Blog/Portal for Smart FACTORY | CITY | XR | METAVERSE | AI (AI) | DIGITIZATION | SOLAR | Industry Influencer (II)

Industry Hub & Blog for B2B Industry - Mechanical Engineering - Logistics/Intralogistics - Photovoltaics (PV/Solar)
For Smart FACTORY | CITY | XR | METAVERSE | AI (AI) | DIGITIZATION | SOLAR | Industry Influencer (II) | Startups | Support/Advice

Business Innovator - Xpert.Digital - Konrad Wolfenstein
More about this here

Bavaria's Defence and Dual-Use Ecosystem: Helsing, ARX Robotics & Co. – These Startups Are Europe's Military Technology

Xpert pre-release


Konrad Wolfenstein - Brand Ambassador - Industry InfluencerOnline Contact (Konrad Wolfenstein)

Language selection 📢

Published on: October 9, 2025 / Updated on: October 9, 2025 – Author: Konrad Wolfenstein

Bavaria's Defence and Dual-Use Ecosystem: Helsing, ARX Robotics & Co. – These Startups Are Europe's Military Technology

Bavaria's defense and dual-use ecosystem: Helsing, ARX Robotics & Co. – These startups are Europe's military technology – Image: Xpert.Digital

While Berlin is still discussing: This is how Bavaria is achieving what others fail to do – a powerful tech defense

AI, quantum, drones: How a German state is becoming a tech superpower for NATO

The "turning point" is more than a political buzzword—it's an economic and technological reality mobilizing billions in investments and creating new centers of innovation. Amid this global realignment, one German state has quietly but decisively positioned itself as the epicenter of this development in Europe: Bavaria. Here, not just a cluster of individual defense companies is emerging, but a defense and dual-use ecosystem unique in its density and functionality, which is already considered a blueprint for Europe's technological sovereignty.

The key to success lies in a close collaboration that is rare in this form: Established industrial giants such as Airbus, KNDS, and Hensoldt work hand in hand with excellent research institutions such as the Bundeswehr University Munich and Munich Quantum Valley. At the same time, a new generation of agile startups such as Helsing, Quantum-Systems, and ARX Robotics are driving innovation at an impressive pace, financed by highly specialized deep-tech venture capitalists that have transformed Munich into one of Europe's leading defense investment hubs.

The result of this synergistic network is extremely short paths from research to application and – crucial for the industry – from ambitious pilot projects to actual procurement. While elsewhere the need for a dedicated technological base is still being debated, Bavaria is already demonstrating in practice how a scalable and resilient ecosystem for defense and security can be structured. This article analyzes the success factors of the Bavarian model, highlights the key players, and explains why this development is of strategic importance far beyond the borders of the Free State.

Suitable for:

  • Dual-use economy: Why the invisible power of dual-use technology will determine Europe's futureDual-use economy: Why the invisible power of dual-use technology will determine Europe's future

Billions for a turning point: Why investors are now investing in Munich-based defense startups

In recent years, Bavaria has developed into a particularly dense and functional defense and dual-use ecosystem. The most important lever: a close interaction between established industrial players, universities and research institutions, specialized funding programs, and professional deep-tech venture capital firms. This results in short paths from research to application – and increasingly also from pilot projects to procurement. The core message: While elsewhere, technological sovereignty is still being discussed, Bavaria is already demonstrating in practice how a scalable defense and resilience ecosystem can be structured.

What is it about – and why now?

The geopolitical situation, the changing times in Germany, and a broader societal debate about security and defense have changed the landscape. Defense tech is no longer a niche topic in Europe. In 2024 alone, billions of euros flowed into defense startups in Europe; Germany, and Munich in particular, have established themselves as leading investment hubs. At the same time, Bavaria, with its High-Tech Agenda, is expanding computing infrastructure, professorships, and quantum expertise, and is specifically addressing barriers to transfer and procurement. This development is reflected in large-scale financing (e.g., Helsing), industrial alliances (e.g., Quantum Systems and ARX Robotics), and new hubs (Digital Hub Security & Defense).

What makes Bavaria a particularly strong defense and dual-use location?

Bavaria's strength stems from a system advantage encompassing several pillars: a high industrial density in aerospace and land systems, excellent research (including the Bundeswehr University Munich and major research organizations), targeted high-tech investments by the Free State, specialized deep-tech venture capital firms, and a growing cohort of scaling startups. This interplay consolidates value chains, accelerates technology transfer, and reduces coordination costs between stakeholders.

A concrete expression of this density is the federal government's decision to allocate the new Digital Hub for Security and Defense to Bavaria. The reason: One-third of Germany's defense companies are located in the Free State; the networking between industry, universities, and startups is above average. Bavaria's strong core industries offer additional connectivity for dual-use applications.

What role do the major industry players play – and where are they located?

Bavaria is home to key companies in the German and European security and defense industry:

  • Airbus Defence and Space operates the military aviation center in Manching, featuring Eurofighter final assembly, UAV expertise, and comprehensive services. Airbus Helicopters has its German headquarters in Donauwörth and is the region's largest employer.
  • KNDS Deutschland (formerly KMW) is headquartered in Munich-Allach; the German division of KNDS is responsible for, among other things, Leopard tanks, the Panzerhaubitze 2000, and wheeled armored personnel carrier programs. Since 2024, the brand has been operating under the unified name KNDS; locations and structure are clearly identified.
  • As a spin-out of the Airbus sensor division, Hensoldt is one of the key European electronics and sensor specialists for reconnaissance and security. Its historical development from EADS/Airbus restructuring underscores its sensor expertise and focus on military and dual applications.
  • MBDA Germany maintains several locations in Bavaria (e.g., Schrobenhausen). Companies such as MTU Aero Engines and RENK complement the company's industrial breadth; the aerospace clustering in the greater Munich/Swabia area reinforces co-location effects.

