Test, Validate, and Compete with with exposure to European Militaries

Phase II takes the best-performing DefTech Forge teams into advanced Testing & Evaluation campaigns led by the European Defence Agency (EDA). Taking place within five months after the DefTech Forge, Phase II gives selected companies the time to integrate end-user feedback, address key technical and operational gaps, and further advance their solutions before entering a more demanding experimentation environment.

Implemented by

Each Phase II session brings together six winning companies from two DefTech Forge editions to participate in operational experimentation campaigns with EU-wide military stakeholders. These campaigns are designed to replicate real-life operational conditions as closely as possible, enabling teams to test performance, assess integration constraints, and mature their technologies through direct military feedback.

Beyond technical validation, Phase II offers selected companies a unique platform to gain exposure to European armed forces, strengthen their credibility, and compete for additional prize funding to support the further development of their solutions.

3 benefits for companies

Selected Phase II participants will compete for additional prize funding of up to €1,000,000 and gain direct exposure to European military stakeholders. The campaigns will help teams validate their solutions under close-to-real-life operational conditions, integrate end-user feedback, and open doors to further collaboration and potential adoption.

Up to €1,000,000 in Prize Funding

Compete for additional funding rewards (stages) awarded to the top-performing companies.

Operational Experimentation

Test, iterate, and validate your solution through advanced experimentation campaigns with military end-users.

EU-Wide Military Exposure

Showcase your technology to European military stakeholders and strengthen your visibility across the defence ecosystem.

Phase II Roadmap: From Forge Winners to Operational Experimentation

First Operational Experimentation Campaign

Within 5 months after the DefTech Forge

Six winning teams from two DefTech Forge editions participate in a live operational experimentation campaign. This first stage gives companies time to integrate end-user feedback from the Forge, address key technical and operational gaps, and further advance their solutions before testing them under more rigorous conditions. Based on performance and evaluation, the top four companies are selected to advance to Stage 2.

Teams

Within 5 months after the DefTech Forge

Additional prize funding

Stage 2 — Advanced Operational Experimentation Campaign

Within 5 months after Stage 1

The four shortlisted companies participate in a second round of operational experimentation. This stage allows teams to further validate performance, demonstrate progress since Stage 1, and refine their solutions based on military feedback. Following the final evaluation, the top two companies are selected as the final Phase II winners.

Teams

Within 5 months after Phase I phase

Top 2 companies

Final winners of DefTech Forges Phase II