Cross-border cooperation is a key success factor for the European security and defence industry—from research and development through to industrial manufacturing. With the “V4 Business Matchmaking @ EUDEX” and “Keep in touch with the Dutch” formats, Euro Defence Expo (EUDEX) is organizing two international networking events at Messe Essen that specifically connect companies with potential business partners.
“Today, companies are looking not only for customers, but also for development, technology, and supply partners. With these two formats, we address different collaboration needs, create targeted opportunities for European industrial partnerships, and raise the profile of EUDEX as a platform for civil-military cooperation,” explains Julia Jacob, EUDEX project manager.
Targeted Partnerships with Central Europe: V4 Business Matchmaking
On Wednesday, September 23, 2026, Messe Essen, in collaboration with the German Chambers of Commerce Abroad (AHKs) of the Visegrád Group countries—Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Hungary—will host the V4 Business Matchmaking event. The forum is aimed at companies seeking to expand their business relationships with these four countries. The focus will be on pre-arranged B2B meetings regarding industrial cooperation, dual-use technologies, and joint development and supply projects. The event provides an opportunity to establish new contacts in a region where defence industry capabilities and investments have grown significantly in recent years. Interested parties can find further information and register here.
Dutch Innovations and International Networking
On Thursday, September 24, EUDEX will turn its attention to the Netherlands. The “Keep in Touch with the Dutch – Defence Innovations from the Netherlands” event will bring selected Dutch startups, scale-ups, and small and medium-sized enterprises to the stage for a pitch session from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. in Hall 3. In short presentations, they will showcase their technologies, products, and collaboration opportunities to an international audience of industry professionals. Following the presentations, moderated networking sessions will provide an opportunity to deepen discussions and establish new contacts. The event is organized in cooperation with ZENIT GmbH / NRW.Europa. Interested companies from the Netherlands can apply here for one of the coveted pitch slots until August 28, 2026.
Matchmaking on All Days of the Trade Show
In addition to these two events, the “EUDEX Match & Meet” platform is available to participants throughout the entire duration of the trade show for B2B meetings arranged individually in advance. Interest is already high even before the trade show begins: Around 100 company representatives have already connected on the platform to prepare targeted discussions with potential partners.
For more information and tickets, visit www.eurodefenceexpo.de.
