Applications open: 26 October – 20 December 2026
Build your path into the European defense market.
A specialized 14-week acceleration program for technology companies with defense and dual-use applications, combining expert mentoring, practical market-entry preparation and connections to the European defense ecosystem.
A structured pathway into the defense market
Entering the defense market requires more than a strong technology. Companies need to understand specific customer needs, procurement cycles, regulatory and certification requirements, industrial partnerships and the expectations of defense stakeholders.
The Defense Accelerator is a 14-week acceleration program designed to help technology companies with defense and dual-use applications navigate these requirements. Through specialized mentoring, practical capacity-building and connections to the European defense ecosystem, participants will strengthen their market-entry strategy and prepare to pursue business, funding and collaboration opportunities.
The program culminates in the Defense Deal Day, where selected companies can present their progress and connect with potential customers, industrial partners, investors and other relevant stakeholders.
Who is it for?
Technology companies
Startups, scale-ups and SMEs developing technology with credible defense or dual-use potential.
TRL 4+
Solutions must meet the minimum technology maturity defined in the official Call for Applications.
Defense or dual-use potential
Companies may already operate in defense or be adapting a civilian technology to a relevant defense application.
Eligible applicants
Applicants must meet the legal, geographical and participation requirements established in the official Call for Applications.
You do not need previous defense experience to apply.
Technology areas
Relevant areas may include:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Cybersecurity
- Autonomous & Unmanned Systems
- Sensors
- Communications
- Advanced Materials
- Maritime
- Land
- Air
- Space
- Energy
- Logistics
- Health
- Mobility
- Critical Infrastructure
This list is indicative and non-exhaustive.
What's in it for you?
No costs, no equity taken
Retain full ownership of your equity and intellectual property, with no exclusivity obligations.
Defense Market Entry Dossier
Complete the program with a mapped certification pathway, identified supply chains, and a validated business model for the defense sector.
Mentoring from industry experts
Individual guidance on regulation, procurement, export controls, and certification requirements, including AQAP, ISO 27001, and NIS2.
Direct access to systems integrators and strategic partners
One-on-one meetings with Tier 1 companies during the Defense Deal Day, with the potential to develop LoIs or MoUs for pilot projects, subcontracting opportunities, or consortia.
Preparation for European and national funding
Build your readiness for funding instruments within the European defense ecosystem and receive support in preparing funding applications.
Network and ecosystem
Become part of an ecosystem that brings together industry players, institutional stakeholders, investors, and the program’s alumni community.
How the program works
A phased journey from application to market-entry execution, with a competitive Gate Review between the two acceleration phases.
26 October – 20 December 2026
Open Call
Applications are open to startups, scaleups and SMEs from a NATO or EU-based country.
21 December 2026 – 8 January 2027
Evaluation & Selection
All applicants will be evaluated on the application's merit, fit with the program and eligibility criteria.
18 January – 28 February 2027
Defense Builder
Build your Defense Market-Entry Dossier with specialized mentoring. Companies work on four core outputs: Certification Map, Supply Chain Map, Defense Business Model, and IP & Export Control Due Diligence.
1 – 12 March 2027
Gate Review
A competitive mid-program review by an external jury assesses progress and determines which companies advance to Defense Scale. The assessment focuses on Technical Feasibility, Market Potential and Investment Readiness.
15 March – 27 April 2027
Defense Scale
Consolidate business opportunities and prepare to engage with strategic partners, investors and customers through tailored support in pilot contracts, investment readiness, legal compliance and internationalization.
28 April 2027
Defense Deal Day
Present your progress and connect with potential customers, strategic partners, investors and other relevant stakeholders to explore commercial, pilot, partnership and funding opportunities.
Ready to build your path into the defense market?
Applications for the Defense Accelerator Scale Edition 2026 close on 20 December 2026 at 23:59.
Questions about the program?
Review the FAQs first. If you still need support, contact the program team.