FWC European Defence Innovation Scheme (EUDIS) BraveTech EU DefTech Forges (bootcamps) and other events in support of innovation

This is a call for tenders (EC-DEFIS/2025/OP/0040) under the European Defence Innovation Scheme (EUDIS) focused on BraveTech EU DefTech Forges and other innovative events. The European Commission, specifically DG DEFIS, is the contracting authority. The aim is to establish a framework contract for the planning, management, and execution of defense-innovation events between the EU and Ukraine, including hackathons, bootcamps, and mentoring programs.

The estimated total value of this framework contract is €20 million, spread over a maximum duration of 48 months. The main CPV code associated with this contract is 73410000, relating to military research and technology. The nature of the contract is service-based, emphasizing the organization of events rather than traditional research or product development.

Open to both individual organizations and consortia, interested applicants must submit their tenders electronically by February 2, 2026, at 16:00 Brussels time. The public opening of the tenders will occur on February 3, 2026. Submission requires a valid Personal Identification Code (PIC), which is mandatory for participation. The award decision will be based on the best price-quality ratio.

While eligibility is not explicitly restricted, the tender encourages participation from a diverse range of entities capable of managing events within the defense innovation ecosystem. The geographic focus encompasses EU member states and Ukraine. The procurement seeks specialized contractors experienced in organizing such events to enhance collaboration and innovation in military technologies.

Applicants will not need to co-fund the projects; the EU will cover the full costs for the contracted services. Supporting documents and detailed requirements can be found through the procurement listing, and a FAQ section has been included to address common technical inquiries related to the submission process.

Overall, this initiative represents a strategic investment in defense capabilities and innovation partnerships between the EU and Ukraine, positioning innovative events as a vital mechanism for technology transfer and capacity building in the defense sector.

This is an invitation to tender with procedure identifier EC-DEFIS/2025/OP/0040. It is an open procedure, submitted electronically. The tender is for the FWC European Defence Innovation Scheme (EUDIS) BraveTech EU DefTech Forges (bootcamps) and other events in support of innovation. The objective is to plan, manage, and implement EU–Ukraine defence-innovation events (for example hackathons, DefTech Forges, mentoring, and others) through a Framework Contract for the organisation of EU Defence Innovation Scheme (EUDIS) BraveTech EU DefTech Forges (bootcamps) and other events in support of innovation. The estimated total value is 20,000,000 EUR. The TED publication date is 27/11/2025. The lead contracting authority is the European Commission, DG DEFIS - Defence Industry and Space. The main classification (CPV) code is 73410000 - Military research and technology. The nature of the contract is for services. The maximum contract duration is 48 months. The award method is best price-quality ratio. It is a framework agreement without reopening of competition. The date and time of public opening is 03/02/2026 10:00 Europe/Brussels. The deadline for receipt of tenders is 02/02/2026 16:00 Europe/Brussels. The contracting authority is not bound to reply to questions submitted after 25/01/2026 07:00 Europe/Brussels. The TED reference is 229/2025 787151-2025.

The following documents are available for download:
ENEN-Invitation to tender EC-DEFIS2025OP0040 FWC EUDIS BraveTech EU DefTech ForgesInvitation letterPublished on 27/11/2025Version 1 No translations available
ENBraveTech EU tender-specificationsTender specificationsPublished on 27/11/2025Version 1 No translations available
ENAnnex 2 - declaration-of-honour-tenders FWC EUDIS BraveTech EU DefTech Forges EC-DEFIS2025OP0040Declaration on honour (tender)Published on 27/11/2025Version 1 No translations available
ENfwc-service-2024-FR-Recast-enDraft contractPublished on 27/11/2025Version 1 No translations available
ENAnnex IV - annex-vat-2023-en (2)Draft contract annexPublished on 27/11/2025Version 1 No translations available
ENAnnex V - statements-ipr-en (2)Draft contract annexPublished on 27/11/2025Version 1 No translations available
ENAppendix 2 Security requirements en 2025 (6)Draft contract annexPublished on 27/11/2025Version 1 No translations available
ENAnnex 7 - Letter of representationOther invitation to tender documentPublished on 27/11/2025Version 1 No translations available
ENAnnex 8 - Participation conditionsOther invitation to tender documentPublished on 27/11/2025Version 1 No translations available
ENAnnex 8bis - Guidelines Participation conditionsOther invitation to tender documentPublished on 27/11/2025Version 1 No translations available

Submissions must be sent exclusively at the address for submission given below. The submission method is electronic.

