The University of Defence, in cooperation with the innovation agency JIC, will host the Czech national round of the EUDIS Defence Hackathon from 26 to 28 March 2026. This major European event takes place simultaneously in eight EU Member States and Norway and focuses on supporting innovation in defence and security technologies.

The spring edition of the hackathon is thematically centred on airspace protection and counter‑drone defence. Participants will work on solution proposals that respond to current security threats and the operational needs of armed forces, including the development of advanced detection systems and technologies designed to effectively protect military units and infrastructure from airborne attacks. The challenges are based on operational requirements and support the creation of innovative solutions applicable in both current and future military operations.

Throughout the three‑day event, competing teams will have access to expert mentors who will guide them through the process of concept development and rapid prototyping. The aim of the hackathon is to produce viable concepts that can be further developed in follow‑up programmes and projects within the European defence innovation ecosystem.

Detailed information about the hackathon, including registration options, is available on the organiser’s official website.

The winning team of the Czech national round will gain access to the two‑month EUDIS mentoring programme, which will help develop their project towards a sustainable and feasible solution. Successful teams will also have the opportunity to present their results to representatives of EU Member States. The three best projects from across Europe will then be given the opportunity to present their solutions at a prestigious international high‑tech event.

The hackathon is open to students, developers, researchers, start‑ups, and the broader technology community who wish to contribute their ideas to shaping the future of European defence.

The first information meeting for those interested will take place on Tuesday, 3 March, from 17:00 to 17:30 via videoconference. The Microsoft Teams meeting link is available here.

Author: Michal Šmiraus