The European Network of Defence-related Regions (ENDR) was launched in 2016 by the European Commission. Until the end of 2021, ENDR was funded by the COSME programme. From 2022 onwards, the ENDR is funded by the European Defence Fund (EDF).
ENDR has 3 objectives:
- Bringing regional organisations and clusters together to exchange best practices on how to develop defence-related development strategies, including the integration of defence industrial and research assets into smart specialisation strategies
- Facilitating the flow of information for funding opportunities (such as the European Defence Fund, and other EU structural and investment funds); and
- Promoting the development of regional clusters of excellence.
As of 31 January 2026, 105 entities from 23 Member States and Norway are members of the network.
Since its inception, DG DEFIS, together with ENDR members, have organised 27 conferences/workshops in the past 10 years on topics such as maritime security, drones, maintenance in defence domains, Healthcare and Medical Countermeasures, dual use, skills in defence industry, cyber defence and cybersecurity and others.
More conferences and events are taking place in 2026
DG DEFIS has also been organising annual meetings with ENDR members since 2016.
DG DEFIS is in regular contact with members to keep them informed about relevant funding initiatives, and open to suggestions for future events.
You can contact us by email DEFIS-ENDR
ec [dot] europa [dot] eu (DEFIS-ENDR[at]ec[dot]europa[dot]eu).
New members
Agder European Office
Areas of activities
Agder European Office as regional representation Office concentrates on capability areas of direct relevance to EU security and defence priorities, naval combat, materials and components, energy resilience & environmental transition, Maritime, Marine / Submarine Technology, Trading & Business Support, Defence and Dual-use technologies, SMEs.
About Agder European Office
Agder European Office is the regional representation in Brussels of Agder, Norway's southernmost region. It is a membership-based association, with its current members being the Agder County municipality, the municipalities of Kristiansand, Arendal, and Grimstad, the University of Agder, and the research institute NORCE.
The Agder European Office, on behalf of its members, support businesses, research and educational institutions, the public sector, and civil society in the region in taking advantage of opportunities in European cooperation and funding schemes and safeguard the region’s interests in Europe – primarily within the framework of the EEA agreement. It does so by increasing awareness about EU-related matters, by helping various organisations build or join project consortia, and by serving as a hub for everything related to EU cooperation in the Agder region.
One of the three thematic priorities of the office is security, defence, and preparedness. Agder has a long history as a technology region with a strong maritime and mechanical industry, and today the region is home to several of Norway’s most advanced defence industry players. From Umoe Mandal, one of Norway's most specialized high-tech shipyards and a strategic supplier to international defence customers to disruptive SMEs such as Naval Robotics in Risør, there is an industrial ecosystem that operates at the intersection of defence, critical infrastructure, and maritime innovation. We work together with these and other actors to strengthen the European dimension of this ecosystem.
On behalf of, and together with our members, we work across public authorities, research ecosystems and businesses to spread information about the opportunities for defence and dual-use funding in European programmes and thereby contribute to strengthen the defence industry in our region. We have a key role in providing structured information about changes to funding programmes, upcoming events, guide organisations with regards to matchmaking and providing insight into EU policy mechanisms.
Several SMEs and large enterprises in the Agder region already benefit from EU funding under both the EDF and civilian funding programmes, and our mission is to bolster both the number and quality of project partners from Agder in the years to come and position the region for any new defence-related opportunities that arise.
Point of contact
Timo Nikolaisen, EU Policy Adviser, nikolaisenagdereuropakontor [dot] no (nikolaisen[at]agdereuropakontor[dot]no)
Aktantis
Areas of activities
AKTANTIS concentrates on capability areas of direct relevance to EU security and defence priorities, cyber, Digital transformation, electronics, AI, IoT, Innovative defence technologies SMEs, and photonics.
