At Latitude59 2025, defence is not just a topic — it’s a signal. A signal that Europe’s innovation ecosystems are waking up to a scale. From billion-euro ambitions to battlefield-tested startups, this year’s program partner collaboration dives deep into what it really means to fund, build, and scale the technologies that will shape our shared future.
Whether you’re an investor exploring dual-use innovation, a founder ready to expand, or a policymaker navigating shifting geopolitical realities, Latitude59 is where the right conversations happen. With strong backing from the Estonian Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications at Thinking in Billions, and the strategic presence of NATO DIANA, the message is clear: defence innovation is moving from sidelines to centre stage.
The European Defence Innovation Scheme (EUDIS) is hosting one of its four flagship matchmaking events right here in Tallinn, bringing top-tier investors and innovators together. Alongside it, a strong Ukrainian delegation is showing what resilience, ingenuity, and real-world testing look like in practice – step into their booth, meet their startups, and find out how you can be a part of the impact. This is where Europe’s defence tech future connects.
The Defence Tech Highlights at Latitude59 2025
1. Thinking in Billions – May 21, 09:00–12:30
As the official opening event of Latitude59 2025, Thinking in Billions will delve into defence innovation, drone warfare, regulatory frameworks, sandbox environments, and dual-use technologies. Keynote speakers include Nicholas Nelson, a seasoned defence tech investor, and Peter Røpke, CEO of Weibel Radars. Notable panelists feature Lt. Gen. Dr. Dennis Gyllensporre (NATO DIANA), Raul Rikk (Milrem Robotics), and James Acuna (former CIA). The event takes place on May 21 in Noblessner, and is organized in collaboration with Estonia’s Ministry of Economic Affairs. More info & registration.
2. Investor Day & Dinner – May 21, 15:00–20:00
Defence Tech will be a key theme, with participation from prominent VC funds such as Magnetic VC (Germany), Project A VC (Germany), Bright Pixel Capital (Portugal), DTCP (Europe/US/Israel), NATO Innovation Fund, and Baltic Sandbox Ventures (Lithuania). The event offers a prime opportunity for investors to connect with other fund representatives who are also focused on dual-use and defence technologies. See the program of Investor Day & Investor Dinner (NB! An Investor Ticket for Latitude59 and prior registration is required – invitations will be sent to ticket holders directly.)
3. NATO DIANA Demo Day – May 22 (Invite only)
The Demo Day hosted by the NATO DIANA Estonian Accelerator and Defence Estonia is aimed at investors and military end-users. It will include companies from the second batch of the NATO DIANA Estonian accelerator, selected out of 2600+ applicants from throughout the alliance, as well as the best Estonian dual-use and defencetech solutions. Five-minute demos will be followed by opportunities to discuss testing, investment and commercial opportunities with all startups. Read more about NATO DIANA & meet their showcase of startups at the Latitude59 2025 Demo Area.
4. Defence Tech Sessions on the Stage – May 22, 15:00–16:30, Bold Stage
A part of the main program on Bold Stage will feature “Britain’s Defence Tech Revolution: Startups, Strategy & Sovereignty” with Christopher Schroeder and Grace Cassy, co-founder of the UK-based defence fund, exploring the intersection of national security and innovation. It’s followed by “Why defense fails to adopt and how to fix it” with Kadri Tammai (Regional Director at NATO DIANA) and Kadi Silde (Director of Europen Engagement at Helsing). This panel unpacks the real barriers slowing breakthrough tech from reaching the front line. Beyond talk, what can nations do to accelerate adoption? Because staying ahead takes more than ideas—it takes action. See the program of Latitude59 2025.
5. EUDIS Defence Investment Side Event & Matchmaking – May 22, 11:00–14:00
As part of the EU Defence Innovation Scheme (EUDIS), this side event “Building EU’s Defence Community” aims to streamline connections within the European defence sector, linking innovators, investors, established defence corporations, and end-users such as Ministries of Defence and national armed forces. The program fosters a cohesive and dynamic European defence innovation ecosystem by improving access to funding, accelerating industry growth, and offering valuable market insights. Notably, Ukrainian entities are eligible to participate, reflecting the EU’s commitment to integrating Ukraine into its defence innovation landscape. More info & registration.
6. Ukraine DefenceTech Showcase – May 22, 16:00–18:00, Õue Torn
An official side event titled “Supporting Ukraine’s DefenceTech: How Everyone Can Contribute to the Fight for Freedom” will bring together Ukrainian DefenceTech startups and key stakeholders—including government representatives, business support organizations, investors, and accelerators—for interactive discussions on supporting Ukraine’s defence efforts. The Ukrainian delegation is organized by Techosystem in partnership with Mission Possible Accelerator, YEP Accelerator, and the Ukrainian Startup Fund. More info & registration.
