Cyprus has been officially selected by the European Commission (DG DEFIS) as one of only eight locations across the EU to host the EUDIS Defence Hackathon 2026 – Autumn Edition, with C.D. Multimedia as the local organiser. The Cyprus edition will take place on 15–17 October 2026 in Nicosia, under the official auspices of the Cyprus Ministry of Defence and the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Everything you need - the three challenges, the field testing, the prizes, and what to expect on-site - is on our event page:

EUDIS Defence Hackathon 2026 — Cyprus

Direct link to the registration form: https://tally.so/r/eqOPAE

What you're signing up for:

• 15-17 October 2026, Nicosia - on-site, and free to attend
• Three challenges under the theme Autonomy on the Battlefield: GNSS-denied navigation, swarm coordination, and C-UAS Interceptor protection of critical infrastructure
• Field testing at the USRL Orounda Airfield, with military end-users on-site (some types of tests subject to authorisation)
• €10,000+ in prizes, an EU-wide EUDIS programme and many designated post-hackathon support pathways with our ecosystem partners, with engagement designed all the way to 2028
• Selected teams travelling from outside Cyprus may be eligible for support with travel and accommodation costs - we'll discuss this individually with the teams we select; Applying early helps

Why Cyprus? Positioned on the Eastern Mediterranean, one of the most contested and closely watched security environments in the world. Cyprus is a country building defence capability with intention. Field testing happens at the USRL Orounda Airfield, with military personnel on-site. The event runs under the auspices of the Ministry of National Defence and the CCCI, putting the people who shape requirements in the room with you. A growing cluster of dual-use and defence companies will be there to help you technically. People from the ecosystem are there to look and support the talent that will shape the security landscape of tomorrow.

A few things worth knowing before you apply:

• Teams are 2+ people - apply as a team, or as an individual looking to join one.
• Everyone on your team should register
• This edition is for teams with an existing prototype, MVP, or working demonstrator; So think TRL4+, with emphasis put on testing
• Places are limited, but we constantly evaluate capacity, so applying early helps.
• We are serious about giving you all the resources you need for the hackathon, so don't hesitate to write your demands on the application forms; We have also added specific questions about your testing requirements
• Ukrainian teams are fully eligible. Citizens of Ukraine residing in Ukraine qualify without any EU residence requirement.

Questions about the challenges, eligibility, or what to expect? Contact [email protected]  

We are looking forward to seeing what you are building and seeing your tests on-site.