In Bourges, a territory at the heart of the defense ecosystem, the 5e edition of the DefStart competition opens its applications to detect and support innovations with high potential.
In a context of increasing technological sovereignty issues, startups play a key role in innovation in the service of defense.
The Bourges Plus urban community, via its Defense Industries Resource Center (CID), is opening DefStart 2026 applications, a competition dedicated to innovative projects linked to defense and dual uses.
Objective: detect, support and implement high-potential startups within a recognized ecosystem.
A program to accelerate innovative projects.
DefStart is aimed at:
- startups
- researchers
- students
- project leaders
- innovative companies
The expected projects fall into the following areas: defense, cybersecurity, drones, quantum technologies, MCO, army health or pyrotechnics.
A new strategic theme: quantum technologies.
After the integration of drones in 2024, this 5th edition broadens its scope to quantum technologies, at the heart of sovereignty issues and future defense capabilities.
🗓️ Application deadline: April 19, 2026
Project leaders are invited to submit their application online.
👉 Access the application form
Up to €30,000 and one year of support.
Beyond the selection, DefStart offers comprehensive support to promote the development of the selected projects.
The winners will benefit from:
- with an endowment of up to €30,000
- free accommodation for one year at the Bourges Plus business incubator
- dedicated support within DefStart the Accelerator with The Place by CCI 18
- privileged access to a network of industrial, institutional and financial partners
A set of systems designed to facilitate the implementation and accelerate the implementation of innovations.
A selection by an ecosystem of excellence.
Applications are studied by a committee of experts bringing together key players in innovation, defense and financing, before being submitted to a jury made up of leading industrial and institutional partners, responsible for designating the winners.
Bourges, a strategic ecosystem for defense.
Established in a territory historically structured around defense industries, the DefStart competition allows startups to integrate a unique environment bringing together institutional, industrial players and collaborative development and research structures.
Among the partners: the Centre-Val de Loire Region, Dev’Up Centre-Val de Loire, the CCI du Cher and its program The Place by CCI18, MBDA, KNDS, the Directorate General of Armaments, the INNOVATER defense innovation center of the DGA Terrestrial Techniques center of expertise and testing in Bourges including the military establishments of Bourges, the 702 air base in Avord and the School of Train and Operational Logistics, the Defense Innovation Agency and GICAT.
This environment allows project leaders to access expertise, financing and collaboration opportunities within the ecosystem.
Winners with strong innovation potential.
During the previous edition, DefStart distinguished several projects with high potential, illustrating the diversity of the innovations supported:
- SON – molecular detection technology
- Cœur-Net – biometric bracelet
- Asgard Motors – Tactical Mobility
These winners demonstrate the program’s ability to detect and support innovative solutions, with concrete applications with high impact.
🗓️ Application deadline: April 19, 2026
Project leaders are invited to submit their application online.
👉 Access the application form