The State of Defence Tech in Europe
With a greater dependence on cutting-edge technologies, the nature of the battlefield is changing dramatically. Although most people agree that this change has occurred, operationalizing this understanding successfully is a challenge. Learning from the experiences of others who are currently navigating these changing dynamics is an essential part of this process.
The Ukrainian defense ecosystem has been invited to join in the EUDIS Matchmaking project in recognition of this necessity. The idea that shared experiences and group learning are essential to enhancing European defense capabilities is further supported by this inclusion. Intersectionality is also becoming a significant element.
In order to shape the future of European safety and defense capabilities, cross- collaboration between various geographic locations and among various sorts of defense stakeholders—from creative startups to well-established military entities—is essential. Latitude59 is the perfect ground for making this connections happen
Why Latitude59 as the Meeting Point?
While EUDIS Matchmaking primarily operates within the digital realm, they recognize the continued importance of in-person engagement. That’s why they chose only four events in Europe this year to team up with in order to foster new connections for the European Defence ecosystem. Latitude59 is proudly among them, thanks to impressive history of bringing the tech and innovation community together, especially with the focus on the Defence Market this year and the strategic location on the eastern flank of the EU.
About Eudis – EU Defence Innovation Scheme
Launched in 2025 by the European Commission as part of the broader EUDIS framework, the Matchmaking platform streamlines connections within the European defence sector. Its core mission is to efficiently link different stakeholders, including innovators, investors, established defence corporations, and end-users such as Ministries of Defence and national armed forces.
The program creates a more cohesive and dynamic European defence innovation ecosystem by improving access to funding avenues, accelerating the growth of relevant industries, and offering valuable market insights to participants. By providing end-to-end support, from initial concept development to market entry, EUDIS Matchmaking intends to help innovators connect with key industry players, secure necessary financial backing, and ultimately enhance the competitiveness of the European defence sector. If you’re interested to find out more, make sure to seek out the EUDIS team at Latitude59 and join their side event!
The Rapid Development of Defence Tech in Ukraine
Ukrainian defence tech boomed in the last years due to the full-scale Russian invasion to Ukraine, with a huge surge in domestic arms and drone production – over 1.25 million drones have been produced, says Marharyta Horokhova, part of the Ukrainian delegation visiting Latitude59 and a Project Manager at Techosystem. Private companies, including innovative startups, are key, driving innovation in areas like FPV drones, electronic warfare, and much more. Government support, increased investments, and overall interest from international stakeholders are fueling this rapid growth and battlefield-driven innovation, positioning Ukraine as a rising global player in DefenceTech.
It is worth noting that the emergence of war in Europe and the current conditions also gave rise to DefenseTech technologies outside of Ukraine. For example, as of this month, German-Ukrainian company Quantum Systems secured €160M in Series C round, becoming Europe’s first dual-use unicorn; and Portuguese drone manufacturer TEKEVER has become a unicorn after raising £400M to drive AI-driven defense, and in April, the company opened an office in Ukraine.
How can the international tech and startup community support your efforts and Ukraine right now?
The most comprehensive answer to this question will include perspectives from Ukrainian Defense Tech founders, and representatives of relevant for supporting Ukraine’s defense stakeholders. This is exactly why Techosystem Defense Tech cluster is organizing an official Latitude59 side event “Supporting Ukraine’s DefenseTech: how everyone can contribute to the fight for freedom – government, BSOs, accelerators, investors, and you personally”. We’re bringing together Ukrainian Defense Tech startups and representatives of stakeholders vital for their development – government, business support organizations, investors, and accelerators – for a series of short, interactive, practical discussions.
This event will emphasise how everyone at different levels can support Ukraine’s fight for independence. Plus, this year we are going to be promoting the 69th Sniffing Brigade Foundation even more at the Ukrainian booth and side event, and representatives of Ukrainian delegation will deliver 2-3 trucks from Tallinn to Ukraine.
The UA delegation has been visiting Latitude59 for many years. What’s in focus this time?
First of all, an increased emphasis on Defense Tech. We’re organizing our very first side event, on this very same topic, and we will bring more Ukrainian Defense Tech startups to Latitude59. The Defense Tech lineup from Ukraine includes:
In addition, we have the CivilTech startups Apixmed, Generect, OptySun and Wild.Codes. “I contributed to selecting startups for the delegation and I can confidently say that they are more mature than previosuly as this year we are particularly focused on demonstrating investment potential of Ukrainian startups, so investors should definitely pay attention and plan on attending Ukrainian booth and pitching,” says Horokhova.
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