Programme Horizon 2026: Strategic Framework

HCDI unveiled its Horizon 2026 Programme, the strategic framework defining thematic priorities, operational requirements, and the mechanisms through which the Centre will function as a catalyst for operationalising innovation. The Horizon Programme represents HCDI’s central strategic planning axis, developed based on the Special Strategic Planning for Research & Development Programmes (ΕΣΣΠΕΑ), which captures the operational requirements of the Hellenic Armed Forces that must be addressed through development of innovative prototypes rather than procurement of off-the-shelf products.

During 2025, the Horizon Programme served as the foundation for the majority of HCDI’s Research & Development (R&D) activities, leading to the formulation and activation of funding instruments for 17 projects within the year. In the coming weeks, HCDI will proceed with announcements regarding the first contracts resulting from these processes, signalling entry into the implementation phase with even greater momentum.

For 2026, the Horizon Programme will again function as a guiding compass for thematic priorities and operational needs that HCDI seeks to address through targeted calls for preliminary consultation (RFI), expressions of interest (RFP), and innovation challenges—all processes with contract prospects.

Leadership Vision: From Planning to Implementation

Pantelis Tzortzakis, CEO of HCDI, emphasized the strategic direction: “For HCDI, 2026 is the year when we accelerate the transition from planning to systematic implementation, with even greater focus on real operational needs, collaboration with industry, and measurable results. We are moving fast, but our goal is to move even faster, with precision, consistency, and substantial impact. The ecosystem expects this from us. The country demands it. And we owe it.”

The Programme Horizon is a dynamic and evolving document that functions not as a static plan but as a tool for continuous adaptation, remaining aligned with real needs and developments in the security environment and technology landscape.

Innovation Challenge Winners: “Challenge Accepted”

HCDI announced the results of the 2nd Innovation Challenge and the AI Challenge organized with the European institution 28 Digital (formerly EIT Digital). The winning companies confirm the dynamism of the Greek ecosystem and serve as reference points for determining and shaping the next steps in strengthening domestic Research & Development.

Industry Engagement and Ecosystem Building

The conference served as an information session for members of Greece’s defence industry associations—SEKPY (Hellenic Aerospace & Defence Industries Association), HASDIG (Hellenic Aerospace Security & Defence Industries Group), HASI (Hellenic Association of Space Industry), and the HSAS (Hellenic Shipyards Association), regarding the financial and non-financial tools through which HCDI can support industry and innovation.

This multi-association engagement reflects HCDI’s comprehensive approach to ecosystem building, bringing together established defence primes, SMEs, shipbuilders, aerospace companies, and electronics specialists under a unified innovation framework.

Strategic Context: Greece’s Defence Innovation Push

Greece has launched an ambitious defence modernization programme with a total budget of €25-28 billion over 12 years, with 25% specifically earmarked to strengthen the domestic defence industry—a pioneering initiative for Greece. HCDI plays a central role in this national strategy, fostering local tech startups and ensuring Greek components and know-how are integrated into defence procurement.

The Centre actively pursues initiatives across all five operational domains, land, sea, air, cyberspace, and space, with the goal of continuously strengthening Greece’s strategic independence, boosting the national economy, and promoting innovation that benefits both defence and commercial sectors.

EUDIMA’s Engagement

EUDIMA’s participation at the HCDI conference provided valuable insights into Greece’s rapidly developing defence innovation ecosystem and the concrete mechanisms through which the Centre is translating strategic vision into operational reality. The event demonstrated how Greece is moving from conceptual planning to systematic implementation of defence R&D programmes with clear operational focus.

Understanding HCDI’s Programme Horizon 2026 offers strategic visibility into upcoming funding opportunities across key technology domains including unmanned systems, artificial intelligence, cyber operations, space applications, information warfare, and directed energy weapons. The Innovation Challenge model represents an accessible pathway for companies and research entities to engage with operational requirements and secure R&D contracts.

The conference highlighted the practical mechanisms available to defence industry actors, from RFI and RFP processes to innovation challenges and direct funding instruments. EUDIMA’s engagement focused on understanding these pathways and the criteria by which HCDI evaluates proposals, assesses technological maturity, and structures collaborative programmes between academia, industry, and end-users.

The multi-association format brought together diverse segments of Greece’s defence industrial base, from traditional manufacturers to emerging technology startups, providing networking opportunities across the ecosystem. Understanding the relationships between HCDI, the Armed Forces’ Innovation Directorate, Military Academies, and industry associations clarifies how innovation flows from concept to operational deployment in the Greek context.

The announcement of imminent contract signings signals HCDI’s transition from planning to execution phase, with tangible opportunities emerging for companies positioned in priority technology areas. The emphasis on dual-use technologies and the European/NATO integration strategy suggests pathways for Greek innovations to access broader markets and collaborative programmes.

EUDIMA’s participation reflects our commitment to understanding national defence innovation ecosystems and their integration with European defence cooperation frameworks. As Greece accelerates its defence innovation agenda, understanding HCDI’s mechanisms, priorities, and collaborative approaches becomes increasingly relevant for clients engaged in cross-border defence programmes, dual-use technology development, and EU-Greece defence cooperation.

We congratulate HCDI on marking this milestone in Greece’s defence innovation journey and the winning companies on their achievements in the Innovation Challenges.