About AKTANTIS
AKTANTIS, created in 2005, is a deetech digital cluster (non-profit association) based in the French regions Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur and Occitanie, and gathers more than 310 members, including companies (70% of SMEs), research centres and educational institutions mainly in the fields of Micro/electronics, IoT, Artificial Intelligence and data analytics, Cyber and Digital Security, Photonics and Imaging applied to Health, Smart cities, Industry 4.0, Transport & mobility (including smart vehicle), Security/Defence and large instruments.
The cluster represents 60 000 jobs in these fields, 26 multinational companies, 1200 researchers in the public sector and 18 educational institutions training 1500 engineers per year.
Its aim is to promote the development of competitive R&D projects between all these players with the support of local communities, in order to design and develop new solutions targeting high-growth markets such as IoT, smart cities, smart homes and smart buildings, smart grids, Industry 4.0, logistics and transport, e-health, security and defence.
It also aims to contribute to the creation of an appropriate ecosystem for the overall regional digital landscape, especially through the development of SMEs.
AKTANTIS is also offering numerous services and products to its members, including access to technologies, to various platforms and to expertise and is promoting digital innovation to foster growth and employment in specific growing markets.
Helping startups and SMEs to develop in their markets is a strong mission of the AKTANTIS Cluster, through value-added support. Through expertise and funding, AKTANTIS supports SMEs in growth and job creation in order form them to become future mid-cap companies.
Specifically concerning Defence, AKTANTIS is supported by the French DGA (Direction Générale de l’Armement – French Defence Procurement Agency).
We guide SMEs/startups toward funding in the defence sector, innovation roadmaps, and events in cyber, electronics, AI, IoT, and photonics, building a robust regional digital ecosystem.
Point of contact
Marielle CAMPANELLA, Head of European projects, marielle [dot] campanellaaktantis [dot] com (marielle[dot]campanella[at]aktantis[dot]com)
Andalusia Defence Hub
Areas of activities
Andalusia Defence Hub concentrates on capability areas of direct relevance to EU security and defence priorities, materials and components, Cyber, Innovative defence technologies SMEs, Disruptive technologies, Digital transformation, Aeronautics, Aerospace, Naval, Land sector, Drones, Dual Technologies, Defence and Dual-use technologies, Artificial Intelligence, Ammunition.
About Andalusia Defence Hub
The Andalusia Defence Hub is a regional initiative that brings together industry, SMEs, research centres and public authorities to strengthen Andalusia position as a European hub for defence, security and space technologies. It fosters collaboration across the value chain, promotes technological development and supports the integration of regional actors into European defence programmes.
The Hub acts as a platform to connect capabilities in advanced manufacturing, digital technologies, and dual-use innovation, facilitating knowledge transfer, international partnerships and access to funding opportunities. It aims to enhance competitiveness, support SMEs’ participation in defence supply chains, and contribute to European strategic autonomy while driving sustainable regional growth.
Point of contact
Carlos Jacinto Marín, Andalusia Defense Hub General Director, cjacintohubdefensaandalucia [dot] com (cjacinto[at]hubdefensaandalucia[dot]com)
Cluster Defence.NRW
Areas of activities
The Cluster Defence.NRW concentrates on capability areas of direct relevance to EU security and defence priorities, Space, Cyber, Innovative defence technologies SMEs, Energy resilience & environmental transition, Materials and components, Disruptive technologies, Simulation and training, Digital transformation, Advanced passive and active sensors, and Information superiority, maritime, Naval, Electronics, Photonics, Robotics and aerial UAV/UAS - including UTM, counter UAV/UAS and all other defence-related technologies.
About Cluster Defence.NRW
The VDI TZ has been commissioned by the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Industry, Climate Action and Energy in NRW (North-Rhine-Westphalia) to establish and operate the Defence.NRW Cluster.
Our mission is to build an active defence network connecting NRW’s industry and research sector. We also serve as the primary point of contact for all stakeholders seeking to explore defence opportunities in NRW and abroad. To support this, we offer comprehensive information on defence-related topics for different levels of expertise.
NRW is the industrial heart of Germany, and connecting this industry and research community within a strong network is something we take pride in.