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In summary, this tender opportunity, EC-DEFIS/2025/OP/0040, focuses on establishing a framework contract to plan, manage, and execute EU-Ukraine defence innovation events. These events include hackathons, DefTech Forges, and mentoring programs, all under the umbrella of the European Defence Innovation Scheme (EUDIS) BraveTech EU DefTech Forges initiative. The European Commission's DG DEFIS is the lead authority, and the contract, valued at 20 million EUR, aims to foster collaboration and innovation in military research and technology between the EU and Ukraine. The contract duration is 48 months, and submissions must be made electronically by February 2, 2026. The tender documents provide detailed specifications, participation conditions, and necessary declarations, and the FAQ section addresses common technical queries related to the eSubmission process. A key requirement for participation is having a valid Personal Identification Code (PIC).

Eligible Applicant Types: The eligible applicant types are not explicitly stated, but given the nature of the tender, it is likely open to a range of entities capable of planning, managing, and implementing defence-innovation events. This could include companies (SMEs and large enterprises), research institutions, universities, consulting firms, event management companies, and other organizations with relevant experience. The requirement for a PIC (Personal Identification Code) suggests that registered organizations are the target applicants.

Funding Type: This is a procurement opportunity, specifically a call for tenders. The nature of the contract is for services.

Consortium Requirement: The text mentions that a PIC is mandatory to participate in a call for tenders as a sole candidate/tenderer or as a member of a group (consortium). Therefore, both single applicants and consortia are eligible.

Beneficiary Scope (Geographic Eligibility): The tender focuses on EU-Ukraine defence-innovation events, suggesting eligibility extends to entities within the EU and Ukraine. The European Defence Innovation Scheme (EUDIS) framework implies a focus on EU member states, but the specific inclusion of Ukraine broadens the geographic scope.

Target Sector: The primary target sector is defence innovation. This includes military research and technology, as indicated by the CPV code 73410000. The tender also targets related areas such as technology, innovation, event management, and consulting services within the defence sector. BraveTech and DefTech Forges are specifically mentioned, indicating a focus on deep tech and emerging technologies in the defence context.

Mentioned Countries: Ukraine, EU member states.

Project Stage: The project stage involves planning, managing, and implementing defence-innovation events. This suggests a focus on the implementation and execution phases, rather than early-stage research or idea generation. The events mentioned (hackathons, DefTech Forges, mentoring) imply activities that support development, validation, and demonstration of defence-related innovations.

Funding Amount: The estimated total value of the framework contract is 20,000,000 EUR.

Application Type: The application type is an open call for tenders, with electronic submission.

Nature of Support: Beneficiaries will receive money in exchange for services rendered, specifically for planning, managing, and implementing EU-Ukraine defence-innovation events.

Application Stages: The number of application stages is not explicitly mentioned, but given it is an open call for tenders, it likely involves at least two stages: submission of the tender and evaluation of the tender. Further stages might include contract negotiation and award.

Success Rates: The success rates are not mentioned in the provided text.

Co-funding Requirement: The text does not explicitly mention a co-funding requirement.

Summary:

This is a call for tenders (EC-DEFIS/2025/OP/0040) under the European Defence Innovation Scheme (EUDIS) for the "BraveTech EU DefTech Forges (bootcamps) and other events in support of innovation" initiative. The European Commission, specifically DG DEFIS (Defence Industry and Space), is the lead contracting authority. The primary objective is to establish a framework contract for planning, managing, and implementing EU-Ukraine defence-innovation events such as hackathons, DefTech Forges, and mentoring programs. The estimated total value of the framework contract is 20,000,000 EUR, and the maximum contract duration is 48 months.

The tender is open to both individual organizations and consortia capable of providing the required services. Submissions must be electronic, and the deadline for receipt of tenders is February 2, 2026, at 16:00 Europe/Brussels time. The award method is based on the best price-quality ratio. The TED publication date was November 27, 2025, and the date for the public opening is February 3, 2026, at 10:00 Europe/Brussels time. The contracting authority will not reply to questions submitted after January 25, 2026, at 07:00 Europe/Brussels time.

The tender targets the defence innovation sector, focusing on military research and technology. It aims to foster collaboration and innovation between the EU and Ukraine in the defence domain. The selected contractor(s) will be responsible for organizing and executing various events to support the development and deployment of innovative defence solutions.

Applicants must register for a PIC (Personal Identification Code) to participate. The eSubmission system supports multiple languages and encrypts uploaded documents to ensure confidentiality. The maximum file size for attachments is 50 MB, and up to 200 files can be uploaded per submission.