EVENT

Digital & Defence Innovation for Europe's Strategic Autonomy

28DIGITAL is pleased to invite you to the Brussels launch of the Makers & Shapers report on Digital and Defence Innovation for Europe’s Strategic Autonomy, taking place on October 15, 2025 at the Permanent Representation of Estonia to the EU. 

Organised by 28DIGITAL, under the auspices of the Permanent Representation of Estonia to the EU and in cooperation with Enterprise Estonia and the 28DIGITAL-led project Co-Cyber, this half-day event will combine the release of a new flagship report with high-level debates on Europe’s digital and defence innovation agenda.

This launch comes at a critical moment, as Europe seeks to strengthen strategic autonomy through cutting-edge digital technologies, dual-use innovation, and stronger collaboration between policymakers, industry, and research.

Programme highlights

Presentation of the new Makers & Shapers report. 

Keynote addresses from leading institutional and industry figures. 

Panel and keynote discussions on:

  • Europe’s strategic autonomy
  • Dual-use innovation
  • Cybersecurity
  • The role of the digital sector in defence and security 

Networking opportunities with policymakers, industry representatives, and the research community. 

Practical information

  • Location: Permanent Representation of Estonia to the EU, Rue Guimard 11/13, 1040 Brussels.
  • Access: Entry requires presentation of a valid ID card. Please arrive in advance.
  • Registration: Doors open at 13:15 with registrations and networking coffee from 13:30.
  • Reception: A celebratory cocktail reception will follow the event.

Contact

For any inquiries, please contact us at event@28digital.eu.

Presenter, moderator, host and speaker

Federico Menna
Presenter & Moderator Federico Menna CEO, 28DIGITAL
Katrin Juhandi
Host Katrin Juhandi Ambassador & Deputy Permanent Representative to the EU
Willem Jonker
Speaker Willem Jonker Chairman of the Board AIC4NL, former CEO of EIT Digital

Panelists

Cristian Dascalu
Panelist Cristian Dascalu Managing Partner & Co-founder, Techcelerator
Federica Valente
Panelist Federica Valente Hub for EU Defence Innovation Manager, European Defence Agency (EDA)
Kirke Maar
Panelist Kirke Maar Manager, AI & Robotics Estonia (AIRE EDIH)
Nikolaos Loutas
Panelist Nikolaos Loutas Innovation, Hybrid and Cyber Division, NATO
Panagiotis Papageorgiou
Panelist Panagiotis Papageorgiou Executive Board Member, HCDI

Fireside chat

Marko Jõemets
Speaker Marko Jõemets Head of Cybersecurity Research and Development, Cybernetica AS
Iva Tasheva
Moderator Iva Tasheva Cyen, CEO

Registration

Register here

Deadline to register: Friday, October 10, 2025

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Initiated by the EIT