Defence.NRW has only recently launched, yet our first needs assessment survey has already attracted a remarkable number of participants. We look forward to our upcoming events and to supporting NRW's companies and institutions in becoming actively engaged in defence.
Point of contact
Lino Schneider-Bertenburg, Cluster-Manager, Lino [dot] Schneider-Bertenburgvdi [dot] de (Lino[dot]Schneider-Bertenburg[at]vdi[dot]de)
Mura Rike Cammann, Mura Rike Cammann, mura [dot] cammannvdi [dot] de (mura[dot]cammann[at]vdi[dot]de)
Impuls Zeeland
Areas of activities
Impuls Zeeland as Regional Development Organisation concentrates on capability areas of direct relevance to EU security and defence priorities, Advanced materials, Energy, Maritime, Naval, Health/Biosciences, aerial UAV/UAS, Marine / Submarine Technology, Surface Drones, and Autonomous vessels.
About Impuls Zeeland
The Province of Zeeland is home to one of the biggest Naval Shipbuilding Yards in Europe and the only one in the Netherlands. This ecosystem stretches out over all of Europe. Furthermore, we have many large and small entrepreneurs in niche markets especially for the installation and maintenance of Windfarms on sea. This includes a field lab for pilots and experiments.
Impuls Zeeland, the regional economic development agency, is a semi-public organisation working on behalf of 13 municipalities and the Province Zeeland. There are also fundings of the Ministry of Economic Affairs.
Our mission is to strengthen the regional ecosystem by connecting companies, knowledge institutes, and governments to accelerate innovation, investment, and internationalisation. Zeeland’s strategic location and economic strength are anchored in besides the Naval Shipyard a large Chemical cluster, a nuclear powerplant and storage of nuclear waste and an international harbour area (including the harbour of Gent, Belgium). Impuls Zeeland entered into a collaboration agreement with the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Economic Affairs, the Province of Zeeland, and the Economic Board Zeeland (EBZ). Together with industry and research institutions, we identify and scale technologies that contribute to national and European defence capabilities. This includes developments in areas such as naval warfare, intelligence support systems, and being a Host Nation Support harbour also situational awareness. The region also supports a thriving start-up and scale-up ecosystem, with strong focus on high-tech entrepreneurship, supported by instruments such as regional field labs like Zephyros and De Kaap, and working close with all kinds of institutes which enable faster validation and deployment of defence-relevant technologies.
Point of contact
Jos Mols, Project manager Maakindustrie, josmolsimpulszeeland [dot] nl (josmols[at]impulszeeland[dot]nl)
Italian Trade Agency
Areas of activities
As the governmental trade promotion organization, the Italian Trade Agency (ITA) aligns Italy’s industrial excellence with EU security and defence priorities. By empowering SMEs to integrate digital transformation and sustainability into their core operations, ITA bridges the gap between trade support and strategic partnership creation. Across the aerospace, land, and maritime domains, extending to cutting-edge drones, dual-use technologies, and cybersecurity, ITA is dedicated to fostering a competitive, resilient, and future-ready industrial landscape.
About Italian Trade Agency
ITA - Italian Trade Agency is the Governmental agency that supports the business development of our companies abroad and promotes the attraction of foreign investment in Italy.
With a motivated and modern organization and a widespread network of overseas offices, ITA provides information, assistance, consulting, promotion and training to Italian small and medium-sized businesses. Using the most modern multi-channel promotion and communication tools, it acts to assert the excellence of Made in Italy in the world.
In 2024, the Italian Trade Agency invested €190M+ in 900+ initiatives, engaging 21,200 companies, 14,800 foreign operators, and providing 33,000 training hours to 4,400 participants.
Through targeted matchmaking and technical promotion, the Agency translates Italian defence industry versatility into concrete international partnership opportunities. This mission, highlighted by successes like the Italian participation to BEDEX 2026, remains central to Italy's strategic roadmap, driving the industrial growth necessary to meet the 2% GDP defense expenditure targets set for 2025–2027.
