In Bourges, a territory at the heart of the defense ecosystem, the 5th edition of the DefStart competition is now open for applications to identify and support high-potential innovations.
In a context of increasing importance of technological sovereignty, startups play a key role in innovation for defense.
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.
Objective: to identify, 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, MRO, healthcare for the military, 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 sovereignty issues and future defense capabilities.
Up to $30,000 and one year of support.
Beyond the selection process, DefStart offers comprehensive support to promote the development of selected projects.
Winners will receive:
- a grant of up to $30,000
- 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 an industrial, institutional, and financial partner network
A set of initiatives designed to facilitate the implementation and accelerate the deployment of innovations.
Selection by an excellent ecosystem.
Applications are reviewed by a committee of experts bringing together key players in innovation, defense, and finance before being submitted to a jury of leading industrial and institutional partners, responsible for selecting the winners.
Bourges, a strategic ecosystem for defense.
Located in a historically defense-focused area, the DefStart competition allows startups to integrate a unique environment bringing together institutional actors, industrial partners, and collaborative development and research structures.
Among the partners: the Centre-Val de Loire Region, Dev’Up Centre-Val de Loire, the Cher Chamber of Commerce and its program The Place by CCI18, MBDA, KNDS, the Directorate General of Armaments, the INNOVATER defense innovation center of the DGA Land Techniques expertise and testing center in Bourges, integrating military establishments in Bourges, Avord Air Base, and the School of Transport and Operational Logistics, the Defense Innovation Agency, and 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 the accompanied innovations:
These winners showcase the program’s ability to identify and support innovative solutions with significant impact.
