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CzechInvest launches DEFENCE HUB to support innovation in the defence industry
07.05. 2025
CzechInvest in cooperation with the Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic announced the launch of DEFENCE HUB, a strategic initiative designed to accelerate innovation and technological progress in the field of defence and dual-use technologies.
In response to the NATO DIANA initiative, the DEFENCE HUB will serve as a central information and acceleration centre, supporting collaboration between startups, established commercial entities and government institutions. This dynamic platform will enable innovators to develop cutting-edge solutions that address critical defence challenges and promote economic growth through dual-use applications.
“I am glad that in cooperation with the Ministry of Defence we have managed to successfully launch the DEFENCE HUB. Strengthening the role of CzechInvest in this area was one of the things I set out to do when I joined the agency last year.” said Jan Michal, Director General of CzechInvest.
“The launch of the DEFENCE HUB represents a key moment for the Czech Republic,” said Leoš Mauer, Director of the DEFENCE HUB at CzechInvest. “By providing targeted support and encouraging collaboration, we are creating an ecosystem where innovation can thrive, strengthen our defence capabilities and generate significant economic opportunities.”
The DEFENCE HUB works on two basic pillars:
- Point of contact: the DEFENCE HUB team will proactively identify and promote relevant opportunities and grants at national and European level. This includes key initiatives such as DIANA, the NATO Innovation Fund (NIF) and the European Defence Fund (EDF), along with other programmes targeting start-ups. The HUB will also develop and maintain strong relationships with commercial and government entities in the defence sector, facilitating key connections to the Czech innovation landscape.
- Accelerator preparation: a key function of the DEFENCE HUB is to identify and support high-potential startups and guide them through the application process for initiatives such as NATO DIANA. Going forward, the DEFENCE HUB will play a key role in running the national DIANA Czechia accelerator, which will operate as part of the wider NATO DIANA network.
DEFENCE HUB provides a comprehensive set of services, including:
- Consulting: expert guidance and support for startups and innovators.
- Events: networking opportunities, workshops and industry meetings.
- Foreign partners: Facilitating connections with international organisations and collaborators.
- Technology incubation: support for companies in the early stages of developing and scaling their technologies.
“The Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic welcomes and supports this initiative,” said Radka Konderlová, Director for Industrial Cooperation. “The DEFENCE HUB will play a key role in supporting the development of advanced technologies that are critical to our national security and contribute to the broader security of the Alliance.”
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