Estonian Defence Week

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The Trade Commissioner Service (TCS) invites you to participate in Estonian Defence Week (EDW), Estonia’s premier international defence and security event bringing together government, military, industry, investors, and innovation leaders from across NATO and allied countries. EDW 2026 will take place from September 21 to 25 in Tallin (Estonia) under the theme “How to Win the Next War”.

EDW provides Canadian companies with a unique opportunity to engage with one of Europe’s most advanced defence innovation ecosystems and a strategic and NATO partner on the eastern flank. Participants can explore emerging opportunities linked to defence procurement, industrial cooperation, and integration into European defence value chains in areas such as:

• autonomous systems
• drones
• robotics
• cyber defence
• artificial intelligence
• secure communications
• electronic warfare
• emerging battlefield technologies
• other dual-use technologies

 By participating in Estonian Defence Week, Canadian companies can:

• engage directly with Estonian defence stakeholders, procurement organizations, and industry partners
• gain insights into Estonia’s defence modernization priorities and evolving NATO capability requirements
• explore industrial partnerships, technology collaboration, and integration into European defence supply chains
• connect with Estonia’s defence innovation ecosystem, including opportunities linked to NATO Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA), dual-use accelerators, and Ukraine-driven capability development

Growing investment in European defence capabilities and increasing demand for innovative, trusted technologies make Estonia an important gateway for Canadian companies seeking to establish partnerships and expand their presence in the European defence market.

• Defence Innovation Day (September 21): A full-day program focused on defence and dual-use innovation, bringing together startups, growth companies, investors, public-sector end-users and defence stakeholders. The event will feature keynotes, panels and startup pitches, with a focus on moving technologies from product development to operational deployment.
• Defence Industry Symposium (September 22): A high-level industry and policy forum focused on the future of defence capability development, industrial readiness and allied cooperation. The 2026 program will address themes including autonomy and AI, space as a defence capability layer, and defence industry readiness for growing demand.
• Tallinn Defence Expo (September 22 to 24): The central industry showcase of Estonian Defence Week, bringing together more than 100 defence and technology companies from Estonia, the Baltics, the Nordics and other allied countries. The Expo provides opportunities to present solutions, meet business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-government (B2G) decision-makers, connect with buyers and partners, and take part in online matchmaking before and after the event.
• NATO Open Innovation Conference & Expo (NOICE) (September 23 to 24): A NATO-focused innovation forum designed to connect NATO Enterprise Bodies, nations, military end-users, industry, academia and innovation actors. NOICE will focus on operationally relevant innovation, emerging and disruptive technologies, experimentation, interoperability and pathways for faster adoption of new capabilities.

• Gain insights and market intelligence
• Develop a first-hand understanding of the opportunities and challenges of doing business in foreign markets
• Meet key commercial entities, industry players, and potential buyers, investors and/or partners
• Participate in networking events
• Participate in pre-organized business-to-business meetings
• Increase visibility of your product or service
• Receive on-the-ground assistance from the Trade Commissioner Service

• Business-to-business (B2B) matchmaking: The TCS organizes curated B2B meetings, connecting Canadian companies with international partners, investors, and clients to explore new business opportunities.
• Export Café: Attend individual meetings with Trade Commissioners from different international markets.
• Pavilion/exhibit: Showcase your company at the Canada Pavillion where your organization can have a booth located in a high-traffic area.
• Networking opportunities: Join TCS-hosted networking sessions to connect with key industry players, government representatives, and global leaders, fostering collaborations that support international growth.
• Site visits