Dual Use Technology Unicorn Award

Civil-and-defence innovators building the technologies that keep Europe secure.

In partnership with Ministry of Defence of Ukraine and Brave1 - Ukrainian Defence Innovations.

Civil-and-defence innovators building the technologies that keep Europe secure.

In partnership with Ministry of Defence of Ukraine and Brave1 - Ukrainian Defence Innovations.

WHY THIS TRACK EXISTS

The most important thing Brussels has done for European defence tech in a decade. Civil-and-defence innovators, co-nominated with Ukraine's Ministry of Defence and Brave1.

Portrait of Peter Weckesser — Peter Weckesser
President, DIGITALEUROPE | CDO, Schneider Electric

Portrait of Peter — Peter Weckesser
President, DIGITALEUROPE | CDO, Schneider Electric

NOmination criteria

First qualify. Then stand out.

Companies must meet the entry criteria before they are assessed by the jury. The scorecard then looks at growth, strategic relevance and the signal the company sends for Europe.

Eligibility: who can be nominated

Dual-Use

Has a dual-use technology that serves both civilian and military clients or a clear strategy to sell their technology to both civilian and military clients

European base

Headquartered in Europe, including UA, CH, NO, TR.

Head-quartered in Europe, including UA, CH, NO, TR.

Growth record

Twenty percent

year-on-year growth over three years.

Scale threshold

€30M valuation or €10M annual revenue.

Ownership screen

No Russian capital, limited Chinese exposure.

Jury scorecard: what makes a company stand out

01

Growth potential

A credible path to €1B+ valuation, backed by strong market demand, momentum, and scale potential.

02

European value

A technology that strengthens Europe’s resilience, security, and strategic competitiveness.

03

Ukrainian value

Clear relevance to Ukraine’s battlefield, defence, or rebuilding needs.

04

Execution viability

A mature team, solid runway, and technology ready to deliver measurable impact within two years.

THE Award cycle

Eight months. From call to crown.

Twenty-nine countries.
One transatlantic bridge

June

Call for candidates from National Trade Associations & accelerators

Sep-Oct

October

Dec-Jan

3 Feb

4 Feb

THE PEOPLE IN THE ROOM