International matchmaking formats with companies from the Visegrád countries and the Netherlands aim to initiate new technology, development, and supply partnerships at the Euro Defence Expo in September.
Cross-border cooperation is becoming increasingly important for Europe’s security and defence industry. At the Euro Defence Expo (EUDEX) at Messe Essen in September, several international networking formats will therefore be used to connect companies with potential development, technology, and supply partners.
The focus is on the events “V4 Business Matchmaking @ EUDEX” and “Keep in Touch with the Dutch – Defence Innovations from the Netherlands”. These are complemented by the platform “EUDEX Match & Meet”, which will be available throughout the entire duration of the trade fair for individually arranged B2B meetings.
“Companies today are not only looking for customers, but also for development, technology, and supply partners. With these two formats, we address different cooperation needs, create targeted entry points for European industrial partnerships, and sharpen EUDEX’s profile as a platform for civil-military cooperation,” explains Julia Jacob, Project Director of EUDEX.
Focus on the Visegrád Countries
On Wednesday, 23 September 2026, Messe Essen, together with the foreign trade chambers of the four Visegrád countries – Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Hungary – will host a dedicated V4 Business Matchmaking event.
The programme is aimed at companies seeking to expand existing business relations in the region or establish new industrial partnerships. Pre-arranged B2B meetings will focus on industrial cooperation, dual-use technologies, and joint development and supply projects.
The initiative is designed to provide companies with structured access to potential partners across the four Central European markets.
Dutch Defence Innovations on Stage
One day later, on 24 September 2026, EUDEX will turn its attention to the Dutch defence and security industry.
Under the format “Keep in Touch with the Dutch – Defence Innovations from the Netherlands”, selected Dutch start-ups, scale-ups, and small and medium-sized enterprises will present their technologies, products, and cooperation interests from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. in Hall 3.
Short pitches will offer the international professional audience a concise overview of new solutions. Afterwards, moderated networking sessions will provide opportunities for in-depth discussions and the initiation of concrete cooperation projects.
The format is being implemented in cooperation with ZENIT GmbH / NRW.Europa. Interested Dutch companies can still apply for one of the pitch slots until 28 August 2026.
B2B Matchmaking Throughout EUDEX
In addition to the two main event highlights, the platform “EUDEX Match & Meet” will be available throughout the entire trade fair, enabling individually scheduled business meetings.
According to Messe Essen, around 100 company representatives have already registered on the platform ahead of the event to initiate discussions with potential business partners.
These formats underline EUDEX’s role as an international cooperation platform for the security and defence industry. Beyond showcasing technologies, the expo aims in particular to strengthen networking between European companies along development, production, and supply chains.
More information and tickets: eurodefenceexpo.de
