🇵🇹 Defense Tech Meetup #9: Sovereignty by Design

Join us for an exclusive, highly curated evening of presentations, networking and light bites with drinks in the Defense Tech space during the Web Summit week.

This edition is specifically focused on "Sovereignty by Design: Do We Have Options to Create SpaceX Alternative?"

Organized by Productized, this meetup brings together defense innovation leaders, investors, legal experts and military personnel to tackle how Europe can build and scale sovereign deep tech giants.
Rather than theory, the focus is on macro-level defense trends, investment landscapes and real operational challenges. We will explore problems and opportunities to strengthen the ecosystem, including:

• Perspectives and field lessons from the Ukrainian reality;
• VC discussions on investment trends across Europe and the USA, and whether we are falling behind;
• Direct insights into military needs, emerging trends, and operational struggles.

Please RSVP at Luma: https://luma.com/whll1umb

Agenda:
17:45 - 18:00 - Welcome
18:00 - 18:25 - Welcome & Defense Innovation Vision
João Santos, Defense Innovation Leader of Productized
Ana Marta Castro, Partner at Vieira de Almeida
Marc Custodio, Innovation Catalyst of Critical Software
18:25 - 18:35 - Perspectives from Ukraine: Frontline Tech & Innovation
TBD (Ukrainian Veterans)
18:35 - 19:05 - VC Perspectives on Europe & USA: Are We Falling Behind?
TBD (European VC Lead)
Ana Marta Castro, Partner at Vieira de Almeida (Moderator)
NATO Innovation Fund (TBC)
Raul Marques, CEO of 3xP - Global
DIANA (TBC)
EUDIS (TBC)
European VC (TBC)
19:05 - 19:40 - Startups Showcase
Hackurity (TBD)
Critical Software with Pedro Miranda
Alae Industries with Chris Marley
UB Robotics with Pedro Oliveira
Chip Design / Rocket company (TBC)
19:40 - 20:10 - The Military Perspective: Trends, Needs and Struggles
André Marquet, CEO of Productized (Moderator)
Pedro Costa, Portuguese Air Force (TBC)
Guilherme Rosinha, Portuguese Navy (TBC)
Portuguese Army (TBC)
Ricardo Conde, Portugal Space (TBC)
20:10 - 20:30 - Closing Remarks & Action Plan
André Marquet, CEO of Productized
20:30 - 21:00 - Networking w/ Complimentary food and beverages provided

About Productized (organizer)
Productized is a Lisbon-based conference and community focused on product management and innovation. Alongside its annual international event, it organizes the EUDIS Hackathon Lisbon and Defense Tech meetups, bringing together creators, designers, and tech leaders to learn, build, and connect.

About Vieira de Almeida (Host)
A leading Portuguese law firm recognized for its innovative legal services and deep sector expertise. VdA provides strategic counsel across high-stakes industries, including technology, aerospace, defense, and venture capital, helping startups, investors, and corporates navigate complex regulations and scale globally.

About Critical Software (Sponsor)
A Portuguese technology company specializing in reliable, safety-critical, and mission-critical systems since 1998. Critical Software designs and maintains complex control infrastructures for global industries where failure is not an option, including aerospace, defense, transportation, and energy.

About Defense Tech Meetups
The Defense Tech Meetups started with the Estonian Startup Society. It's an invitation-only event that gather armed forces, researchers, defense sector companies, associations, investors and technology developers looking for a platform to discuss current challenges, ideas, and collaboration opportunities. If there is someone you think should be invited, don't hesitate to get in touch with the organizers.