--- eventsindex_id: "EI-01885" slug: european-defence-innovation-forum title: "European Defence Innovation Forum" title_alt: ["EDIF", "EDIF 2026"] canonical_url: "https://eventsindex.org/events/european-defence-innovation-forum.html" next_edition_year: 2026 date_start: "2026-11-11" date_end: "2026-11-12" venue: "World Forum The Hague" city: "The Hague" country: "Netherlands" organiser: "Embassy of Ukraine in the Netherlands, DeltaQuad, VN Strategies" organiser_url: "https://defenceinnovations.eu" b2b: true vector: sector: [defence] audience: [policy, industry, startup, investor, military] format: [forum, conference, matchmaking] purpose: [networking, investment, policy, education] geography_scope: [pan-EMEA] season: autumn meta_description: "EDIF 2026, 11-12 Nov, The Hague. Connects Ukrainian battlefield innovation with European capital and policy: 1,000+ participants, startup arena, NATO DIANA." editorial_take: "A Ukrainian-Dutch initiative turning frontline combat experience into a European platform where defence-tech startups, capital and ministries meet on the same stage." generated_by: "claude-max-cowork" last_verified: "2026-06-10" variables_filled: 50/58 language: "en" schema_version: "v6.0" --- # European Defence Innovation Forum > *A two-day forum in The Hague where combat-tested innovation meets capital and policy, bringing Ukrainian battlefield experience together with European ministries of defence, defence-tech startups, investors and industry leaders. The 2026 edition runs 11-12 November at the World Forum, with plenary sessions, parallel tracks, a startup arena and B2B matchmaking.* --- ## Quick Facts | DATES | VENUE | ORGANISER | ATTENDANCE | |---|---|---|---| | **11-12 November 2026** | **World Forum, The Hague** | **Ukrainian-Dutch initiative** | **1,000+ expected** | | 2 days, annual, 2nd edition | The Hague, Netherlands | Embassy of Ukraine NL, DeltaQuad, VN Strategies | 579 attendees in 2025 | --- ## Definition The European Defence Innovation Forum (EDIF) is an annual two-day platform held in The Hague that connects battlefield-tested defence innovation, particularly from Ukraine, with European capital, industry and policy. It was created by a Ukrainian-Dutch initiative and co-organised by the Embassy of Ukraine in the Netherlands, the Dutch drone manufacturer DeltaQuad and the consultancy VN Strategies. The inaugural edition took place on 25 September 2025 and drew 579 attendees, 50 Ukrainian companies, 27 speakers and 380 B2B meetings. The 2026 edition, the second, is the first to run over two full days, on 11 and 12 November at the World Forum, and targets more than 1,000 participants. ## From a one-day forum to a two-day European platform EDIF was conceived as a response to the operational urgency exposed by the war in Ukraine: the need to move proven frontline technology quickly into European industrial and procurement systems. The first edition in September 2025 established the format, pairing high-level policy sessions with a Ukrainian industrial delegation and a startup pitch element. For 2026 the forum expands to two days and a wider agenda spanning strategic cooperation, defence-industry alliances, investment, unmanned systems, space, ammunition scaling and a dedicated startup arena. The official website confirms the 11-12 November dates and the full two-day programme, correcting earlier third-party listings that carried over the 2025 September date. ## Where EDIF sits in the defence calendar EDIF occupies an autumn slot in The Hague, a city that hosts a dense security and justice ecosystem and the Security Delta (HSD) cluster. It is not a trade show in the Eurosatory or DSEI sense, but a working platform combining policy dialogue, investor matchmaking and a curated exhibition, positioned at the intersection of European defence-tech, venture capital and government. Its distinctive angle is the systematic inclusion of Ukrainian companies and operators bringing direct combat experience, which sets it apart from generalist policy forums. ## Who attends EDIF The forum brings together ministries of defence, NATO bodies, partner nations, defence-tech startups and SMEs, large industry players, system integrators, institutional investors and venture funds, procurement officers and research institutions. The 2026 programme confirms speakers including the