

Time to Accelerate Global Defense Innovation 🚀
Join us and 120+ of the world’s most driven engineers, founders, and operators for the Singapore Defense Tech Hackathon (SDTH) on September 25–27, 2026.
We're thrilled to co-organize this hackathon together with NUS Enterprise and TUM Venture Labs, supporting the development of innovative technological solutions in Singapore.
This isn’t a typical hackathon.
It’s designed as a premier global launchpad for defense technology — bringing together international talent, defense innovators, and industry leaders to tackle real-world security challenges.
Work alongside people who have built, deployed, and operated real-world systems. Meet potential co-founders. Build something that actually matters.
We’ll prepare challenge tracks based on real operational needs — and you can bring your own project and pressure-test it with experienced mentors to get as close as possible to real-world deployment — fast.
Goal
1) Solve urgent security challenges in the Asia-PacificWork on problems that actually matter — from countering drone swarms to building resilient, multi-domain defense systems. Challenges are shaped together with operators, industry, and research partners.
2) Build deployable prototypes — not just ideasThis is a 48-hour sprint to ship. Teams move from concept to working prototypes that can be tested, iterated, and taken further after the event.
3) Launch companies and careers in defense techWhether you're entering the sector or already building, we put you in a position to continue — with pathways into incubation, funding, and real customers.
4) Strengthen Singapore as a global defense innovation hubThis is about more than a weekend. The hackathon is the starting point of a broader pipeline turning talent into deployable capabilities and new ventures.
Focus Areas
We’ll feature 10–15 challenges across mission-critical domains, with a strong focus on multi-domain systems and global security requirements, including:
Autonomous Command & Control (C2)AI & Agentic SystemsSensor-to-Shooter IntegrationCounter-UAS & Drone SwarmsMaritime Security & Littoral DefenseElectronic Warfare (EW)Resilient CommunicationsSpace-Based Infrastructure & DefenseModular, Integrated Defense Systems“Defense Dome” architectures for city-scale protection
Compete & Win
• Win Big: Claim prizes worth up to $30,000, including a $10,000 top prize to accelerate your prototype.
• Scale Fast: Winning teams receive exclusive incubation opportunities with NUS Enterprise and TUM Venture Labs to transform ideas into scalable ventures.
• Expert Network: Work alongside mentors and investors who have launched global breakthrough technologies and raised international capital.
Agenda
Friday, September 25, 2026
Kick-off Day
12:00 - Doors open, Networking
13:00 - Welcome by Organizers, Keynote
14:00 - Workshops, Team Formation, and Networking
17:00 - Presentation of Mentors and Challenges
18:00 - Start of Hacking
Saturday, September 26, 2026
Hacking continues all day
Sunday, September 27, 2026
10:00 - Testing of Presentations
12:00 - Lunch Break, End of Hacking
Demo Day (Open to Visitors)
13:00 - Pitches of the winning teams
15:00 - Award Ceremony
15:30 - After-party & Networking
To give the participants space to focus, there are no visitors during the hackathon. If you're curious about the outcomes, please sign up as a visitor for our Demo Day on Sunday.
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Singapore Defense Tech Hackathon is a free independent taking place on Friday, September 25, 2026 at Singapore. This independent is organised by European Defense Tech Hub. Attendance is free — register to secure your spot. The event runs for approximately 53 hours.
Join this independent over 53 hours for an engaging session of learning, discussion, and networking with fellow attendees.
This independent in Singapore is ideal for:
This morning independent is part of the growing events scene in Singapore. Whether you're based in Singapore or visiting for the independent, it's a great opportunity to connect with the local community. Browse more upcoming events in Singapore on Rifio.
Singapore Defense Tech Hackathon covers topics including AI, Tech. Find similar events by browsing these topics on Rifio.