Defence in West – When competitiveness becomes resilience

Defence in West 2026 is a meeting place where small and medium-sized enterprises, defense, industry, academia, and the public sector come together to strengthen Sweden's total defense through innovation and industrial capability. The conference highlights how civilian technologies and regional expertise can be translated into concrete operational effects.

With a focus on drones, additive manufacturing, cybersecurity, and scalable production, Defence inWest 2026 shows how companies—even smaller players—can take their place in the defense industry's value chains and contribute to a more resilient Sweden.

Trollhättan, Fyrbodal, and Västra Götaland have strong foundations with advanced manufacturing, innovative environments, and a culture of collaboration. The conference connects national needs with regional strengths and creates an arena for knowledge, business, and partnerships.

Over two days, strategy and practice come together through discussions, technology demonstrations, and matchmaking. The program is updated regularly.

Program

It will be two days of perspectives, insights, and discussions where strategy meets practice. The program will be updated continuously as the content takes shape, but the focus will be on how your business can become part of the defense industry's value chains and contribute to a stronger total defense locally, regionally, and nationally.

You can find the program at the top of the event page once you have clicked through.

Practical

The conference will take place on March 24-25 at Nova Arena, Nohabgatan 21 in Trollhättan.

Tuesday, March 24 – Conference & trade fair: 11:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Wednesday, March 25 – Full-day conference: 9:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

Cost

Participation for one day: SEK 595/person

Two-day participation: SEK 1,095/person (dinner not included)

Dinner on March 24: SEK 495 per person (limited number of seats)

All prices are exclusive of VAT.

Organizers

Innovatum Science Park, IUC West, City of Trollhättan, Business Region West