At our latest Deeptech Dinner event, we brought together an exceptional group of founders and investors for an evening of flowing conversation.
We explored one of the most urgent conversations shaping global security and technology: how rapid innovation in defence tech and dual-use solutions is redefining warfare – and Europe’s role in it.
Some of the key takeaways from the evening.
RAPID INNOVATION & OPERATIONAL NEEDS IN DEFENCE TECH
Modern warfare is being transformed by drones, counter-drone systems, electronic warfare (EW) and cyber resilience – and Ukraine has become the world’s most advanced testbed for these technologies.
Drones at the core
Unmanned aerial systems (UAS) have become central to military strategy. Ukraine’s war experience has accelerated drone innovation at an unprecedented pace, creating a fast-moving ecosystem of engineers, startups and military units.
Cybersecurity & Critical Infrastructure
Protecting signals, networks and infrastructure is also crucially important. The rise of AI-driven drones and EW systems means hacking, coding and cyber-defence expertise are as vital as traditional weapons systems.
Interoperability & Experimentation
Real-world testing remains essential – not just for performance but for ensuring compatibility across platforms. Ukraine’s BRAVE1 initiative exemplifies this, connecting private firms, research groups and investors with military users to accelerate tech transfer from lab to battlefield.
CHALLENGES & OPPORTUNITIES FOR DUAL-USE & DEFENCE COMMERCIALISATION
While defence tech is advancing rapidly, commercialisation remains a major hurdle.
The Dual-Use Dilemma
Selling into commercial markets is easier than defence. Procurement in defence is slow, highly regulated, and often discourages startups. As a result, many innovators pivot toward civilian markets – risking the loss of critical defence applications.
Strategic Urgency for Europe
Europe faces a stark reality: without decisive action, it risks losing technological sovereignty. Geopolitical threats have underscored the need to back innovative startups now.
Sovereign wealth funds and NATO-backed initiatives like the €1 billion NATO Innovation Fund are stepping in to fill funding gaps, but structural bottlenecks remain.
Supporting Early-Stage Innovators
Early-stage defence tech startups are the lifeblood of innovation. Accelerators such as DIANA and venture builders like NUNC Capital are creating new routes for these companies to scale, bypassing traditional defence primes and enabling disruptive solutions to reach the market faster.
VC investment in defence, security and resilience tech hit $5.2 billion in Europe in 2024, a record high – even as overall VC funding declined by 45%.
WHY THIS MATTERS NOW
Speed, adaptability and collaboration will define the future of defence innovation. For Europe, the time to act is now – by fostering dual-use innovation, accelerating procurement and ensuring startups have the backing to scale before competitors dominate.
At Cooper Parry, we’re passionate about connecting founders, investors and innovators who are shaping the future of their fields.
Our latest Deeptech Dinner was a fantastic example of that, and if you want to explore any opportunities or share your perspective, get in touch.
