Technology summit in Berlin: Bulgaria increases EU defense agency!

Technology summit in Berlin: Bulgaria increases EU defense agency!

in the middle of a rapidly changing geopolitical environment, defense and cyber technologies move into the spotlight. A current event that takes up these topics is the Gitex Europe 2025 in Berlin, one of the largest technology trade fairs in Europe. Here it becomes clear how important the exchange between start-ups and established companies is. Dimitar Dimitrov from Wiser Technology was part of a high-ranking panel to real-time cyber threats, in which he caught up with cooperation as a key to innovative solutions. Other experts also emphasize the need to create a robust ecosystem of innovative technology companies in order to develop the next generation of defense solutions. This shows how strongly the various actors work together in Europe to promote software-defined defense capabilities. Trending Topics reports that was also present at this event.

A look at the current landscape reveals that over 170 defense and dual-use start-ups are active in Central and Eastern Europe. Major General Stefan Schulz does not want to leave this uncommented: he describes Bulgaria as a reliable partner in the Black Sea region, which underlines the increasing role of the country in the defense industry. News also come from the German Embassy in Sofia, where a new consultant for defense and security cooperation has been appointed. Wiser Technology's activities are particularly noteworthy, because the company has participated in numerous programs of the European Defense Fund and NATO initiatives, which confirms the importance and commitment of the Bulgarian actors.

start-ups in the defense sector under the microscope

European NATO countries have revised their defense priorities and significantly increased expenses. The focus is on three points: filling up weapons, improving the operational readiness of existing systems and the development of new, technologically leading skills. McKinsey analyzes the role of start-ups and private capital financing that are becoming increasingly important while However, European defense technology start-ups remain behind the United States. From 2021 to 2024, investments in this area rose by over 500 percent compared to the three previous years. However, the challenges remain: Many start-ups are struggling to secure late financing rounds and often see themselves towards American investors.

In the roof states (Germany, Austria, Switzerland), exciting start-ups in the defense sector sprout like mushrooms. These companies rely on technologies such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and drone defense systems. According to an article by Exciting Tech , the five most promising defense startups in the roof area of the security innovation:

These start-ups impressively show how innovation and entrepreneurial spirit play a crucial role in the defense industry. The challenges in front of which they are facing are diverse: from financing to regulatory hurdles and international competition. But as the experts advise you, strategic partnerships and state grants are decisive for the success of these companies.

The future of defense technology

Transformation in European defense is not just a catchphrase - it is a reality. The trend goes away from vertically integrated platforms to modular, AI-controlled systems. This is also part of the larger trend in Europe, where the fusion of defense and civil technologies is becoming increasingly important. The upcoming events, such as the Regional Defense Tech Summit in Sofia on October 28, 2025 with over 500 expected participants, promise interesting discussions about geopolitical changes and the integration of new technologies.

The last point is crucial: it is recommended to create public awareness and develop incentive systems that founders and investors win for defense relavant challenges. If the Europeans rely on the many strengths of their start-ups, a new security architecture could soon develop that is not only based on the latest technologies, but also on solid partnerships.