# EDA launches pilot Defence Innovation Course for EU officials

- Source: Nordic Defence Sector (https://nordicdefencesector.com)
- Canonical URL: https://nordicdefencesector.com/en/article/eda-launches-pilot-defence-innovation-course-for-eu-officials
- Published: 2026-09-22
- Author: Daniel Trangeled
- Type: News · Country: international
- Language: en (original)
- Also available in: de (https://nordicdefencesector.com/de/article/eda-launches-pilot-defence-innovation-course-for-eu-officials.md), dk (https://nordicdefencesector.com/dk/article/eda-launches-pilot-defence-innovation-course-for-eu-officials.md), es (https://nordicdefencesector.com/es/article/eda-launches-pilot-defence-innovation-course-for-eu-officials.md), fi (https://nordicdefencesector.com/fi/article/eda-launches-pilot-defence-innovation-course-for-eu-officials.md), fr (https://nordicdefencesector.com/fr/article/eda-launches-pilot-defence-innovation-course-for-eu-officials.md), it (https://nordicdefencesector.com/it/article/eda-launches-pilot-defence-innovation-course-for-eu-officials.md), no (https://nordicdefencesector.com/no/article/eda-launches-pilot-defence-innovation-course-for-eu-officials.md), pl (https://nordicdefencesector.com/pl/article/eda-launches-pilot-defence-innovation-course-for-eu-officials.md), sv (https://nordicdefencesector.com/sv/article/eda-launches-pilot-defence-innovation-course-for-eu-officials.md)
- Primary source: https://eda.europa.eu/news-and-events/news/2026/09/17/from-ideas-to-capabilities--eda-launches-defence-innovation-course
- Tags: europe, eu, eda, european defence agency, defence innovation course, hub for european defence innovation, european security and defence college

> EDA has launched a pilot course, the Defence Innovation Course, in which 40 officials are being trained to manage defence innovation, from concept to operational capability. The course, running September–November 2026, combines online modules with workshops in Brussels and aims to build a European network of defence innovation experts.

![Unmanned ground vehicle with innovative sensors at the European Defence Innovation Days (2025)](https://imagedelivery.net/XO8UY-c6-LfWgEjQsN8IQw/f095081f-860a-4dd2-c8ce-136a438aa300/public)
*Unmanned ground vehicle with innovative sensors at the European Defence Innovation Days (2025) · European Defence Agency*

**The European Defence Agency (EDA) [has launched](https://eda.europa.eu/news-and-events/news/2026/09/17/from-ideas-to-capabilities--eda-launches-defence-innovation-course) a pilot edition of the Defence Innovation Course (DEFIC). The programme, running from September to November 2026, trains public officials to manage defence innovation.**

Forty officials are taking part in the pilot course. The course is organised under the agency's Hub for European Defence Innovation (HEDI), in partnership with the European Security and Defence College (ESDC).

DEFIC combines self-paced online modules with face-to-face workshops in Brussels, case studies and group exercises. The agency frames the goal as strengthening member states' ability to "identify, manage and transition innovative solutions into operational military capabilities”, according to the EDA.

The curriculum covers three areas: managing the innovation lifecycle from concept to implementation, navigating the roles of ministries, armed forces, industry and international institutions, and leadership skills for driving organisational change. The EDA says the course should also help build a Europe-wide network of defence innovation practitioners.

## FAQ

**What is the Defence Innovation Course (DEFIC) launched by the EDA?**

DEFIC is a pilot programme launched by the European Defence Agency to train public officials in managing defence innovation. It runs from September to November 2026 and is organised under EDA's Hub for European Defence Innovation, in partnership with the European Security and Defence College. Last fact-checked: 2026-09-21.

**Who is participating in the pilot edition of DEFIC?**

Forty officials from all 27 EU member states are taking part in the pilot course. The programme combines self-paced online modules with face-to-face workshops in Brussels, alongside case studies and group exercises. It aims to build a Europe-wide network of defence innovation practitioners. Last fact-checked: 2026-09-21.

**What topics does the DEFIC curriculum cover?**

The curriculum covers three areas: managing the innovation lifecycle from concept to implementation, navigating roles among ministries, armed forces, industry and international institutions, and leadership skills for organisational change. EDA frames the goal as strengthening capacity to transition innovative solutions into operational military capabilities. Last fact-checked: 2026-09-21.

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