ENDR Conference Gijón 2026

3 – 4 Jun 2026 | Gijón, Asturias, Spain, Spain

ENDR Conference Gijón 2026

3 June 2026 - 4 June 2026|

33203 Gijón, Asturias, Spain, Spain

C/Los Prados 121

Laboral Centro de Arte y creación Industrial

98

Registered participants

78

Participants in matchmaking

WELCOME

Advanced manufacturing, systems integration, and emerging technologies are becoming increasingly relevant across Europe’s industrial landscape, including in the defence sector. 

We are pleased to welcome you to a conference exploring current developments, industrial capabilities, and cooperation approaches related to advanced manufacturing and Industry 5.0.

The conference will bring together policymakers, industry leaders, SMEs, research and technology organisations, academia, civilian technology innovators, clusters, defence business associations, higher education and VET providers, and public authorities from across Europe.

Discussions will address topics including additive manufacturing, automation and robotics, digital modelling, artificial intelligence, supply chain resilience, specialised skills development, and the integration of SMEs, start-ups, and cross-sector innovators into the defence and dual-use entrepreneurial ecosystem.

KEY TALKING POINTS

  • Highlight key trends, emerging technologies, and European capabilities in advanced manufacturing and Industry 5.0, shaping the future of the defence sector.

  • Explore the adoption of disruptive technologies such as additive manufacturing, automation and robotics, digital modelling, and artificial intelligence in defence production systems.

  • Discuss supply chain resilience and sustainability in the manufacturing of defence equipment and armaments.

  • Examine cooperation strategies between governments, industry, and research centres to accelerate innovation cycles and integrate SMEs, start-ups, and cross-sector innovators.

  • Promote specialised skills and education pathways in advanced defence manufacturing, including initiatives such as the AILEEN project under Erasmus+.

  • Encourage vocations and foster a stronger culture of technology, innovation, and defence to attract and retain talent in a strategically vital sector.

  • Showcase innovative technology demonstrators with applicability to defence use cases.

ON THE AGENDA - EXAMPLES

Expert presentations:

  • “Data Sovereignty in Defence: A Federated Geospatial Approach for Europe’s Strategic Autonomy based on Open Standards”

  • “New materials and advanced processes for critical applications”

Discussion panels:

  • “Advanced Manufacturing for Defence: Dual-Use Innovation and Supply Chains”

  • “Skills for Defence: A Conversation on Talent, Manufacturing and Digital Transformation"

  • “Unmanned systems and their integration into real operations”

Industry showcases:

  • “From Innovation to Deployment: How to accelerate technology adoption”

Technology Exhibition Tour

Networking events, B2Match meetings