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

08:30–08:45
Welcome & Introduction
Moderator: Jessica Hjerpe Olausson, RISE
Brief introduction of organizers and purpose of the morning session

08:45–09:30
Opening Remarks: Member in NATO – What does it mean for business?
Speaker: Swedish NATO Representation, Defence Department, speaker TBC

09:30–10:00
NATO’s Technical Requirements and Certifications – What SMEs Need to Know
Speaker: FMV NSPA desk, speaker TBC

10:00–10:15
Coffee Break

10:15–10:45
Upcoming NATO Initiatives and Innovation Programs for SMEs
Speaker: Vinnova, Alma Jacobsson, & NATO DIANA Accelerator Programme, Marleen Rootamm.

10:45–11:45
SME Stories – Lessons Learned from NATO Projects
Speakers: 
APR Tech, Erik Ehrenfors 
Blixt Tech, Daniel Öhlander 
Scaleout systems, Katja Hellgren

11:45–12:15
Panel Discussion: From Words to Action – Concrete Steps for SMEs
Moderator: Jessica Hjerpe Olausson, RISE
Participants: Speakers of the day

Summary and next steps

12:15–13:30
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

13:35–14:15
EDF Explained: How does it work and funding opportunities for SMEs
Speaker: FMV EDF office, speaker TBC

14:15–14:30
Application processes within NATO and the EDF – What SMEs need to know
Speaker: Kenneth Strand, RISE

14:30–14:45
Cross-border collaboration – How to build a strong consortia
Speaker: Mattias Liefvendahl, RISE

14:45–15:00
Coffee Break

15:00–16:00
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

16:00–16:15
Upcoming EU initiatives in defence and security 
Speaker: FMV, speaker TBC

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]

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/