National · Netherlands · Netherlands Ministry of Defence
Annual innovation competition run by the Dutch Ministry of Defence since 2009 to tap SME and startup creativity for the armed forces. Companies submit proposals against published challenge themes; shortlisted entrants develop full project plans and pitch to a jury, with the winner receiving a development budget to mature the solution with Defensie. The 2026 Innovatie Challenges, published in November 2025 under the Matlogco Land initiative, cover damage repair of vehicles and weapon systems and the development of trailers.
A low-barrier entry point into the Dutch defence ecosystem: a won challenge comes with development money and a direct end-user relationship inside the Ministry of Defence.
Danish Ministry of Defence / Danish Ministry of Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organisation (FMI/DALO)
The single largest pot of near-term Danish defence procurement money, with an explicit invitation for industry to propose what to buy. Speed to fielding is the main selection criterion.
German Federal Government (BMVg and BMI)
One of very few German vehicles paying companies directly for security and defence-relevant research, with multi-million-euro phased contracts. Procurement-law process means longer lead times; watch the partnering events.
Next deadline 6 Oct
Industrial Development Agency (Agencja Rozwoju Przemysłu S.A.), Polish state development agency
A flexible state lender willing to bank defence-industry companies that commercial banks often avoid, useful for contract financing and liquidity in scaling defence production. No fixed calls: financing is negotiated case by case.