New Defense Stream: This is how technologies for the security of the future start!

New Defense Stream: This is how technologies for the security of the future start!

The Creative Destruction Lab (CDL) in Berlin today announced the launch of a new defense stream aimed at driving technological innovation in the defense sector. This step comes against the backdrop of growing geopolitical tensions and increasing security requirements in Europe and beyond. CDL-Berlin is part of an international, non-profit network that specializes in supporting early-stage, science and technology-oriented startups. The structure consists of a nine-month mentoring program led by experienced entrepreneurs, investors and scientists to support the development and scaling of founders' technologies. The initiators are in close contact with NATO partner countries who are increasingly looking for agile innovation models to optimize their defensive strategies.

The new Defense Stream will represent an important interface between technological innovation and its practical application in the defense sector. Thorsten Lambertus, Managing Director of DEEP - Institute of Deep Tech Innovation at ESMT Berlin, emphasizes that the program offers access to an international network of experts from science, industry and operational practice. Particular emphasis is placed on the need for founders to develop dual-use and defense-related technologies to meet growing needs.

Program structure and objectives

The program includes a series of interactive sessions and workshops aimed at better understanding the needs of defense buyers and navigating participants through the complex government channels. In collaboration with the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy, Procurement Marketplace workshops are offered, ensuring that the startups not only develop technically savvy solutions but can also provide the necessary evidence for testing and procurement processes.

The first cohort of the Defense Stream will begin with a virtual boot camp on October 29, 2025, followed by in-person meetings in Halifax, Munich and Toronto. Three in-person goal setting sessions are scheduled between November 2025 and June 2026. Mentor sessions are conducted every eight weeks, with mentors from different disciplines coming together to assess participants' progress and set new goals.

Target group and areas of innovation

The Defense Stream is particularly aimed at founders developing technologies that address operational needs in the areas of defense, national security and critical infrastructure. Preference will be given to solutions that are at technology levels TRL 4-7, signaling technical feasibility and a credible path to pilot testing.

Intended areas of innovation include:

• Raumfahrt und ISR (Erdbeobachtung, PNT, SATCOM)
• Autonomie und Robotik (UxV, Wahrnehmung, Navigation, HMI)
• C4ISR und Cyber (Sensorik, Fusion, sichere Kommunikation, KI/ML-Analytik)
• Sensoren, RF, EO/IR und elektronische Kriegsführung
• Energie und Resilienz (einsatzbereite Energie, Mikronetze)
• Logistik, Unterstützung und Training/Simulation
• Medtech/biodefense und menschliche Leistung
• Fortgeschrittene Materialien und Schutz; Arktis- und raue Umgebungsoperationen

The program is designed to not charge startups any participation fees and not require any equity investments. Applications for new participants are open until October 17, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. ET. CDL alumni and current participants do not need to submit a new application; You can express your interest by emailing defense@creativedestructionlab.com.

The establishment of the Defense Stream is therefore not only a response to the current security policy challenges, but also a step to strengthen the European innovation location in the defense sector. CDL Defense is a global initiative with partner locations in Canada and Estonia, among others, and aims to close the existing gap between technology and practical applications in the defense sector. Further information can be found on the ESMT website, as well as on Creative Destruction Lab and in Europe.