The Foundry

Powering Defence Innovation

Central Europe

Connecting innovators, defence primes, ministries, academia, investors, and mentors to turn bold ideas into real capabilities. Join our ecosystem of 100+ stakeholders driving the future of defence technology.

100+
Stakeholders
R.I.F.T.
Framework
CEE
Focus

[ Challenges ]

Defence innovation in Central Europe faces several key challenges that hinder progress and collaboration.

01

Fragmented Ecosystem

Lack of coordination between innovators, investors, and defence organisations leads to duplicated efforts and missed opportunities.

02

Access to Funding

Limited access to defence-specific funding and investment opportunities for early-stage defence technology startups.

03

Regulatory Barriers

Complex regulatory environments and export controls create hurdles for cross-border collaboration and market entry.

The Foundry addresses these challenges by creating a unified platform that connects all stakeholders in the defence innovation ecosystem.

[ What Is The Foundry? ]

A collaborative ecosystem connecting key stakeholders in defence innovation.

Innovators

Startups and researchers developing cutting-edge defence technologies.

Investors

Venture capital and private equity firms focused on defence innovation.

Defence Contractors

Established companies seeking innovative solutions and partnerships.

Academia

Universities and research institutions contributing expertise and talent.

Government

Policy makers and defence organisations shaping the ecosystem.

International Partners

Global allies and organisations expanding opportunities.

[ R.I.F.T. Engine ]

Research, Innovation, Funding, Transformation - Our framework for defence innovation success.

R

Research

Access to cutting-edge research and development resources.

I

Innovation

Collaborative environment fostering breakthrough technologies.

F

Funding

Streamlined access to defence-specific investment opportunities.

T

Transformation

End-to-end support from concept to market deployment.

[ Mentorship & Capability Building ]

Comprehensive support to accelerate your defence innovation journey.

As seen in EUDIS Hackathon and other defence innovation events.

Technical Guidance

Expert mentorship from seasoned defence technology professionals.

Business Development

Strategic advice on market entry, partnerships, and scaling.

Regulatory Support

Navigate complex defence regulations and compliance requirements.

Funding Assistance

Guidance on securing grants, investments, and defence contracts.

[ Roadmap ]

Our strategic milestones for ecosystem development and operational expansion.

2024
COMPLETE

Ecosystem Activation

Foundry created - Official Launch

Hosted first series of defence technology events

Defence Tech Meet Ups in Prague

Initial ecosystem activation

2025
ONGOING

Operational Rollout

Launch first secure innovation zone pilot in the Czech Republic

Workshops on procurement, structuring Defence Tech ventures, and capability mapping

Cooperate with EU Defence Innovation Scheme (EUDIS) and Prague Innovation Institute

Regional visibility and outreach campaign with 10+ local innovators

2026

Regional Scale

Expand to additional NATO-aligned CEE countries

Formalize partnership with NATO DIANA and relevant EU initiatives

Ecosystem building, early talent scouting, and platform launch

Launch of The Foundry brand and stakeholder engagement program

Participate as a partner and provide mentors

::MISSION LOG

HISTORICAL DATA
SYS.LOG.V25.12
2025
April 11-13

European Defence Tech Hackathon

LOC:WARSAW
completed
2025
May 9-11

EUDIS Defence Hackathon

LOC:PRAGUE
completed
2025
May 28-30

International Defence and Security Technology Fair (IDET)

LOC:BRNO
completed
2025
June 3-8

Prague Defence Tech Week

LOC:PRAGUE
completed
2025
June 3

PRODEF25 Conference

LOC:PRAGUE
completed
2025
June 4

NATO Diana 2026 Challenge

completed
2025
June 4

The Foundry Reception for Investors & Manufacturers

LOC:PRAGUE
completed
2025
June 5

Invest in Bravery Conference & Demo Day

LOC:PRAGUE
completed
2025
June 6-8

European Defence Tech Hackathon

LOC:PRAGUE
completed
2025
September 20-21

NATO Days

LOC:OSTRAVA
completed
2025
October 9-10

Innovation Week (Defence Tech panels and workshops)

