Today, the Commission announces the first call for expressions of interest to select six local organizers of the first EU Defense Innovation Program (EUDIS) defense programming marathon. Innovation facilitators from EU Member States and Norway are invited to register in order to be selected as one of the six local organizers. The event will take place from May 31 to June 2, 2024.

The programming marathon (hackathon) is a race of speed of ideas, in the context of which participants come together, form teams and together find unique solutions to a challenge in a limited time. The EUDIS programming marathons aim to stimulate defense innovation and attract new talent to the defense sector. This is the first of a series of EUDIS programming marathons to be held simultaneously over the next four years in various EU Member States and Norway.

Commissioner Breton said: “It is very important that top EU talent is involved in the digital threats and opportunities offered by rapid technological development. This first EU defense programming marathon will be a unique platform to collaborate, team up and collectively find unique solutions to real defense challenges in limited time.”

The theme of the first defense programming marathon is “Digital Defense”. In the context of this theme, various challenges will be designed. Teams of students or young engineers will compete to find the best solutions to these challenges. Experts from defense ministries, innovation ecosystems and the defense industry will guide the teams during the event and staff the judging panels that will select the best solutions.

The invitation will be open until March 11, 2024, at 1:00 Greek time. Interested local organizers can access the application form.

Nikos Andritsos