Key data
| Regulation | Resolution of October 14, 2026, from the CDTI, E.P.E., publishing the Agreement with the Feindef Foundation for participation in the International Fair of Defense and Security of Spain (Feindef) |
|---|---|
| Publication | October 26, 2026 |
| Entry into force | October 26, 2026 |
| Affected parties | CDTI, Feindef Foundation, technology companies, startups and SMEs in the defense and security sector |
| Category | Public Sector |
| Event | V edition of Feindef — May 18, 19 and 20, 2027, IFEMA Madrid |
| Framework initiative | «Innova for Def & Sec» |
| BOE reference | BOE-A-2026-22447 |
The CDTI, a public entity attached to the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities, has signed a formal agreement with the Feindef Foundation to participate in the V edition of the International Fair of Defense and Security of Spain, scheduled for May 18, 19 and 20, 2027 at IFEMA Madrid. The resolution publishing this agreement was published in the BOE on October 26, 2026.
The key for companies: the CDTI is not attending as a mere institutional visitor. It assumes commitments for planning, management of fair space and co-financing of joint activities, which means there will be public resources allocated to integrate Spain's innovative fabric into the defense sector.
What does this regulation establish?
The agreement between the CDTI and the Feindef Foundation formalizes the participation of the public body in the fair under the initiative «Innova for Def & Sec», whose objective is to promote R&D&i in the fields of defense, security and dual technologies (those with both civil and military applications).
The specific commitments assumed by the CDTI according to the agreement are:
- Planning and organization of its participation in the Feindef 2027 fair space.
- Management of the fair space assigned within the event.
- Co-financing of joint activities with the Feindef Foundation.
The strategic objectives pursued by the collaboration are:
- Integrate startups, technology SMEs, universities and research centers into the defense and security ecosystem.
- Promote the internationalization of Spanish technological capabilities.
- Facilitate knowledge transfer between civil and military fields.
Economic and operational impact
For companies in the technology sector, this agreement has direct practical implications:
Access to public co-financing: The CDTI assumes commitments to co-finance joint activities. This means that part of the cost of participating in the fair space linked to «Innova for Def & Sec» can be backed by public funds. Companies that align with this initiative can reduce their direct investment in fair presence.
Visibility before institutional buyers: Feindef is Spain's leading defense and security fair. The presence of the CDTI as organizer of its own space within the event raises the profile of participating companies before potential national and international institutional clients.
Accelerated internationalization: One of the explicit objectives of the agreement is to promote the internationalization of Spanish technological capabilities. For an SME or startup with dual technology, this represents an opportunity for exposure to foreign defense markets without having to finance its own internationalization strategy.
Civil-military technology transfer: Companies with technology developed for the civil sector (cybersecurity, drones, artificial intelligence, advanced materials, communications) can explore its application in defense with the institutional backing of the CDTI.
Who does it affect?
- Technology startups with solutions applicable to defense, security or dual technologies.
- Technology sector SMEs interested in diversifying towards defense or security contracts.
- Universities and research centers with R&D&i projects in civil-military fields.
- Companies already present in the defense sector that want to expand their network of contacts and international visibility at Feindef 2027.
- Managers and innovation leaders evaluating diversification towards defense and security markets.
- Advisors and consultants accompanying technology companies in CDTI public financing processes.
Practical example
A Spanish cybersecurity startup with five years of experience in the private sector wants to explore contracts with defense organizations. Until now, access to that ecosystem was complex: it required specific contacts, presence at specialized fairs and institutional credibility difficult to build from scratch.
With the CDTI-Feindef agreement, this startup can:
- Contact the CDTI to explore its inclusion in the «Innova for Def & Sec» space at Feindef 2027 (May 18-20, IFEMA Madrid).
- Benefit from the co-financing of joint activities that the CDTI assumes in the agreement, reducing the cost of its fair participation.
- Present its technology to national and international institutional buyers with the backing of Spain's leading public R&D&i body.
- Initiate conversations on technology transfer between its civil application and possible military or security uses.
The result: access to the defense ecosystem with lower investment and greater institutional credibility, leveraging the structure that the CDTI has formalized through this agreement.
What should companies do now?
- Evaluate if your technology is applicable to the defense or security sector: Dual technologies (cybersecurity, AI, drones, communications, materials) are the target profile of «Innova for Def & Sec». If your company operates in any of these fields, you have a business case to participate.
- Contact the CDTI to explore participation in Feindef 2027: The agreement has been in force since October 26, 2026. The event is in May 2027, which leaves room for planning. Consult directly with the CDTI about the conditions for participation in the «Innova for Def & Sec» space.
- Review CDTI financing calls linked to defense: Participation in Feindef is part of a broader CDTI strategy to integrate R&D&i in defense. Monitor the organization's calls aimed at dual technologies.
- Prepare a civil-military technology transfer argument: If your company has civil technology with potential application in defense, document that potential before attending Feindef. It is the key argument for accessing institutional contracts.
- Follow official information from Feindef 2027: Consult the Feindef Foundation website to learn about registration deadlines, participation conditions and event agenda.
Frequently asked questions
When and where is Feindef 2027 held?
The V edition of the International Fair of Defense and Security of Spain (Feindef) will be held on May 18, 19 and 20, 2027 at IFEMA Madrid. It is the edition in which the CDTI formally participates through the agreement published in the BOE on October 26, 2026.
What is «Innova for Def & Sec» and how can it benefit my company?
«Innova for Def & Sec» is the framework initiative under which the CDTI participates in Feindef 2027. Its objective is to integrate startups, technology SMEs, universities and research centers into the defense and security ecosystem, promoting R&D&i and knowledge transfer between civil and military fields. Companies participating under this initiative can access co-financing of joint activities and visibility before national and international institutional buyers.
What type of companies can participate in the CDTI space at Feindef?
The target profile is startups, technology SMEs, universities and research centers with R&D&i capabilities applicable to defense, security or dual technologies (with both civil and military use). It is not necessary to be an established defense company: the agreement specifically seeks to incorporate into the ecosystem technology companies that until now operated only in the civil field.
Does the CDTI finance company participation in Feindef 2027?
The agreement establishes that the CDTI assumes commitments for co-financing of joint activities with the Feindef Foundation. This implies that part of the activities in the «Innova for Def & Sec» space will have public funding support. To learn about the specific conditions for participation and possible co-financing for companies, it is necessary to contact the CDTI directly, as the agreement does not detail specific amounts per company.
When does this agreement enter into force and what deadlines should I keep in mind?
The agreement between the CDTI and the Feindef Foundation entered into force on October 26, 2026, the date of its publication in the BOE (reference BOE-A-2026-22447). The event it refers to is Feindef 2027, in May of that year, which leaves approximately six months for interested companies to plan their participation and contact the CDTI.
Official source
Consult complete regulation in official source
Notice: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific decisions, consult a qualified professional. Source: https://www.boe.es/diario_boe/txt.php?id=BOE-A-2026-22447
