Contact person
Linnea Hemmarö
Projektledare
Contact Linnea
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
NATO-EDF-event-Program (pdf, 646.49 KB)
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
08:45-09:00
Welcome & Introduction
Moderator: Jessica Hjerpe Olausson, RISE
09:00-09:30
Opening Remarks: Member in NATO – What does it mean for business?
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
Fredrik Högberg, FMV NSPA desk
10:00-10:15
Coffee Break
10:15-10:35
Upcoming NATO Initiatives and Innovation Programs for SMEs
Alma Jacobsson, Vinnova
10:35-10:55
Upcoming NATO initiatives and innovation programs for SMEs
Marleen Rootamm, NATO DIANA Estonian Accelerator programme
10:55-11:55
SME Stories – Lessons Learned from NATO Projects
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
Jonathan Lindqvist, The Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) – EDF Office
14:10-14:30
Opportunities for SMEs in EDF research projects
Peter Stenumgaard, Research Portfolio Coordinator, Swedish Defence Research Agency (FOI)
14:30-15:00
EDF opportunities and challenges – IMMUNE and MaJoR Consortia
Kenneth Strand, Resarcher, RISE
15:00-15:20
Coffee Break
15:20-15:40
Cross-border collaboration – How to build a strong consortia
Mattias Liefvendahl, Head of Computational Hydrodynamics, RISE
15:40-16:20
Lessons learned from EDF Projects
EUROGUARD Project: Speaker TBC, Baltic Workboats
SMEs in Consortia building: Björn Halling, SAAB Kockums
16:20-16:45
Panel Discussion: Positioning SMEs for success in EDF projects
Moderated by Jessica Hjerpe Olausson.
Participants: Speakers of the day
Summary from the day & Next Steps
16:45-17:15
Round table mingle
17:15-18:00
Fingerfood and networking
