Defence Innovation Day

Defence starts here! 🌍📢

Join us for Defence Innovation Day on 22 September, where leaders in defence, technology, and investment will explore how innovation is reshaping the future of security across the NATO alliance and beyond.

Kicking off Estonian Defence Week, the event will examine the forces driving defence transformation – from cross-border collaboration in the Baltic region to breakthrough funding models and the evolving relationship between industry primes and startups.

Defence Innovation Day is a platform for startups, scale-ups, governments, and industry players to exchange ideas, showcase cutting-edge solutions, and build meaningful partnerships. The programme features keynote presentations, panel discussions, startup pitches, and networking opportunities – all aimed at accelerating capability development.

Agenda

The day begins with greetings from Hanno Pevkur, Minister of Defence of Estonia, followed by a keynote from Martin Karkour, CRO at Quantum Systems, Europe’s defence unicorn in dual-use drone technology. A high-level panel will then explore the future of government, industry, and defence, with insights from Ivo Peets, Kadri Tammai, and Jaanus Tamm, moderated by journalist Madis Kimmel.

Innovative startups will take the stage throughout the programme. Factiverse, Scaleout, Resquant, IS-Wireless, and GaltTec will showcase dual-use solutions supported by NATO DIANA, while Asvel, Swarmer, 18°C Thermal, Harlequin Defense, and AEREUS will present technologies ranging from counter-drone systems to battlefield situational awareness tools.

From Ukraine, we welcome Ihor Fedirko, CEO of the Ukrainian Council of Defence Industry (UCDI), who will share lessons from the battlefield, followed by a discussion with Misha Rudominski (HIMERA) and Viktoriia Yaremchuk (Farsight Vision), moderated by Jaanika Merilo.

The conversation then turns to innovation funding and collaboration across the New Nordics, featuring experts from VTT and Vinnova, with Pirko Konsa moderating. In the interactive Investors in the Hot Seat session, the audience will have the chance to pose direct questions to leading investors.

In the evening, the day continues with the Estonian DefenceTech Meetup, organised by the Estonian Founders Society (separate registration required).

Event details
📅 Date: 22 September 2025
🕘 Time: 09:00–17:00 (Estonian time)
📍 Location: Kultuurikatel, Kursi 3, Tallinn
🎫 Ticket: Free of charge (registration required)
🗣️ Language: English

Questions? Email Kati Kirsipuu at kati.kirsipuu@tehnopol.ee

Defence Innovation Day is powered by Tehnopol and the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications through the NATO DIANA Estonian Accelerator, with one programme block co-curated by Sparkup Tartu Science Park.

Please note: While the event is public, registration is required, and final participation is subject to approval by the organisers.

📎More information: https://onlineexpo.com/en/estonian-defence-week/defence-innovation-day/

We look forward to seeing you in Tallinn!

Agenda subject to change.