will host its largest defence event, focusing on the country\u2019s role in NATO and its contribution to European security.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Danish Defence Annual Conference (DDAC) is the leading annual two-day conference for Denmark\u2019s defence and security industry, organized in collaboration with DI Danish Defence and Security Industries, CenSec, and Naval Team Denmark.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A series of hackathons by the European Defense Tech Hub<\/a><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Where<\/strong> and when<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n