Orbit 2026 in Gothenburg brings together the people working to turn defence innovation into real-world capability
Strong technology alone does not create defence capability.
For defence and dual-use companies, the harder challenge often comes next: proving relevance, understanding procurement requirements, communicating value clearly and building the relationships needed to move from development into deployment.
That is the focus of Orbit, taking place in Gothenburg on 14 October 2026 as part of Gothenburg Tech Week.
Orbit is designed to bring together the different sides of the defence innovation ecosystem in one room: builders, buyers, investors, policymakers, procurement decision-makers and the military personnel who may ultimately use these technologies.
Its goal is clear: to explore what it takes to move from innovation to implementation, and from promising technology to deployable capability.
Key Takeaways
- Orbit focuses on the journey from defence innovation to real-world implementation.
- Attendees include founders, military end users, procurement leaders, investors, researchers and policymakers.
- The programme combines stage sessions, facilitated roundtables and networking.
- For emerging companies, the opportunity is to better understand how technology connects with operational needs, procurement, investment and commercial growth.
What happens at Orbit?
The day combines a full stage programme with facilitated roundtable discussions, giving participants the opportunity to hear different perspectives and then explore the issues in smaller groups. Networking, lunch and fika are also built into the programme.
Confirmed speakers include representatives from FMV, FOI, GKN Aerospace and Volvo Group, alongside investors and defence industry leaders. FMV’s participation is particularly relevant, with discussion around defence innovation, new procurement approaches and how emerging solutions can move towards operational use.
Closing the gap between technology and adoption
For defence and dual-use companies, events like Orbit offer more than visibility – they provide an opportunity to understand how buyers define problems, what end users actually need, how procurement is evolving in Sweden and the EU, and what investors and partners need to see before supporting a technology.
That insight can influence product development, positioning, pilots, funding and market entry – but companies also need to communicate clearly what their technology does, which problem it solves, why it is different and where it fits within a wider capability.
At Defence Tech Marketing, this is where we focus: helping complex defence and dual-use technologies become easier to understand, position and take to market.
Don’t miss out! Orbit takes place in Gothenburg on 14 October 2026. Attendance is curated, with prospective participants required to apply, and pay, for a ticket.