PROGRAM DETAILS
Expression of Interest Deadline *Friday, 31st of October, 8:00PM*
To participate in the programme, startups (or small SMEs) must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) by the deadline above. The EOI should outline your proposed approach to one of the two challenges by including a proof-of-concept (PoC) that demonstrates the potential of your solution.
This is your first step in the application process. Only proposals with a submitted EOI will be considered for further evaluation.
Important Documents
Access all the key documents you’ll need below:
* Info document: all details on Start2DEF can be found here, including evaluation criteria.
* Expression of Interest Template [mandatory use].
* Presentation Info Session: will be uploaded afterwards.
* Drone Swarms & Counter Drone Swarms: download a PDF version here.
* Cybersecurity for Critical Infrastructure: download a PDF version here.
* ‘Complaint Template : please use this template should you wish to express a complaint about Start2DEF’
* ‘Video guidelines’ : please read this document before submitting your video
Access all the key documents you’ll need below:
* Info document: all details on Start2DEF can be found here, including evaluation criteria.
* Expression of Interest Template [mandatory use].
* Presentation Info Session: will be uploaded afterwards.
* Drone Swarms & Counter Drone Swarms: download a PDF version here.
* Cybersecurity for Critical Infrastructure: download a PDF version here.
* ‘Complaint Template : please use this template should you wish to express a complaint about Start2DEF’
* ‘Video guidelines’ : please read this document before submitting your video
Indicative Timeline
How to apply?
Ready to submit your proposal? Head over to our submittal Page for step-by-step instructions on the application process. Be sure to have read our info document, with essential information for your application.
Awards
Proof-of-Concept Development Phase
Selected proof-of-concept proposals will receive support of €20.000 designed to assist with the development phase of their Proof-of-Concept.
Final Winners
We will be selecting one final winner per challenge, after the PoC development period has ended. The two selected will receive further support for their Proof-of-Concept in the form of vouchers. These vouchers will be redeemable at service providers selected by Belgian Defence. This catalogue of service providers will be managed by Belgian Defence, offering an array of services needed to further develop your business (Management services, Intellectual Property Advice, Military End-user feedback, etc).
Info Session
We’ll be presenting the full programme and both challenges during an online info session on October 10th, 2025. Both the structure of the programme will be presented, as well as the two challenges. This is a great opportunity to learn more about what we’re looking for, and to ask your questions. To join the info session, please register in advance here While the presentation will be made available afterwards on the FAQ page, we highly recommend attending the live session to get the most out of it and have your questions answered in real time. If you have any questions before or after the session, feel free to reach out to us at irsd-start2def@mil.be.
Stay Informed on Key Deadlines
We’ll be sharing important updates. Like submission deadlines and key milestones on our LinkedIn page. Give us a follow so you don’t miss any critical dates.
