The PAKCon Defense Hive, part of Project A's European Resilience Tech sessions, is hosted in collaboration with YPOG, where industry leaders, venture capitalists, military commanders, defense tech start-ups, and public sector representatives come together to explore the dynamic landscape of defense technology. The event will feature insightful discussions on securing funding, impulses from military command, overcoming regulatory hurdles and fostering collaboration between traditional defense companies and innovative start-ups.

Attendees will gain valuable perspectives on the challenges and opportunities within the sector, engage in networking opportunities, and participate in collaborative sessions aimed at shaping the future of defense technology.

Join us for an enriching experience dedicated to driving advancements and fostering innovation in defense.

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Agenda:

• ​Registration starts at 9am
  
• ​10:00 – 10:15 Opening speech by Kajsa Ollongren (former Minister of Defense, Netherlands)
  
• ​10:15 – 11:15 Introductory Discussion: Geopolitical Challenges, Risks and Threats
  w/ Pia Fuhrhop (German Institute for International and Security Affairs; moderator), Kajsa Ollongren (former Minister of Defense, Netherlands), General (ret) Frank Leidenberger (BWI), Frank Sauer (Bundeswehr University) and Susanne Wiegand (RENK).
  
• ​11:15 – 11:30 Coffee break
  
• ​11:30 – 12:00 Keynote: State of Defense Tech Ecosystem in Europe w/ Uwe Horstmann (Project A)
  
• ​12:00 – 12:45 Panel 1: Charting the Course – Overcoming Barriers for Defense Tech Start-Ups
  w/ Chris O’Connor (NATO Innovation Fund; moderator), Kusti Salm (Estonian Ministry of Defense), Jeanette Hvam (DECPT) and Sven Kruck (Quantum Systems)
  
• ​12:45 – 13:00 "Doctrines have to change, here is why" by ARX Robotics and Quantum Systems
  
• ​13:00 – 14:00 Lunch break
  
• ​14:00 – 14:45 Panel 2: Investing in Defense Tech – Facilitating Change and Navigating Investment Hurdles
  w/ Uwe Horstmann (Project A; moderator), Kelly Chen (NATO Innovation Fund), Alexander Ribbink (Keen Venture Partner), Otto Yon (Freedom Fund) and Greg Shipley (IQT)
  
• ​14:45 – 15:00 Impulse by Martin Herem (Former Estonian Chief of Defense)
  
• ​15:00 – 15:15 Coffee Break
  
• ​15:15 – 16:00 Panel 3: Bridging Traditions and Innovations – Mutual Lessons for Defense Industry and Start-Ups
  w/ Katharina Wagner (McKinsey; moderator), Christian Steinborn (Rheinmetall), Thomas Grohs (Airbus Defense), Marc A. Wietfeld (ARX Robotics) and Chris Sylvan (Anduril)
  
• ​16:00 – 16:15 Impulse by Spleenlab by Stefan Milz
  
• ​16:15 – 16:30 Coffee break
  
• ​16:30 – 17:00 Panel 4: Breaking Barriers – Regulatory Challenges for Defense Tech
  w/ Florian Wilbrink (YPOG), Lisa Antoine (EU Commission), Nabil Ben Mahdi (EIF), Nicholas Nelson (CEPA) and Christopher Wolters (Blomstein)
  
• ​17:00 – 17:15 Closing Remarks by Yuliia Marushevska (Head of Reforms Support Office of Ministry of Defense of Ukraine)
  
• ​From 17:15 Networking and Drinks
• ​From 18:30 PAKCon Closing Party at Haus Ungarn

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YPOG Berlin Office

Kurfürstendamm 12

10719 Berlin, Germany

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Is this a Hive you should be part of? Then fill the registration form and make sure that you select this Hive to secure your application spot - we look forward to it!