LOC:PRAGUE
completed
2025
October 21-22

Engaged Investments Conference

completed
2025
October 22

ESA Business Incubation Centre Launchpad

completed
2025
October 23

Invest in Bravery

completed
2025
December 4-5

Slovakia Outreach

LOC:BRATISLAVA
completed
2025
December 10

NATO Diana Winter Pitch

completed
2025
April 11-13

European Defence Tech Hackathon

LOC:WARSAW
completed
2025
May 9-11

EUDIS Defence Hackathon

LOC:PRAGUE
completed
2025
May 28-30

International Defence and Security Technology Fair (IDET)

LOC:BRNO
completed
2025
June 3-8

Prague Defence Tech Week

LOC:PRAGUE
completed
2025
June 3

PRODEF25 Conference

LOC:PRAGUE
completed
2025
June 4

NATO Diana 2026 Challenge

completed
2025
June 4

The Foundry Reception for Investors & Manufacturers

LOC:PRAGUE
completed
2025
June 5

Invest in Bravery Conference & Demo Day

LOC:PRAGUE
completed
2025
June 6-8

European Defence Tech Hackathon

LOC:PRAGUE
completed
2025
September 20-21

NATO Days

LOC:OSTRAVA
completed
2025
October 9-10

Innovation Week (Defence Tech panels and workshops)

LOC:PRAGUE
completed
2025
October 21-22

Engaged Investments Conference

completed
2025
October 22

ESA Business Incubation Centre Launchpad

completed
2025
October 23

Invest in Bravery

completed
2025
December 4-5

Slovakia Outreach

LOC:BRATISLAVA
completed
2025
December 10

NATO Diana Winter Pitch

completed
2025
April 11-13

European Defence Tech Hackathon

LOC:WARSAW
completed
2025
May 9-11

EUDIS Defence Hackathon

LOC:PRAGUE
completed
2025
May 28-30

International Defence and Security Technology Fair (IDET)

LOC:BRNO
completed
2025
June 3-8

Prague Defence Tech Week

LOC:PRAGUE
completed
2025
June 3

PRODEF25 Conference

LOC:PRAGUE
completed
2025
June 4

NATO Diana 2026 Challenge

completed
2025
June 4

The Foundry Reception for Investors & Manufacturers

LOC:PRAGUE
completed
2025
June 5

Invest in Bravery Conference & Demo Day

LOC:PRAGUE
completed
2025
June 6-8

European Defence Tech Hackathon

LOC:PRAGUE
completed
2025
September 20-21

NATO Days

LOC:OSTRAVA
completed
2025
October 9-10

Innovation Week (Defence Tech panels and workshops)

LOC:PRAGUE
completed
2025
October 21-22

Engaged Investments Conference

completed
2025
October 22

ESA Business Incubation Centre Launchpad

completed
2025
October 23

Invest in Bravery

completed
2025
December 4-5

Slovakia Outreach

LOC:BRATISLAVA
completed
2025
December 10

NATO Diana Winter Pitch

completed
TOTAL_ENTRIES: 16
STATUS: COMPLETED

[ Stakeholder Value ]

Delivering value across the defence innovation ecosystem.

For Innovators

Access to funding, mentorship, and market opportunities in the defence sector.

For Investors

Curated pipeline of high-potential defence technology investments.

For Defence Organisations

Streamlined access to innovative solutions and strategic partnerships.

For Partners

Collaborative platform to drive defence innovation across Central Europe.

[ Why Join The Foundry? ]

Be part of the future of defence innovation in Central Europe.

Network & Collaborate

Connect with key players in the defence innovation ecosystem.

Access Resources

Gain access to funding, expertise, and cutting-edge technologies.

Drive Impact

Contribute to strengthening defence capabilities in the region.

Shape the Future

Influence the development of defence innovation policies and strategies.

01Exclusive access to defence contract opportunities
02Priority participation in innovation programs and events
03Customised support for your specific needs
04Ongoing engagement with ecosystem developments

[ Market Impact ]

Economic Growth

Driving billions in defence technology investments and job creation.

Talent Development

Building a skilled workforce in advanced defence technologies.

International Collaboration

Fostering partnerships across borders for enhanced security.

Enhanced Security

Advancing defence capabilities through innovation and technology.