The core message of the session was that European defense innovation must connect military needs with startup speed, because modern security depends on technology that can protect soldiers, critical infrastructure, and society. The moderator opened by noting that defense has become a core topic at Bits and Pretzels and that its relevance now extends beyond direct military application. Sven described his first encounters with the Bundeswehr as surprising, including discovering that military acronyms meant different things than in the startup world and observing how precisely soldiers pitch ideas. Admiral Bock then explained that, after nearly forty years in the armed forces, he had watched the Cyber Innovation Hub become a front runner in connecting civilian innovation with military needs, especially through reservists who embody both ecosystems in one person.

The discussion then moved to why defense innovation matters for society as a whole. Admiral Bock argued that Europe cannot afford to duplicate technologies, budgets, or knowledge across separate civilian and military systems. Instead, he called for a whole-of-government approach that combines information, expertise, and capabilities. He emphasized that defense is not only about “destroying things,” but also about securing and stabilizing hospitals, traffic infrastructure, and other critical systems. Sven added that unlike the 1960s and 1970s, when military programs drove much modern technology, today many important software advances come from civilian startups. He challenged the term “dual use,” saying soldiers care less about labels than about technology that helps them protect people, especially in the context of Russian aggression in Ukraine and toward Europe.

The most operational part of the session focused on speed. Admiral Bock said his main task is to create systems that can move faster under peacetime conditions while learning from nations in crisis or war. Asked what had been learned from Ukraine, he pointed to separating hardware and software, treating systems as modular, and connecting cyber, AI, intelligence, procurement, technology, science, and military users into a shared ecosystem. Sven described this as moving toward an API-driven military world and “software defined defense,” contrasting it with older procurement models where updating software could effectively require buying a new tank. Both speakers emphasized asking soldiers what they actually need and iterating with them every seven to fourteen days rather than designing solutions from PowerPoint.

For founders, the advice was direct: approach the Cyber Innovation Hub or the Innovation Centre of the Armed Forces, but do so with a clear unfair advantage and a working prototype. Sven warned that some areas, especially counter-UAS and counter-drone startups, are already crowded, so merely proving that drones can fly is not enough. Software differentiation, a technology readiness level closer to six or seven, and the ability to test with soldiers matter. Admiral Bock said the Innovation Centre is building more open access routes and can invite startups into challenges or competitions, while Sven highlighted demo days where 10 to 15 startups receive direct soldier feedback. The session closed by urging founders to engage, test, and avoid spending years building products without military product-market fit.