Contact person
Linnea Hemmarö
Projektledare
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NATO & EDF - Building Business in a Changing Defence Era
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.
Morning: NATO – From Insight to Action
Discover how NATO’s structures, procurement pathways, and innovation ecosystems work - and what it takes for SMEs to engage successfully. Learn how to translate NATO cooperation and membership across Allied nations into concrete business opportunities, partnerships, and long‑term growth.
Afternoon: EDF – Turning Ideas into Impact
Explore how the European Defence Fund supports cross‑border innovation and collaboration. Gain practical guidance on how SMEs can enter EDF projects, access funding, and build competitive consortia. Hear real‑world experiences from companies already active in defence and security projects.
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
This event is organized within the framework of the INGOs project, which helps small and medium‑sized enterprises in the Central Baltic region understand and participate in procurement processes with large international non‑governmental organizations. Read more about the project here.
Programme
Programme
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 Estonian Accelerator programme,
Karen-Maria Toomiste.
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
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