We Build Defence Ventures
From Pilot to Capability
EDVS is not an accelerator. We are a venture studio — we identify defence capability gaps, co-create ventures to fill them, and drive them to operational deployment.
The Pilot Trap
European defence innovation suffers from a persistent problem: promising technologies get stuck in endless demonstration cycles, never transitioning to operational deployment.
The gap between "it works in testing" and "it's in the field" requires more than technology. It requires understanding operational requirements, navigating procurement realities, and building the right partnerships.
EDVS exists to close this gap — by building ventures that are designed for deployment from day one.
The Venture Studio Model
Unlike accelerators that support existing startups, EDVS identifies capability gaps and builds ventures from the ground up. We bring together the technology, talent, and market access needed to create companies that deliver real defence capability.
Scout
We continuously scan Europe's technology landscape — universities, research centres, deep-tech startups — for innovations with defence and dual-use potential. We identify capability gaps before they become critical.
Build
We don't just advise — we co-create. EDVS assembles founding teams, provides operational resources, and shapes ventures around validated defence requirements. We build companies, not pitch decks.
Deploy
We connect ventures with funding pathways (EDF, national programmes, strategic investors) and structure partnerships that lead to procurement and operational deployment — not just another pilot.
Building Ventures, Not Running Programmes
EDVS operates as a true venture studio. We don't run cohorts or accept applications. Instead, we identify opportunities, recruit exceptional founders, and build companies alongside them.
Accelerator Model
- •Accept applications
- •Cohort-based programmes
- •Mentorship & advice
- •Demo days
- •Founders bring ideas
EDVS Venture Studio Model
- •Identify opportunities
- •Ongoing venture creation
- •Operational co-building
- •Deployment milestones
- •We bring ideas + founders
We don't wait for great defence ventures to apply. We create them.
From Opportunity to Operational Capability
Opportunity Identification
We analyse defence capability gaps, emerging threats, and technology trends to identify venture opportunities with clear paths to deployment.
Venture Formation
We assemble founding teams, secure initial resources, and establish the company structure — built around validated defence requirements.
Capability Development
We work alongside the venture to develop technology, validate with end users, and prepare for defence market entry.
Deployment & Scale
We connect ventures with procurement pathways, funding programmes, and strategic partners to achieve operational deployment at scale.
The EDVS Advantage
Deployment-First Design
Every venture we build starts with a clear path to operational deployment. We don't create companies that get stuck in pilot purgatory.
Operational Expertise
Our team includes senior defence professionals who understand procurement, requirements, and what it takes to get technology into the field.
European Defence Network
Direct access to defence stakeholders, EDF consortia, and procurement pathways across European markets.
Full-Stack Support
From company formation to Series A and beyond — we stay involved as operational partners, not just advisors.
Where We Build
Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning
Cybersecurity & Information Security
Space & Communications
Autonomous Systems & Robotics
Maritime & Naval Technologies
Energy & Sustainability
12+ Years Building Innovation Ecosystems
EDVS is led by the team that co-founded and continues to lead StartSmart SEE (formerly MIT Enterprise Forum Greece), one of Southern Europe's most established startup acceleration programmes.
This deep experience in venture building, technology validation, and ecosystem development informs everything we do at EDVS. We know what it takes to move from idea to scale.
Years of Experience
Startups Supported Through StartSmart SEE*
*Results achieved by StartSmart SEE programme alumni
Two Ways to Partner
For Defence Organizations
Commission a Venture
You have a capability gap that needs filling. Work with EDVS to identify technology solutions and build a venture designed to deliver that capability.
What we offer:
- Capability gap analysis
- Technology landscape scanning
- Venture creation and co-investment
- Pathway to procurement
For Technologists & Founders
Build With Us
You have deep technology expertise and want to apply it to defence. Partner with EDVS to co-found a venture with built-in market access and defence domain knowledge.
What we offer:
- Co-founder matching
- Defence market access
- Operational support and resources
- Funding pathway navigation
Also interested in working with EDVS?
Let's Build Something That Deploys
Whether you have a capability gap to fill or technology expertise to apply, EDVS is where defence ventures get built.
Or email us at [email protected]