Defence Innovation Day 2026 brings together leaders from defence, technology and investment to explore how innovation strengthens security across NATO and beyond, with a strong focus on national resilience, internal security and dual-use technologies. The programme features startup pitches, keynotes and panels connecting end-users and investors, addressing pathways from product development to real-world deployment. Organised by Tehnopol through the NATO DIANA Estonian Accelerator, the event supports defence and dual-use companies in attracting investment, validating solutions and reaching operational users.
As the biggest science and business park in the Baltics and the home of the NATO DIANA Estonian accelerator (together with Sparkup Tartu Science Park), Tehnopol is passionate about supporting knowledge transfer, the transformation of technologies into viable business models, and their adoption by end-users. The Defence Innovation Day programme will address the realities of operating in sensitive and high-impact sectors: attracting investment into defence and dual-use innovation, validating and developing products, managing risks, and reaching operational users in both defence and civilian domains.
Taking place in-person only on 21 September 2026 in Tallinn Creative Hub, the event will feature innovative pitches from future dual-use and defence unicorns, keynotes from industry leaders, and panels bringing together end-users and investors. Discussions will touch on internal security and crisis-readiness challenges, practical pathways from product development to deployment, and the expectations placed on companies building solutions for complex security environments. The programme is intended to speak directly to startups and growth companies while remaining grounded in the operational needs of the public sector and defence stakeholders.
Defence Innovation Day is organised by Tehnopol through the NATO DIANA Estonian Accelerator, in cooperation with Sparkup Tartu Science Park, and supported by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications, Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the City of Tallinn. Defence Innovation Day is an official part of Estonian Defence Week. The event is held in English.
Please note:
- while the event is public, registration is required and final participation is subject to approval by the organisers.
- attending this event does not grant entry to other events scheduled during Estonian Defence Week.
Please be aware that photos will be taken during the event for communication purposes. By registering for the event, you grant the organisers permission to use images taken during the event in social media, publications and other promotional materials.
Gallery 2025
Undersecretary for Defence Industry and Innovation in the Republic of Estonia
Head of NATO DIANA Estonian Accelerator, Tehnopol
Frontline Innovation: One Year of Lessons from the Field
Commander of the Force Transformation
Command Major Ivo Peets
Moderator: Kaur Maran, journalist
Panellists:
• Kadri Tammai, NATO DIANA Regional Director
• Kaimo Kuusk, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence
• Janne Hietala, CEO, Kelluu
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Contacts
Join us at Estonian Defence Week (EDW)
The Creative Hub (Kultuurikatel)
Kursi tn 3, Tallinn