6th Edition of the European Defence Challenge – From STEM to Strategy

The European Defence Challenge (EDC) is back with its sixth edition, inviting students across Europe to bring fresh ideas to the forefront of Europe’s defence and aerospace innovation. This year’s theme – “From STEM to Strategy: Empowering Young Minds to Shape Europe’s Defence Future” – calls on participants to explore what draws young people to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), and how these motivations can inspire meaningful careers in defence and aerospace.

Launched under the ASSETs+ project (2020–2023) and now coordinated by Fondazione Giacomo Brodolini, the Challenge continues to grow as a platform for young innovators. Previous editions have connected hundreds of students to European industry leaders, policymakers, and educators, sparking new perspectives on defence technology, security, and sustainability.

The 6th edition encourages participants to:

• Reflect on what makes STEM education engaging for young people.
• Design innovative ways to connect STEM learning with defence and aerospace opportunities.
• Highlight how defence and aerospace foster creativity, real-world impact, and ethical reflection alongside technological skill.

Students will act as innovators and peer ambassadors, helping shape how their generation views the future of European defence – not just as a field of technical excellence but as a space for creativity, collaboration, and purpose.

Who can participate

The Challenge is open to all university and higher education students from across Europe, especially those studying STEM-related subjects. Interdisciplinary approaches are encouraged – whether you come from engineering, digital technology, policy studies, or design.

Why participate

• Showcase your ideas to key European defence and aerospace organisations.
• Learn from experts in innovation, security, and technology.
• Join a community of young professionals building Europe’s strategic and technological future.

Host

This edition is hosted by Fondazione Giacomo Brodolini, a leading organisation in innovation policy and skills development within Europe’s aerospace and defence ecosystem.

Contact

For more information:

Liga Baltina – baltina@fondazionebrodolini.eu

Francisca Tena – tena@fondazionebrodolini.eu