Dutch Minister of Defence and Deputy Prime Minister Dilan Yesilgoz-Zegerius, the Mayor of The Hague Jan van Zanen, Ihor Fedirko of the Ukrainian Council of Defence Industry, DeltaQuad CEO Sander Smeets, European Defense Tech Hub co-founder Benjamin Wolba, and a NATO DIANA representative. The 2025 edition featured the Ukrainian Ambassador to the Netherlands and the Commander of Ukraine's Unmanned Systems Forces. ## What the EDIF format includes EDIF runs as a two-day mixed-format event: main-stage plenary sessions, parallel open and closed breakout tracks, an exhibition floor, B2B matchmaking, networking receptions, a startup pitch competition and signing ceremonies. Day 1 centres on strategic defence cooperation, industry alliances and the path from research to battlefield, with parallel tracks on cyber and AI, frontline robotics and space. Day 2 opens with an investment session on capital and strategic growth, followed by industry leadership, parallel tracks on UAV production, ammunition and air defence, Ukrainian experience and women in defence, and closes with the Startup Arena and a jury awards ceremony. Each day ends with extended networking and matchmaking in the exhibition area. ## What EDIF covers The 2026 agenda is built around several thematic pillars: strategic European defence cooperation; Ukrainian battlefield innovation as an input to European industry; cyber and AI in modern warfare; unmanned systems across air and ground; space as a strategic domain for ISR and connectivity; ammunition scaling and air defence; defence investment and venture capital; and a startup arena for early-stage breakthrough solutions. A recurring theme is EU-Ukraine industrial co-production and the localisation of supply chains, alongside a dedicated session on women in defence, technology and military service. ## The 2025 edition in numbers *(organiser-declared)* | | | |---|---| | Attendees | 579 | | Participating entities and partners | 275 | | Networking and B2B meetings | 380 | | Ukrainian companies | 50 | | Speakers | 27 | | Plenary sessions | 3 | | Startup and SME pitches | 10 | --- ## FAQ - Identity and audience ### Is this the first edition of EDIF? No. The inaugural edition was held on 25 September 2025 at the World Forum in The Hague, drawing 579 attendees, 50 Ukrainian companies and 27 speakers, and generating 380 B2B meetings. EDIF 2026 is the second edition and the first to span two full days. ### Who organises EDIF? EDIF was created and is co-organised by a Ukrainian-Dutch initiative: the Embassy of Ukraine in the Netherlands, the Dutch drone manufacturer DeltaQuad and the consultancy VN Strategies. The 2026 website lists Calibrated and the Deep Tech Defence Alliance (DTDA) among supporting partners, and the 2025 edition was supported by the Dutch Ministry of Defence, the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs, Ukraine's Ministry of Defence and the Municipality of The Hague. ### Does EDIF have NATO or EU institutional backing? A NATO DIANA representative is scheduled to speak on Day 2, and Security Delta (HSD), The Hague's security cluster, endorsed the event. No formal European Defence Agency partnership or EU Commission affiliation had been announced as of June 2026. ### Why is the date sometimes shown as September? Some third-party aggregators list 25 September 2026, an erroneous carryover from the 2025 edition's date. The official website confirms 11-12 November 2026, aligned with the published two-day agenda. --- ## The venue: World Forum The Hague EDIF 2026 is held at the World Forum, Churchillplein 10, 2517 JW The Hague. The venue offers up to 5,000-visitor capacity, 35 breakout rooms and 12,000 m2 of exhibition space, and is a regular host of high-level international conferences in the city. It is reached from The Hague Central Station by bus 28 towards Zuiderstrand to the World Forum (West) stop, around 400 metres from the entrance, or from Hollands Spoor station by tram 1 towards Scheveningen Noord. Underground parking is available directly beneath the venue at a rate of 4 EUR per hour, capped at 29.50 EUR per day, with EV charging and accessible spaces. ## The organiser: a Ukrainian-Dutch initiative EDIF is run by a coalition rather than a single commercial organiser. The Embassy of Ukraine in the Netherlands provides the diplomatic and Ukrainian-industry anchor, DeltaQuad contributes defence-tech and operational expertise as a Dutch fixed-wing drone manufacturer, and VN Strategies handles events and strategy. Supporting and endorsing bodies include the Deep Tech Defence Alliance, Security Delta (HSD), the media outlet Defender Media and the production agency Calibrated. The model reflects the forum's purpose: a bridge between Ukrainian frontline industry and the European defence and investment ecosystem. --- ## Editorial take *A Ukrainian-Dutch initiative turning frontline combat experience into a European platform where defence-tech startups, capital and ministries meet on the same stage.