Point of contact
Tindaro Paganini, Director of the ITA Office in Brussels, affari [dot] europeiice [dot] it (affari[dot]europei[at]ice[dot]it) ; bruxellesice [dot] it (bruxelles[at]ice[dot]it)
Province of Zuid-Holland
Areas of activities
The Province of Zuid-Holland concentrates on capability areas of direct relevance to EU security and defence priorities, Innovative defence technologies SMEs, Disruptive technologies, Simulation and training, Digital transformation, Space, Cyber, Advanced passive and active sensors, and Information superiority.
About Province of Zuid-Holland
The Province of Zuid-Holland is one of Europe’s leading regions for innovation in dual-use technologies, bridging civil and defence applications through a strong ecosystem of knowledge institutions, innovative companies and strategic clusters.
As home to major aerospace, maritime, quantum and high-tech industries - supported by research organizations such as TU Delft and the European Space Agency’s technology centre in Noordwijk - the region plays a central role in developing technologies relevant to both societal and security challenges.
The province actively supports collaboration between industry, academia and government, facilitates innovation clusters and test environments, and helps connect regional SMEs and startups with defence stakeholders.
By strengthening these ecosystems and promoting cooperation at the European level, Zuid-Holland contributes to the development of resilient dual-use value chains and to the competitiveness and strategic autonomy of Europe’s defence and space sectors.
Point of contact
Jesse van der Meer, Coördinator team defensie & dual-use, Domein Economie & Energie, jc [dot] vander [dot] meerpzh [dot] nl (jc[dot]vander[dot]meer[at]pzh[dot]nl)
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ENDR Hub
Part of the Digital Space Ecosystem platform, the ENDR Hub is designed to foster independent interaction among ENDR members, offering a space to explore new opportunities, connect with peers, and leverage our tools to maximise collaboration.
- Organisations
ENDR brings together defence-related regional organisations and clusters with SMEs, suppliers, manufacturers and other key stakeholders. Explore the map to find a defence-related organisation that could help your dual-use activities. Total number of members: 105
- Join the network
By sharing information on dual-use strategies, developments and events, ENDR members help shape the European strategy for defence-related regions. If you are a regional organisation, cluster or similar body in the EU (or Norway), you can join the network by filling in the form.
- Resources
This page provides an overview of the different funding and networking opportunities in the EU and beyond. How can you support your future project?
ENDR News
We would like to inform you that we are relaunching our search for more independent experts to assist the Commission for the evaluation of the proposals that will be submitted by 29 September 2026 in response to the EDF 2026 calls for proposals.
It would be a great help if you could share this information with your national and regional networks and encourage any potential independent experts to:
- Sign up to our database of potential independent experts on the EU Funding & Tenders portal
- Fill in the EU Survey – Experts for EDF 2026 Calls
Please note that we can only use experts who already have a valid Personal Security Clearance (PSC) issued by the relevant national authorities.
Further information is available at https://defence-industry-space.ec.europa.eu/calls-tenders/defence-industry-call-experts-assist-european-commission-evaluation-proposals-submitted-funding_en.
Latest News
On 13 April 2026, a new call was launched inviting start-ups and scale-ups to apply for the next Autumn Cohort of the EUDIS Defence Business Accelerator, with the programme set to commence in September 2026. A total of 20 companies will be selected to participate. The call is open until 30 May.
This morning, the European Commission adopted a EUR 1.5 billion multiannual work programme
The International Defence and Security Conference and Exhibition, BATTLEFIELD ReDEFiNED 2026 officially kicked off on 26 February 2026.
EUDIS Defence Hackathon Spring 2026 opens call for participants. The EUDIS Defence Hackathon Spring 2026 has officially opened its call for participants. From 16 February, innovators from across Europe and beyond are invited to register.
A research paper on the benefits for regions from defence spending and the added value of DEFIS’ ENDR was recently published in the journal EconPol Forum.
