Bourges, a territory at the heart of the defense ecosystem, the 5th edition of the DefStart competition is now open for applications to detect and support high-potential innovations.
In a context of increasing technological sovereignty issues, startups play a key role in defense innovation.
The Bourges Plus Agglomeration Community through its Defense Industries Resource Center (CID) is launching the DefStart 2026 applications, a competition dedicated to innovative projects related to defense and dual-use applications.
Objective: detect, support, and establish high-potential startups within a recognized ecosystem.
A program to accelerate innovative projects.
DefStart is open to:
- startups
- researchers
- students
- project leaders
- innovative companies
The expected projects cover the following areas: defense, cybersecurity, drones, quantum technologies, MCO, military health or pyrotechnics.
A new strategic theme: quantum technologies.
After the integration of drones in 2024, this 5th edition expands its scope to quantum technologies, at the core of future defense capabilities and sovereignty issues.
Up to 30,000 Euros and one year of support.
Beyond the selection process, DefStart offers comprehensive support to promote the development of selected projects.
Winners will receive:
- up to 30,000 Euros in funding
- free accommodation for one year at the Bourges Plus business incubator
- dedicated support within DefStart Accelerator with The Place by CCI 18
- privileged access to a network of industrial, institutional, and financial partners
A set of tools designed to facilitate the implementation and accelerate the deployment of innovations.
Selection by an ecosystem of excellence.
Applications are reviewed by a committee of experts from the innovation, defense, and finance sectors before being submitted to a jury composed of leading industrial and institutional partners, responsible for selecting the winners.
Bourges, a strategic ecosystem for defense.
Located on a territory historically structured around defense industries, the DefStart competition allows startups to integrate a unique environment bringing together institutional actors, industrial players, and collaborative development and research structures.
Among the partners: the Center-Val de Loire Region, Dev’Up Center-Val de Loire, CCI du Cher and its program The Place by CCI18, MBDA, KNDS, the General Directorate of Armament, the Defense Innovation Pole INNOVATER of the Bourges DGA Land Techniques expertise and testing center, integrating in particular the military establishments of Bourges, the Avord Airbase, and the School of Train and Operational Logistics, the Defense Innovation Agency, and the GICAT.
This environment allows project leaders to access expertise, funding, and collaboration opportunities within the ecosystem.
High-potential innovation winners.
In the previous edition, DefStart recognized several high-potential projects, demonstrating the diversity of supported innovations:
These winners testify to the program’s ability to identify and support innovative solutions with real and impactful applications.
