Building Business in a Changing Defence Era: Exploring Opportunities in NATO and the European Defence Fund

Welcome to a full‑day event designed to help businesses navigate and access the growing opportunities within NATO and the European Defence Fund (EDF).

As NATO cooperation deepens and EU defence initiatives expand, the landscape is evolving rapidly — and SMEs across Europe that act now can position themselves at the forefront of the continent’s emerging security and innovation ecosystem.

AGENDA

Morning Session:
NATO Business Opportunities for SMEs in the Baltic Region

Unlocking Business Opportunities with NATO – From Insight to Action
The NATO membership opens new doors for businesses, but how do you turn this opportunity into concrete results? This event is designed to give small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) practical guidance on engaging with NATO and its ecosystem.

Programme

08:15-08:45 Registration and coffee

08:45–09:00 Welcome & Introduction

Moderator: Jessica Hjerpe Olausson, RISE

09:00–09:30 Opening Remarks: Member in NATO – What does it mean for business?

Speaker: Tobias Steen, Deputy Director-General and Head of Department for Armament and Industry at the Ministry of Defence

09:30–10:00 Business Opportunities Within NATO: What SMEs Need to Know

Speaker: Fredrik Högberg, FMV NSPA desk

10:00–10:15 Coffee Break

10:15–10:35 Upcoming NATO Initiatives and Innovation Programs for SMEs

Speaker: Alma Jacobsson, Vinnova

10:35–10:55 Upcoming NATO Initiatives and Innovation Programs for SMEs

Speaker: Marleen Rootamm, NATO DIANA Accelerator Programme

10:55–11:55 SME Stories – Lessons Learned from NATO Projects

Speakers:

• Erik Ehrenfors, APR Tech

• Daniel Öhlander, Blixt Tech 

• Katja Hellgren, Scaleout systems

11:55–12:20 Panel Discussion: From Words to Action – Concrete Steps for SMEs

Moderator: Jessica Hjerpe Olausson, RISE

Participants: Speakers of the day

Summary and next steps

12:20–13:30 Networking & Lunch

Afternoon Session:

European Defence Fund (EDF): Opportunities for SMEs

Empowering Innovation with EDF – Turning Ideas into Impact

Join us for an insightful afternoon focused on European Defence Fund (EDF) opportunities for SMEs. The purpose of this event is to provide practical guidance on how small and medium-sized enterprises can successfully engage in EDF projects and cross-border collaborations. You will learn how the EDF works, explore funding opportunities, and hear real-life experiences from companies that have participated in defence and security projects. The program includes expert presentations, a panel discussion with key stakeholders, and networking opportunities to help you position your business for success in upcoming EU initiatives.

13:30-13:35 Presentation of the afternoon

Moderator: Jessica Hjerpe Olausson, RISE

13:35–14:10 EDF and EDIP explained: How does it work and funding opportunities for SMEs

Speaker: Jonathan Lindqvist, The Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) - EDF Office

14:10–14:30 Opportunities for SMEs in EDF research projects

Speaker: Peter Stenumgaard, Research Portfolio Coordinator, Swedish Defence Research Agency (FOI)

14:30-14:45 EDF Application processes – What SMEs need to know

Speaker: Kenneth Strand, RISE

14:45–15:00 Cross-border collaboration – How to build a strong consortia

Speaker: Mattias Liefvendahl, RISE

15:00–15:15 Coffee Break

15:15–16:15 SME Stories – Lessons Learned from EDF Projects

Speakers:

• IMMUNE and MAJOR Consortia, Kenneth Strand RISE

• EUROGUARD Consortia, Mattias Liefvendal RISE

• EUROGUARD participant: Baltic Workboats, Ahto Pärl

• SMEs in Consortia building: SAAB Kockums, Björn Halling

16:15–16:45 Panel Discussion: Positioning SMEs for success in EDF projects

Moderated by Jessica Hjerpe Olausson

Participants: Speakers of the day

16:45–17:00 Summary from the day & Next Steps

17:00–19:00 Mingle, fingerfood, networking and match-making

Why You Should Attend

• Actionable insights tailored for SMEs

• Expert presentations and strategic guidance

• Panel discussions with key stakeholders

• Networking opportunities with industry, government, and innovators

• A unique chance to position your business for success in NATO and EU defence initiatives

Mark your calendar – more details and full agenda will follow!

More information and registration, please contact: Katrin Senkevitš [email protected]

Registration deadline 15.04.2026.

The event is free to attend, but participants are responsible for covering their own travel costs.

This event is funded by the Interreg Central Baltic project INGOs (Promoting Exports to International NGOs). Read more about the project here: https://centralbaltic.eu/project/ingos/