Technology & Business Cooperation Days 2026

The EDF Matchmaking at HANNOVER MESSE 2026 is an European matchmaking event offering on‑site B2B meetings and pitches from selected SMEs. The matchmaking day is the perfect opportunity to find and connect with potential partners for Defence related projects. On the B2Match platform you can provide your company details, defence themes of interest, eligibility to the EDF and previous experience in order to ensure relevant matchmakings.

• Get in contact with new research and business partners and explore business & technological developments;

• Get in contact with start-ups/scale-ups/ SMEs;

• Receive updates from our National Focal Points;

• Share insights about the latest technological developments.

April 21 12.00h - 14.00h: On-site meetings during HANNOVER MESSE 2026 - Halle 26, E43, Solutions Lab
The programme will consist of:

• 12.00 Welcome and opening

• 12.10 Pitch Session

• 12.30 Matchmaking block 1

• 13.00 Break

• 13.10 Matchmaking block 2

• 13.55 Closing remarks

Participants of the matchmaking can be provided with a free ticket to the Hannover Fair.

• Make sure you are eligible to participate in the European Defence Fund

• Open your B2Match Agenda

• Apply to the EDF Matchmaking session and get approved by the organisers

• If necessary: Modify your B2Match profile accordingly

• SMEs can be invited to present their pitch

• Join the matchmaking session on-site on April 21 12.00h

• Do you work with new and disruptive technologies in innovative projects?

• Are these projects of interest for the European Defence Fund or the Defence Industry?

• Would you like to get in contact with European or global companies, knowledge institutes and universities?

The EDF is a European research and innovation program for cutting edge defence research and development which spans from 2021 until 2027. With this program the European Commission aims to:

• Improve cooperation and interoperability between member states;

• Reduce capability shortages within the EU; and

• Strengthen the defence-technological and industrial presence within the EU.

The EDF offers financial support at all stages of development: starting with research and ending with the development of prototypes and certification.

For more information about the EDF, please visit the website:
https://defence-industry-space.ec.europa.eu/eu-defence-industry/european-defence-fund-edf-official-webpage-european-commission_en

The National Focal Points (NFPs) are individuals nominated by EU Member States and countries associated to the European Defence Fund (Norway). NFPs will support the implementation of the European Defence Fund: working closely with DG DEFIS they will reach out to stakeholders, notably applicants and potential applicants, provide information and advice to potential applicants and beneficiaries of the EDF programme and assist in building partnerships, throughout the EDF life cycle.

The EOA (Enhancing Opportunities for All) project

EOA aims to strengthen the coordination and operational efficiency of the EDF-NFP network by actively promoting matchmaking activities. These efforts will play a key role in connecting relevant stakeholders and facilitating the creation of strong, well-aligned consortia, ensuring they are better equipped to participate effectively in EDF calls. By fostering collaboration and enhancing the network's capacity to support participants, EOA will contribute to the overall success of initiatives within the EDF framework.

For more information: https://edfnetwork.eu/

Find your NFP here:
https://defence-industry-space.ec.europa.eu/eu-defence-industry/network-european-defence-fund-national-focal-points-nfp_en