Estonian DefenceTech meetup #12

12. Eesti DefenceTech’i kohtumise korraldab Estonian Founders Society.

Järgneb ürituse tutvustus inglise keeles.

The meetup series is entering its third year — and the momentum keeps growing.

Over the past editions, hundreds of defence tech entrepreneurs, military and political leaders, investors, and top talent have gathered to exchange ideas, challenge assumptions, and shape the future of security.

The 12th Estonian Defence Tech Meetup brings participants face-to-face with thought leaders, warfighters, and fellow defence startups, sharing first-hand insights from the frontlines of innovation and conflict.

As part of the programme, the stage will also feature startup founders. Four exclusive pitch slots are available for teams showcasing breakthrough technologies, offering a unique opportunity to present emerging solutions to the community.

Our senior partner Aku Sorainen will speak on the topic “The Rifle and the Republic: Why Civilian Defence Still Matters”.

Before WWII, Estonia was a nation of shooters. It had over 1,000 shooting ranges and more than 100,000 citizens were actively engaged in the Defence League. The War of Independence in 1919 had demonstrated that voluntary participation in national defence and marksmanship skills were fundamental for success in the war. During the decades of the Soviet occupation, the civilian population was disarmed, and military service in the Soviet armed forces became widely discredited and unpopular.

Over the past 34 years, the Baltic States have had to rebuild both the willingness and the capacity of their citizens to participate in national defence. This raises a fundamental question: Is marksmanship still a relevant and necessary skill in today’s security environment?