EUDIS Business Accelerator & Matchmaking: Accelerating Defence Innovation Across Europe
Client
European Commission (DG DEFIS)Client overview:
The European Commission’s Directorate-General for Defence Industry and Space (DG DEFIS) is responsible for developing and implementing EU policies that strengthen Europe’s defence sector, enhance competitiveness, and foster innovation. The Business Accelerator and Matchmaking are two programmes being delivered under the European Defence Innovation Scheme (EUDIS).
The programme supports startups and scaleups with disruptive technologies that can be applied in the defence sector or dual-use domains. Through two tracks, the EUDIS Business Accelerator and the EUDIS Matchmaking Programme, entrepreneurs are equipped with the tools, expertise, and connections needed to bring cutting-edge solutions to Europe’s defence ecosystem.
Challenge:
Defence innovators face some of the most demanding barriers of any industry. From stringent regulatory frameworks to high entry costs, from procurement complexities to limited access to end users, startups often struggle to make their mark in this critical sector. At the same time, defence ministries, corporates, and investors need agile partners to keep pace with evolving security challenges.
EUDIS was launched to close this gap, offering the EUDIS Business Accelerator and the EUDIS Matchmaking Programme as a dual approach to help innovators thrive while ensuring Europe’s defence sector remains competitive and future ready.
Our approach:
Together with our consortium partners Starburst, Ignity, and VTT, we designed a highly targeted programme to accelerate defence startups and connect them with Europe’s defence ecosystem. The initiative combines:
- Personalized mentorship and programme success management to guide startups throughout their journey
- Specialized training sessions on business development, procurement processes, compliance, and dual-use potential
- Seed vouchers of up to €65,000 in non-dilutive funding
- Access to state-of-the-art testing facilities to validate and simulate defence solutions
- Immersive bootcamps in key European hubs
- Introductions to defence corporates, ministries, and investors through curated matchmaking
- Onsite and online events to build lasting partnerships and explore collaboration models
The EUDIS Business Accelerator equips founders with the knowledge, resources, and confidence to scale in one of the world’s most complex markets. Meanwhile, the EUDIS Matchmaking Programme ensures innovators gain direct access to stakeholders, creating over 1,500 connections and enabling pilot projects, investments, and partnerships. By combining hands-on guidance with strategic networking, EUDIS fosters a results-driven environment that accelerates growth and strengthens Europe’s defence innovation ecosystem.
EUDIS Matchmaking Programme:
The EUDIS Matchmaking Programme was designed as a structured gateway for innovators to access the European defence ecosystem. From more than 330 applications, 72 innovators were selected to join a network of 158 stakeholders including defence corporations, end users, and investors. The programme combines:
- Curated matchmaking events that bring innovators face to face with defence corporates, ministries, and investors
- Onsite and online sessions to build long-lasting partnerships across borders
- Tailored preparation and coaching to strengthen pitching skills, refine value propositions for defence end users, and adapt business models for the defence sector
- Community-building activities to foster trust and collaboration among startups, corporates, and investors
- Ongoing programme support to ensure participants make the most of connections and opportunities
By combining personalized support with strategic introductions, the EUDIS Matchmaking Programme has already facilitated over 1,500 connections and enabled pilot projects, collaborations, and investment discussions. It ensures innovators are ready to seize opportunities as they emerge and positions them at the heart of Europe’s defence innovation ecosystem.
Together, the EUDIS Business Accelerator and the EUDIS Matchmaking Programme ensure that promising innovators are not only prepared to grow but also find the right opportunities within Europe’s defence ecosystem.
Results & Impact:
- 20 startups in acceleration in the first EUDIS Business Accelerator cohort.
- In the first six months:
• 230+ defence stakeholders engaged in the EUDIS Matchmaking Programme.
• Over 1,500 connections created between startups, corporates, and end-users. - Broad geographic reach: Applicants from all EU27 countries, plus Norway and Ukraine.
Key takeaways:
This project provided valuable insights into the European defence industry, deepening our understanding of the specific challenges and needs faced by defence and dual-use startups.
Leveraging experience from numerous accelerators and diverse industries, Civitta helped to design a flagship programme equipped with the right tools, mentorship, and market access to drive the growth of EU defence innovators.
Civitta’s expertise made a difference by:
- Applying our experience and proven accelerator models tailored to the defence and dual-use sector
- Connecting startups with defence investors, corporates, ministries, and global markets
- Bridging the gap between EU Member States and Ukraine, where Civitta has a strong presence
The approach and lessons learned are applicable to other high-tech industries seeking rapid growth, stronger investment readiness, and global expansion—such as aerospace, cybersecurity, and advanced manufacturing.
