The fifth edition of the DefStart competition is now open for applications, offering startups the chance to win up to €30,000 while developing innovations for the defense sector. Organized by the Bourges Agglomeration Community, the contest is based in Bourges, a region central to France's defense ecosystem.
DefStart aims to identify and support high-potential innovations that address the growing priorities of technological sovereignty and national defense. The competition underscores the critical role startups play in driving defense-related innovation.
Selected projects will receive financial prizes totaling €30,000, along with tailored support to accelerate their development. This includes access to the local defense industrial network, specialized mentoring, and opportunities for collaboration with established players in the sector.
The initiative reflects a broader strategic push to deepen ties between France's innovative startup scene and its defense and security industries, fostering homegrown technological solutions.