The VIC Defense, Security, and Emergency Conference is a forum for networking, dialogue, and collaboration that brings together public administrations, companies, startups, institutions, professionals, and investors to address new challenges in the areas of defense, security, emergencies, and urban resilience.
Over the course of two days, the event will explore opportunities related to defense and dual-use technologies, featuring a mix of presentations, panel discussions, success stories, demonstrations, pitching sessions, and professional networking opportunities.
The conference reflects the Defense, Security, and Emergency Services Department’s commitment to fostering public-private partnerships, connecting talent and expertise with the business community, and promoting new opportunities for innovation, investment, and business. Through this initiative, Valencia is strengthening its position as a resilient, innovative city that is prepared to face current and future challenges in the areas of security, defense, and emergencies.
Matchday 1 · October 1
RESILIENT CITIES AND DEFENSE
A conference dedicated to analyzing the role of cities in addressing new security and defense challenges, with a focus on innovation, institutional cooperation, and the development of more resilient urban and business ecosystems.
Schedule
9:00 – 9:30 a.m. · Welcome and Registration
Reception for attendees, registration, and welcome coffee.
9:30–10:00 · Institutional Opening
Official opening of the conference by representatives of the Valencia City Council and the Valencian Regional Government.
10:00 – 10:50 · Panel 1. Urban Resilience Leadership Block
Keynote: “Cities on the Frontline: How Urban Innovation Builds European Resilience”
Remarks by the mayor of Lviv, Andriy Sadovyi, followed by a roundtable discussion with mayors titled:
“Cities Supporting Cities: Building Urban Resilience Together”
The event, held as part of the UNBROKEN Cities Network, will conclude with the official signing ceremony marking Valencia’s accession to the network.
Participants:
- Valencia City Hall
- City Hall of Lviv
10:50 – 11:35 · Keynotes: Europe, Spain, and the Valencian Community Face the Challenge of Defense
- Opportunities in Europe for defense and dual-use technologies (dual-use / dualtech).
- Spanish Defense Industrial Strategy.
- Industrial Defense Strategy for the Valencian Community.
11:35 – 12:00 · Networking coffee break
12:00 – 1:15 p.m. · Roundtable Discussion: The Valencian Defense Ecosystem
A forum for dialogue and collaboration on the development and opportunities of the Valencian defense ecosystem, with the participation of representatives from:
- APOLO Cluster
- CEV
- REDIT
- Valencian Regional Government
- Ajuntament de València
1:15 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. · Networking lunch
RESILIENT CITIES AND DEFENSE: THE BUSINESS ECOSYSTEM
The second part of the conference will focus on the business sector, innovation, and investment and growth opportunities related to security, defense, and dual-use technologies.
3:00 p.m. – 3:40 p.m. · INDRAMinds Presentation
Presentation of the INDRAMinds Resilience and Security Application.
3:40 p.m. – 4:25 p.m. · Real-world success stories in security and defense
Presentation of success stories from companies and startups in the sector, featuring PLD Space and other innovative companies.
4:30 p.m. – 5:15 p.m. · Panel: Defense Investment Funds
Analysis of Financing and Investment Opportunities in the Defense and Dual-Use Technologies Sector.
5:15 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. · Pitch Session: Defense Startups
A platform for startups and innovative projects to present themselves to potential investors, institutions, and companies in the industry.
6:00 p.m. – 6:50 p.m. · One-on-One Meetings
A series of one-on-one meetings between participants, companies, startups, institutions, and investors.
Sessions held upon prior request for meetings among the participants of the various sessions.
Matchday 2 · October 2 · ESD
DEFENSE, INNOVATION, AND CONTRACTING AND FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
The second day will focus on facilitating access for companies and startups to the defense ecosystem, addressing opportunities in public procurement, cybersecurity, financing, and innovation.
Schedule
9:30 – 10:30 · Panel 1. Public Procurement in Defense
Analysis of public procurement mechanisms and opportunities in the defense sector, with a particular focus on domestic and international procurement.
National Procurement
Lt. Col. Julia García Marsilla, Head of Procurement, JAECGTAD.
International Procurement
Mr. Luis Carlos Frago Pérez, Colonel, Head of the International Contracts Division of the DGAM (Subdirectorate General of Procurement).
10:30 – 11:30 · Panel 2. Cybersecurity and Digital Sovereignty
A discussion on the challenges and opportunities related to cybersecurity, technological sovereignty, and the protection of digital infrastructure and services.
Participants:
- UNICC
- INCIBE – NATO DIANA
- GVA – Talaya Center
- S2 Group
11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. · Networking coffee break
12:00 – 12:50 · Panel 3. Public Funding for Defense
Presentation of the main sources of public funding for defense and innovation projects, featuring:
- CDTI
- Department of Defense
- European Defense Fund (EDF)
- European Defense Industry Program (EDIP)
- Valencian Regional Government
The session will also include the presentation of a success story.
12:50 – 13:45 · How to Participate in a Laberit Public Bid
Hands-on session on public procurement and collaboration opportunities for companies and startups.
The session will cover how to submit a bid for a public tender and how a startup can offer its services to Laberit to participate in projects and awarded tenders.
DualTech Prototype Demonstrations · La Harinera
A space dedicated to the exhibition and demonstration of dual-use technology (DualTech) prototypes and solutions, with the ability to set up multiple demonstration stations simultaneously.
The exhibits will be located in the area around La Harinera and may be displayed in the hallway connecting the Multipurpose Room and the cafeteria.
1:45 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. · Closing Remarks and Farewell
Closing remarks for the conference were delivered by Paula Llobet, a city councilor for the Valencia City Council.