You have built it. You have tested it. Now put it in front of people who understand the problem it could solve.
CL8 is sponsoring the EUDIS Defence Hackathon Cyprus, taking place in Nicosia from 15 to 17 October 2026, and will be on site to support participants and start-ups with practical guidance on the technology infrastructure they need to grow.
For engineers, developers and founders with a working prototype or validated concept, the attraction is clear: direct feedback from defence end users, access to industry experts and the opportunity to test their technology at the Cyprus Institute’s USRL Orounda Airfield.
Under the theme Autonomy on the Battlefield, teams will work on autonomous systems, robotics and the protection of critical infrastructure. A complete aircraft is not required. A piece of software, a sensor or a module that solves a specific problem could be your starting point.
The €10,000 local prize pool adds another reason to take part. So do the opportunities for mentoring, incubation and business support after the event. National winning teams will enter a European mentorship programme and have the opportunity to pitch to EU Member State representatives.
CL8 will be there to help founders consider what comes next, from cloud services and hosting to cybersecurity and the infrastructure needed as their products develop and their businesses grow.
If your team has something worth testing, give it an audience worth meeting.
Register by 10 October. The hackathon is open to eligible participants aged 18 or over, in teams of at least two, attending on site for the full event.
Information and registration details here >
