Resilience Conference 2025 | Full Agenda
From Ukraine’s frontline to European unicorns, NATO's biggest investors and military leaders, discover what happens next, in technology, investment, tactics, and geopolitics
Resilience Conference 2025 is about what happens next, in technology, investment, tactics, and geopolitics. We meet at a time when technology, strategy, and investment are transforming how we defend our democracies. Defence was the preserve of traditional industry but is now shaped by entrepreneurs, engineers, and investors who bring speed, ambition, and innovation. The question we will ask together is: what is coming next?
This year’s program brings together leaders and operators who are defining the future of defence and national security. Across fireside chats, panels, and breakout sessions, we will explore the forces driving change: from autonomous systems and encryption to industrial resilience, hypersonics, and the real lessons from Ukraine.
We have speakers from the Baltics, Nordics, UK, Europe, the US, and Ukraine, with investors and founders sharing the stage military and intelligence leaders. The discussions, moderated by the top journalists covering these topics, will be challenging and in depth. Some of our best content will be off the record, so you have to be in the room. The agenda will be updated until the conference, so keep checking for more announcements.
Buy your ticket today.
9:00
Welcome
Leslie Hitchcock, co-founder and Publisher, Resilience Media
Dr Tobias Stone, co-founder and Editor in Chief, Resilience Media
9:05 - 9:30
COMING SOON
9:30 - 9:55
COMING SOON
09:55 - 10:05
State of Defence Tech Report 2025
Returning for a second year, we present a joint report on the state of the defence tech sector, looking at the data behind the industry and the trends from the last year.
Published by Resilience Media and Dealroom
10:05 - 10:35
Networking Break
10:35 - 11:00
Building the Resilient Defence Industrial Base
Rich Drake, General Manager, Anduril Industries UK, Anduril Industries
Oluseun Taiwo, CEO, Solideon
To be announced
11:00 - 11:20
What is Defence Innovation?
Defence innovation goes beyond new technology — it’s also about tactics, ecosystems, and the structures that make change possible. In this panel, David Rothzeid (Shield Capital, ex-US Air Force and DIU), Mart Noorma (University of Tartu / Darkstar, former NATO CCDOE), and Alon Kantor (10D Ventures, ex-cybersecurity founder) will explore what’s working, where best practice is emerging, and where democracies are still struggling to adapt. A candid discussion on preparing for the fight ahead.
Alon Kantor, Partner, 10D Ventures
Prof. Mart Noorma, Co-Founder/Professor, Darkstar/Univ. of Tartu
David Rothzeid, Principle, Shield Capital
11:20 - 11:45
Lessons From Ukraine: How Brigades Adopt and Deploy New Tech
Ukraine is innovating at wartime speed — identifying needs, testing prototypes, and delivering capabilities directly to brigades. In this panel, Oleksandr Vorobiov (Air Defense Training Department, 3rd Army Corps) and Volodymyr Gorodnychyi (Nemesis Regiment, Unmanned Systems Forces) will share what technologies are needed now, how the enemy is adapting, and how Ukraine stays ahead. A rare frontline view of innovation under fire, with lessons for allies and industry alike.
Oleksandr Vorobiov, Air Defense Training Department, 3rd Army Corps, Armed Forces of Ukraine
Volodymyr Gorodnychyi, Representative of Nemesis Regiment, Unmanned Systems Forces, Armed Forces of Ukraine
Moderator: Eveline Buchatskiy, Managing Partner, D3
11:45 - 12:10
Beyond Missiles: The Future of Kinetics
Andy Baynes, CSO, Tiberius
Philip Lockwood, SVP of Strategy and Managing Director of Stark International, STARK
To be announced
12:10 - 12:30
Building a Defence Tech Ecosystem
Europe’s defence tech ecosystem is taking shape at speed — from Ukraine to the Nordics. In this fireside chat, Ragnar Sass (Darkstar) shares lessons from Estonia’s transformation, Ukraine’s volunteer-driven innovation, and Darkstar’s role in building a pan-European community of defence founders and investors. Expect a candid look at how Europe can scale defence innovation, and why ecosystems — not just companies — will define the future of security.
Ragnar Sass, Co-founder, Darkstar
12:30 - 13:30
Lunch
13:30 - 13:50
Is Software-defined Hardware the Next Industrial Revolution?
Software is reshaping aerospace and defence, with AI-driven simulation and digital engineering accelerating how complex systems are designed and delivered. In this fireside chat, Jacomo Corbo (PhysicsX) and Massimo Maroni (Leonardo) share how startups and primes can collaborate to make this shift real. From proof-of-concept to scale, they’ll explore what it takes to embed cutting-edge software into aerospace programmes and why these partnerships are key to the future of defence innovation.
