Defence Disrupted is the UK's leading defence innovation event, held annually in Central London and produced by PUBLIC. A single-day, closed-door gathering, it convenes around 150 senior MOD officials, military leaders, defence-tech startups, prime contractors, investors, and policymakers for curated panels, fireside chats, and collaborative workshops focused on accelerating innovation in the UK armed forces.
Defence Disrupted is an annual, invitation-only, single-day conference focused on defence innovation in the United Kingdom, produced by PUBLIC, a government and public-sector consultancy specialising in technology and innovation. The event brings together approximately 150 senior representatives from the Ministry of Defence (MOD), the UK armed forces, defence-tech startups, major contractors (primes), venture capital investors, and policy researchers. The 2026 edition is scheduled for 20 October 2026 in Central London; the exact venue is not disclosed in advance. Participation is curated and attendance is subject to an application and approval process.
Defence Disrupted was created by PUBLIC to address a structural gap in the UK defence ecosystem: the absence of a focused, senior-level forum where MOD officials, frontline military personnel, and the innovation and investment community could exchange ideas without the formality of procurement events or the noise of large trade shows. The format deliberately keeps attendance small, prioritising depth of conversation over scale. Over successive editions, the event has become a recognised marker of the UK's growing defence-tech ecosystem, particularly as the UK government has accelerated defence spending and structural reforms such as the creation of UK Defence Innovation (UKDI) and the Strategic Defence Review.
The 2026 edition continues the theme of translating policy ambition into operational reality. Recent structural changes to UK defence -- the formation of UKDI, the Defence Industrial Strategy, and rising NATO commitments -- give the agenda fresh urgency. The event will feature the signature format of keynote conversations, thematic panels, innovation spotlights, collaborative workshops, and a closing networking reception. The 2025 programme (used as reference for 2026 planning) drew speakers including Admiral Sir Tony Radakin KCB (former Chief of Defence Staff), Vice Admiral Andy Kyte (Chief of Defence Logistics and Support), and senior figures from Anduril, NATO DIANA, and UK venture funds. Specific 2026 speakers are not yet disclosed.
Defence Disrupted occupies a distinctive position as an intimate, innovation-focused event in an autumn slot (October), separate from the major trade shows of the spring and summer. It complements larger UK events such as DSEI (September, biennial) and DSEi-adjacent forums, as well as policy forums such as RUSI Land Warfare Conference. Its small format and London location make it a "convening" event rather than an exhibition, targeting the decision-making layer of UK defence innovation rather than the procurement or export markets.
The delegate profile is tightly controlled. On the demand side: senior MOD civilians (Director-level and above), senior military officers (1-2 star and equivalent), heads of innovation and procurement, and parliamentary or Cabinet Office advisers. On the supply side: CEOs and founders of UK and allied defence-tech startups, general partners at defence-focused venture capital funds, senior executives from prime contractors, and researchers from institutions such as RAND Europe or RUSI. The 2025 edition drew 150 in-person delegates from over 400 applicants.
The event runs from approximately 09:30 to 19:00. The main stage hosts a keynote conversation, thematic panels (typically three, each 40-50 minutes), and fireside chats. Between panels, "Innovation Spotlight" slots allow selected startups or MOD innovators to present a brief case study. The afternoon closes with a 60-minute collaborative workshop where participants work through specific challenges identified during earlier sessions. The day ends with a 90-minute networking reception. A separate breakout track is available for smaller discussions. There are no exhibition stands; the format is entirely conversational and workshop-based.
The agenda is structured around four recurring pillars, refined each year:
| Speakers | 20+ |
| In-person delegates | 150+ |
| Applications received | 400+ |
| Format | 1 day, main stage + breakout + workshop |
It is strictly a conference and workshop event with no exhibition floor. There are no stands, booths, or product demonstrations; the entire format is discussion-based.
Attendance is by application and approval only. Tickets are always free for public sector attendees (MOD, Cabinet Office, armed forces), startups, investors, academics, and NGOs. The organiser reviews applications to maintain the senior and relevant delegate profile.
The event centres on UK defence innovation but regularly features speakers from allied nations (Finland, Ukraine, NATO) and UK-based international defence-tech companies. It is not a classified or security-restricted event.
The specific venue is not published in advance; invitees receive location details upon confirmation of their place. Previous editions have used event spaces in Central London. Transport access is excellent given London's public transport network, with multiple Underground, bus, and rail connections across the city.
PUBLIC is a London-based consultancy and venture platform working at the intersection of government, technology, and public services. It advises governments on technology adoption, runs accelerator programmes for govtech and defence-tech startups, and publishes policy research. Founding and running Defence Disrupted is part of PUBLIC's broader mission to accelerate innovation in the public sector. PUBLIC has offices in London and across Europe.
With 150 hand-picked delegates and zero exhibition floor, Defence Disrupted is the rare defence event where the quality of conversation, not the size of the stand, determines who gets a seat.
Attendance is free for all participants but requires an application via the official event page (luma.com). PUBLIC reviews all requests and confirms places on a curated basis. Applications typically open several months before the event. Industry delegates (prime contractors, commercial firms) may be subject to different criteria; specific commercial pricing is not disclosed.
Registration for Defence Disrupted 2026 is open via the official website (luma.com/6txx73g9). Prospective attendees should apply as early as possible given the 150-seat cap.
Based on previous editions, the detailed programme is usually published approximately 2-4 weeks before the event. Speaker announcements are made progressively via LinkedIn and the event website.
No security clearance is required. The event is unclassified and open to civilians, industry, and international participants. Some sessions may reference sensitive policy discussions but remain at an open, unclassified level.
| Official website | https://www.defence-disrupted.co.uk/ |
| https://www.linkedin.com/company/defence-disrupted/ | |
| X | https://twitter.com/disrupt_defence |
| Register | https://luma.com/6txx73g9 |
| Programme | https://www.defence-disrupted.co.uk/agenda |