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Pitch at DECOI × Borderland 2026

We invite you to apply to pitch at DECOI × Borderland 2026, featuring the EUDIS Matchmaking track, taking place during Slush week in Helsinki, Finland, on November 17, 2026. The deadline to apply is October 2nd!

What is DECOI x Borderland?

DECOI (Defence Ecosystem of Innovators) × Borderland — the European Defence & Dual-use Innovation Summit — is a high-level event organised by Finnish Business Angels Network (FiBAN) and Borderland, taking place alongside Slush, Europe's most influential tech and startup gathering, with key partners Patria and EUDIS. This event is designed to showcase defence and dual-use innovation to an investor-heavy audience. View event details here.

What is EUDIS & EUDIS Matchmaking?

If you are new to the ecosystem, EUDIS Matchmaking is a flagship initiative of the EU Defence Innovation Scheme (EUDIS), enabled by the European Defence Fund (EDF). EUDIS bridges the gap between dual-use innovators and the broader European defence ecosystem to accelerate industrial growth and technological sovereignty.

DECOI x Borderland will feature keynote speeches, panel discussions, strategic networking with defence corporates, investors, and public stakeholders, and two dedicated pitching tracks for 14 startups and scaleups:

- Track 1 (7 spaces) | Early-Stage & Mid-Maturity Innovations (TRL 4–6) - Track 2 (7 spaces) | Near-Market & Deployable Solutions (TRL 7–9)
Timeline: - October 2, 2026 | Applications & Pitch Deck Submission Closes - October 3–12, 2026 | Application Review & Selection Board Evaluation - October 13, 2026 | Final Screening & Selection - November 17, 2026 | DECOI Pitching & Matchmaking Event - November 18–19, 2026 | Slush 2026 Main Conference

Why apply to pitch at DECOI x Borderland?

Showcase your innovation | DECOI offers a unique opportunity to pitch in front of active defence-focused investors and corporate decision-makers in an intimate, high-value setting.

Be one of 14 selected startups | EUDIS Matchmaking, together with FiBAN and industry representatives, will select 14 defence or dual-use startups to join one of the 2 tracks at DECOI. These companies will pitch to an audience of strategic investors, corporates, and institutional stakeholders.

Engage in investor-driven conversations | The event is designed to be investor-heavy, offering startups and scaleups exposure to a high-level audience from venture capital, defence investment, and industry scouting teams.
Targeted networking & strategic matchmaking | Take part in a concentrated afternoon of content and 1:1 investor engagement, with opportunities to connect directly with relevant investors, corporates, and public stakeholders. Easily book meetings through the Brella event app.
Gain insights from European defence leadership | The day's programme includes keynotes on drones in future warfare and the state of global conflict — plus panel discussions on building Europe's border security hub, commercialising defence innovation, and accelerating defence financing, alongside a dedicated showcase of innovation from Ukraine.
Exclusive Benefit for Selected Pitching Companies | Companies chosen to pitch at DECOI will also receive tickets to Slush 2026! This provides a unique opportunity to extend your exposure to one of Europe’s largest tech gatherings, connecting with global investors, startups, and industry leaders the following day.
Please note
- If you are not interested in the pitching opportunity, but want to join the event, please register to DECOI through this link.
- Applications and pitch decks will be evaluated by an expert Selection Board and approved by the European Commission (DG DEFIS) against the following weighted criteria.
- Travel and accommodation costs for the onsite event are not covered by the event organizers.
- Only a limited number of companies will be selected to join the event
- Selected companies can bring 1-2 representatives to the event
We look forward to welcoming you in Helsinki this November at the centre of Europe’s tech and defence innovation dialogue!

Are you already an innovator who has been accepted into the EUDIS Matchmaking Programme?

A
B

What is your full name?

What is your e-mail address?

Example: john.smith@myeuropeancompany.eu

What is the name of your organisation?

Example: Defence Technologies Inc.

What is your role/title at your organisation?

In which country is your organisation based?

Which Technology Readiness Level (TRL) best describes the current maturity of your solution?

A
B
C
D
E
F
G

Briefly describe the specific test, trial, or validation milestone that proves your company has achieved this TRL.

Upload supporting documentation that corroborates your reported TRL (e.g., test report executive summary, military exercise participation confirmation, client PoC agreement, or certification document).

Please briefly describe your solution you would like to present at DECOI.

WHY do you want to join DECOI event?

Please outline what you are hoping to achieve by attending this event. Include your specific goals, such as the number and type of investors you aim to connect with, the number of potential customers you hope to identify, or the kind of strategic partnerships you wish to explore. Please be as specific as possible, including names or numbers (where relevant).

HOW will the potential connections fit into your growth strategy?

Please elaborate on the relevance of the connections you aim to make at this event to your overall growth strategy. Describe the specific outcomes you anticipate achieving through these connections and how they will help you reach your key milestones (e.g., securing seed funding, entering a new market segment, validating your technology with end-users).

Is your organisation subject to control by a country/entity established outside the EU, Norway or Ukraine?

To be eligible, your company should not be subject to control by a country/entity established outside the EU, Norway, Ukraine.

Control is to be understood as the possibility to exercise decisive influence on your company (notably in relation to its strategic business decisions), directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediate entities "de jure" or "de facto". Please refer to EC guidelines .

I acknowledge, that:

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