* --- ## How to register and what it costs Visitor registration is handled on the official website. The current early-bird visitor ticket is priced at 250 EUR, against a standard price of 400 EUR. Exhibitor registration is via a separate form offering booth sizes from 3x2 m up to 5x5 m, with pricing on a quote basis depending on company type, which may be startup, SME, large enterprise, research organisation, government agency or investor fund. Media accreditation is free via an application form requiring a press card or editorial assignment and a description of the planned coverage. ## FAQ - Access and practicalities ### What are the dates and venue for 2026? EDIF 2026 runs on 11 and 12 November 2026 at the World Forum, Churchillplein 10, The Hague, Netherlands. ### How much does it cost to attend? The early-bird visitor ticket is 250 EUR, against a standard price of 400 EUR, sold through the official website. Exhibitor and sponsorship packages are quoted on request, and media accreditation is free by application. ### What is the Startup Arena and how can startups take part? The Startup Arena is a dedicated Day 2 session in which startups pitch breakthrough solutions before a jury that awards first, second and third places. Startups can take part by registering through the exhibitor form on the official website and selecting "startup" as their company type. ### How big was the first edition and how is 2026 expected to compare? The 2025 edition drew 579 attendees, 275 participating entities, 50 Ukrainian companies and 380 B2B meetings over a single day. The 2026 edition expands to two days and targets more than 1,000 participants. --- ## First time at EDIF? How to prepare - **Book the early-bird ticket and set up your matchmaking profile.** Tickets are limited and the B2B platform is where meetings are arranged, so register and complete your profile before the event. - **Come with a clear ask.** Whether you are a startup, an investor or an official, define what you are looking for, such as capital, suppliers or partners, so that matchmaking and networking pay off across the two days. - **Pick the parallel tracks that fit you.** Day 1 leans toward strategy and cooperation, Day 2 toward investment and scaling. Choose the breakouts on cyber and AI, robotics, space, UAVs or ammunition that match your focus. - **Do not miss the Startup Arena.** The Day 2 pitch competition is the best single hour to scan emerging European defence-tech and spot the companies to follow. - **Stay for the networking receptions.** Much of the value sits in the extended evening networking and the exhibition-floor matchmaking, not only the plenary stage. - **Dress business and carry ID.** The audience is professional and partly governmental, so bring identification and business cards. --- ## Resources | Resource | URL | |---|---| | Official website | https://defenceinnovations.eu/ | | LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/company/european-defence-innovation-forum/ | | X | not disclosed | | Programme (2-day agenda) | https://defenceinnovations.eu/agenda/ | | Speakers | https://defenceinnovations.eu/speakers/ | | Register | https://defenceinnovations.eu/shop/ | --- **Last verified:** 2026-06-10 **Next review:** 2026-08-10 **Notes:** Data sourced from the official EDIF website (defenceinnovations.eu), the published 2026 agenda and speaker pages, and DeltaQuad and Ukrinform reports on the 2025 edition, fetched 2026-06-10. Some third-party listings show an erroneous September date; the official November dates are authoritative. Speaker line-up and sponsor tiers were still being completed as of June 2026. **Variables:** 50/58 **Concept definition:** applicable