Jacomo Corbo, CEO, PhysicsX
Massimo Maroni, Vice President Aircraft Technologies & Systems, Leonardo Aeronautics Division, Leonardo
13:50-14:40
Launch at Resilience Conference Startup Showcase
Launch is the premier startup showcase for early-stage defence and security startups to debut their groundbreaking technologies. Five companies will showcase their technology on stage, then demo during the following networking break.
Hosted by Matt Burns, Resilience Media
14:40 - 15:10
Networking Break
15:10 - 15:30
From Impossible to Inevitable: Building Hypersonics That Work
What does hypersonics reveal about the way defence innovates? In this fireside chat, Zach Shore (Hermeus) argues the barriers aren’t only technical — they’re cultural. Drawing on experience at Hermeus, Anduril, and in uniform, he’ll explore the need for faster adoption, younger leadership, and building integrated systems rather than stand-alone technologies. Expect a provocative look at hypersonics as a case study in the future of defence innovation.
Zach Shore, Chief Revenue Officer, Hermeus
Moderator: Leslie Hitchcock, co-founder and Publisher, Resilience Media
15:30 - 15:55
How UK National Security is Innovating to Win
George Williamson, CEO HMGCC (His Majesty's Government Communications Centre)
Andy Bamford, CEO, NSSIF
Senior Mission Leader, UK Intelligence Community
Moderator: Shashank Joshi, Defence Editor, The Economist
15:55 - 16:20
COMING SOON
16:20 - 16:45
In conversation with Helsing and General Catalyst
Jeannette zu Fürstenberg, Managing Director, Head of Europe, General Catalyst
Torsten Reil, Co-founder and Co-CEO, Helsing
16:45 - 17:05
What Tomorrow’s Battlefield Looks Like
Tomorrow’s battlefield will be shaped by hybrid threats, AI, autonomy, and new approaches to resilience. Jacek Siewiera and Mimi Keshani will explore how militaries and industry are designing future forces and capabilities to prepare for conflict on NATO’s flanks and beyond. Expect insights on how foresight, simulation, and advanced technologies are reshaping force development — and how nations can get ready to fight and win in the decades ahead.
Jacek Siewiera, LTCOl Prof., Baltic Strategic Analysis Center
Mimi Keshani, Co-Founder & CSO, Hadean
To be announced
17:05
Fireside Chat
Speaker, UK (Information withheld for security purposes.)
17:30
END OF DAY
Networking Drinks
9:00
Welcome
Leslie Hitchcock, co-founder and Publisher, Resilience Media
Dr Tobias Stone, co-founder and Editor in Chief, Resilience Media
9:05
COMING SOON
9:30 - 9:55
The Adoption Gap: A New Approach to Startup Integration
Startups can build brilliant prototypes — but how do those innovations become trusted tools for militaries and industry partners? NATO is experimenting with a new model to answer that question. This panel brings together two leaders at the forefront of the effort: Ryan Benitez, Chief Commercial Officer of NATO DIANA, and John Ridge, Chief Adoption Officer of the NATO Innovation Fund. Their roles are the first of their kind in the startup ecosystem — focused on connecting startups with the networks, customers, and pathways needed for adoption. In this conversation, they’ll explore why bridging the gap between innovation and operational use matters now more than ever, what NATO is doing differently, and what lessons wider industry and government can draw from their approach.
Ryan Benitez, Chief Commercial Officer, NATO DIANA
John Ridge, Chief Adoption Officer, NIF
To be announced
9:55 - 10:15
Financing Security: The Rise of Defence-First Funds
For years, most venture capital in defence focused on “dual-use” technologies, skirting the political and financial barriers around pure-play defence startups. That era is ending. Today, a new generation of defence-first funds are raising capital with a clear mandate: invest directly in companies building for security and deterrence. Equally striking, some limited partners now refuse to back funds unless defence is part of the portfolio.
This panel brings together Lital Leshem (Protego Ventures), Nicholas Nelson (Archangel), and Sille Pettai (SmartCap) to explore how this shift is reshaping venture capital in NATO Allies and partner countries. They’ll discuss what kinds of startups are now fundable, how LP sentiment is changing, and what this means for the future of innovation and the defence of democracy.
