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BITS SPOTLIGHT
DEFENCE AREA
FOR EUROPEAN SOVEREIGNTY
Where the European defence industry meets the tech ecosystem that will shape its future. Curated by Rheinmetall and the Bundeswehr Cyber Innovation Hub — for founders, investors and the decision-makers who set procurement priorities.
7,500+
founders, investors & policymakers at Bits & Pretzels
2
days of Defence Area programming,28 - 29 Sep
0
intermediaries – direct access to procurement
Munich
Europe’s central hub fordefence & security tech
This is where Defence belongs
WHERE THE ECOSYSTEM ALREADY IS
Munich is Europe's central hub for defence and security technology — home to research, prime contractors and emerging defence tech companies. We unite the ecosystem and offer the visibility it needs.
PROCUREMENT MEETS
INNOVATIO
The people setting capability requirements and the companies meeting them are both here. No intermediaries, no filters — two days of direct access.
SOVEREIGN TECHNOLOGY PIPELINE
Securing Europe's sovereignty means scaling production capabilities across industries. Identify future partners and capabilities before the competition does.
One platform, two ways to be part of it
This is where the European defence industry unites – and the Defence Area sits at the heart of Bits & Pretzels, accessible to all 7,500 attendees.
Defence area
Unites the defence industry's key stakeholders — procurement officers, policymakers, Bundeswehr command and startups
Shape ministerial keynotes alongside startup pitches
Hardware on display — drones, vehicles, AI systems
High-level networking behind closed doors, if need be
the platform
Europe's most relevant founders conference – 7,500 attendees: founders, investors, industry leaders and policymakers
Increase brand awareness on the main stage
Demonstrate thought leadership
Meet policymakers and identify innovation partners across the startup landscape
Curated by industry experts
The Defence Area is shaped by established defence industry leaders – not by observers
Sven Weizenegger
Bundeswehr Cyber Innovation Hub
Academic & Programme Curator
The Bundeswehr Cyber Innovation Hub is the Bundeswehr’s direct interface with commercial technology and innovation. Sven Weizenegger’s network spans military leadership, procurement decision-makers and the European defence technology ecosystem – connecting the programme to the actual decisionmakers.
Klaus Kappen
Rheinmetall
Industry Curator
With deep expertise at the intersection of defence technology and industrial-scale procurement, Klaus Kappen brings the perspective of someone who knows what European armed forces actually need — and what it takes to build and integrate it at scale. His involvement confirms that the Defence Area is a serious platform for serious industry.
What’s included in the defence area
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Content & industy partners
Curated by Universität der Bundeswehr München and Rheinmetall