Lital Leshem, Co-Founder & Managing Partner, Protego Ventures
Nicholas Nelson, General Partner, Archangel
Sille Pettai, CEO, SmartCap
10:15 - 10:45
Networking Break
10:45 - 11:05
Fireside Chat
In this fireside chat, Kusti Salm of Frankenberg and Ophelia Brown of Blossom Capital explore what it takes to build and back breakthrough defence technology in Europe. From designing the world’s smallest guided missile in record time to navigating the unique economics of modern conflict, they’ll discuss speed, cost, and mission focus. Expect insights on how VCs assess defence startups, where capital is most needed, and how Europe can scale innovation to meet today’s urgent security challenges.
Kusti Salm, CEO, Frankenburg Technologies
Ophelia Brown, Founding & Managing Partner, Blossom Capital
11:05 - 11:25
Fireside Chat with Mikołaj Firlej
In this conversation, Mikołaj Firlej will share how mission drives Expeditions’ investment thesis, what the team has learned from reviewing hundreds of defence tech startups, and why they’ve already backed many of the companies shaping NATO’s future. Expect candid insights on what makes a great defence startup, how investors assess deal flow, and which countries are getting procurement and innovation right. For founders and policymakers alike, this is a rare window into how capital is being mobilised to strengthen Europe’s security.
Mikołaj Firlej, Founder and Managing Partner, Expeditions
11:25 - 11:50
Investing in Europe’s Security
European venture investors are stepping into a new role: shaping defence policy as well as funding startups. Kerry Baldwin (IQ Capital), Uwe Horstmann (Project A) and Chris Magazzeni (Lakestar) will share how they are mobilising the ecosystem in Brussels and beyond, from lobbying governments and investors to building cross-border networks. Expect a candid discussion on how capital and policy must align if Europe is to defend democracy and strengthen its industrial base.
Kerry Baldwin, Managing Partner, IQ Capital
Uwe Horstmann, General Partner, Project A
Dr. Chris Magazzeni, Investment Director, Lakestar
11:50 - 12:15
Sovereign Compute in the Age of AI
Will Blythe, CEO, Arondite
Walter Goodwin, Fractile
Francesco Petricarari, Silicon Roundabout Ventures
12:15 - 13:15
Lunch
13:15 - 13:35
Manufacturing & Supply Chain
Robin Dechant, Partner, General Catalyst
Julian Senoner, Co-Founder & CEO, EthonAI
13:35 - 14:00
The Modern Battlefield
The battlefield is changing fast — and not just in Ukraine. From the Finnish-Russian border to NATO’s Eastern Flank, Europe is preparing for a new era of conflict. This panel looks ahead to the wars of tomorrow: what will they look like, and how will militaries adapt? Speakers will explore how autonomy, drones, and AI are reshaping tactics, how advanced technology integrates with conventional hardware, and how troops must be trained for a radically different fight.
Junaid Hussain, Founder, Auctor
Maj Gen Mike Keating CBE, Chief of Staff Allied Rapid Reaction Corps, British Army
Teemu Seppala, Technology and Innovation Director, Defence Innovation Network Finland (DEFINE) / City Of Riihimäki
14:00 - 14:45
Launch at Resilience Conference Startup Showcase
Launch is the premier startup showcase for early-stage defence and security startups to debut their groundbreaking technologies. Five companies will showcase their technology on stage, then demo during the following networking break.
Hosted by Matt Burns, Resilience Media
14:45 - 15:15
Networking Break
15:15 - 15:40
A Discussion with Plural
Khaled Heloui, Partner at Plural
Sten Tamkivi, Partner at Plural
Moderator: Dr. Tobias Stone, co-founder and Editor in Chief, Resilience Media
15:40 - 16:00
The Strategic Defence Review, Four Months On
General Sir Richard Barrons and Grace Cassy offer a frank progress check on the UK Strategic Defence Review. They’ll also outline what industry must get right—cross-border customers, coherent architectures, realistic timelines—to see adoption at scale. A clear-eyed guide to what’s working, what isn’t, and what must happen next.
General Sir Richard Barrons KCB CBE, Co-Chairman, Universal Defence & Security
Grace Cassy, Co-Founder, CyLon Ventures
16:00 - 16:25
COMING SOON
16:25 - 16:40
COMING SOON
16:40 - 17:00
Lessons from Ukraine (that the West isn’t Learning Fast Enough)
Alex Kinash, European Partnerships Director, Vermeer
To be announced
To be announced
17:00 - 17:25
COMING SOON
17:25
CLOSING REMARKS
Leslie Hitchcock, co-founder and Publisher, Resilience Media
Dr Tobias Stone, co-founder and Editor in Chief, Resilience Media