These companies act as "primes," collaborating with universities, startups, and small and medium-sized enterprises, opening up transfer channels, for example, for Eurofighter upgrades (electronic warfare) or Eurodrone/FCAS components. Such programs require deep expertise in sensor fusion, embedded software, AI, electronics, and systems integration—all fields in which Bavarian players have strong teams.

Which academic and research infrastructure sets the pace?

Two anchors shape the Bavarian profile:

First, the Bundeswehr University Munich (UniBw M) with its dtec.bw center. This program, established in 2020 and now extended, promotes digitalization and technology research with a defense focus. The dual-use focus, in particular, was further sharpened during the extension phase. Examples such as SeRANIS (integrated B5G/6G laboratory environment with New Space networks), RISK.twin (hybrid digital twins for critical infrastructures), and MISDRO (UAS-based inspection with multivariate image analysis using AI) demonstrate the bridge between basic topics and concrete application demonstrators.

Second, the Munich Quantum Valley (MQV) serves as a flagship project for the High-Tech Agenda. It combines the capacities of LMU, TUM, FAU, Max Planck Institutes, Fraunhofer Institutes, and BAdW, builds quantum computing infrastructures on three hardware platforms, and sees transfer and entrepreneurship as its core mission. The goal is to develop and operate competitive quantum computers in Bavaria – with significant state funding and international networking.

In addition, the Free State of Bavaria is expanding AI computing infrastructure at the LRZ and RRZE to provide universities with high-performance clusters – a basic prerequisite for modern AI, sensor technology, and simulation projects with a defense focus.

What recent political or programmatic signals strengthen the location?

Several decisions and initiatives solidify the path:

  • The establishment of the “Digital Hub Security and Defense” in Bavaria establishes a national showcase for defense innovation, networking, and start-up support in the Free State.
  • The High-Tech Agenda brings together investments in AI, computing infrastructure, and quantum computing. Munich is a quantum hub with its own professorship base and transfer opportunities.
  • At the federal and EU levels, initiatives such as the NATO Innovation Fund commitments to Bavarian-based deep-tech venture capital firms and the EU Defense Instruments are gaining momentum. These capital flows increase the connectivity of young companies to security-relevant markets.
  • The Bavarian law on the promotion of the Bundeswehr in Bavaria creates a clear framework against civil clauses that inhibit research and promotes systematic transfer between universities and Bundeswehr agencies.

The combination of these factors reduces the typical gaps between research, piloting and procurement and mitigates cultural barriers that have historically existed in Germany between civilian and military innovation paths.

How strong is the VC and startup core – and which deals demonstrate scalability?

Helsing's prominent €450 million Series C round marks a European milestone. Participants: General Catalyst as lead, along with Elad Gil, Accel, Saab, Lightspeed, Plural, and Greenoaks, among others. The funds will be used for product development and R&D with a focus on European sovereignty and the protection of NATO's eastern flank. Helsing also holds significant government contracts and has been active in Ukraine since 2022. The round underscores that Munich-based defense AI can claim global relevance.

Munich is considered the leading European VC hub in the defense/security/resilience segment in 2024 – according to reports and analyses, nearly one billion US dollars in defense investments are expected to be allocated to the location in 2024. This trend is supported by specialized funds such as Vsquared Ventures and Alpine Space Ventures, which have received NIF capital, among others, and address in-depth sector topics from space to AI/robotics.

Startups such as Quantum Systems (sUAS systems, Ukraine deployment, industrial alliances), ARX Robotics (UGV platforms, multi-use, European testing/procurement), and The Exploration Company (Nyx spacecraft, Series B €150 million; ESA contracts) illustrate scalability across dual markets and show how quickly prototypes can become operational products when capital, industrial partners, and pilot paths come together.

As a state-owned venture capital firm, Bayern Kapital invests in capital-intensive deep tech projects through growth-oriented funds, strengthening the financing chains in later rounds. This creates follow-on financing beyond traditional seed windows—a critical building block for bringing hardware-heavy defense tech into series production.

What evidence is there to support the claim that Bavaria is a blueprint for pilot-to-procurement?

Several indicators support this view:

  • With projects such as SeRANIS, RISK.twin, and MISDRO, dtec.bw demonstrates how university research can develop validated, field-based technologies that are then tested in real-world applications with government agencies and industry partners. The extension and planned consolidation starting in 2027 explicitly focuses on dual-use research in a secure environment with Bundeswehr agencies – a structured path from laboratory to application.
  • The establishment of the Digital Hub Security & Defense in Bavaria institutionalizes networking, startup support, and transfer. This professionalizes the early phase between prototype and marketable product.
  • Industry startup alliances such as Quantum Systems x ARX (Strategic Partnership, UXS Alliance) accelerate the interoperability, standardization, and combinability of UxS systems. Such consortia create de facto pre-standards that facilitate procurement by anticipating system-of-systems integration.
  • VC signals, such as NIF support for Vsquared and Alpine Space Ventures, increase predictability for founders and provide bridges to international defense market access – important for scaling beyond national budgets.

At the same time, analyses point out that Germany has historically had a "firewall" between civilian and military research, and procurement processes were often rigid. The Bavarian approach—including a political framework against civilian clauses, a digital hub, and a high-tech agenda—addresses precisely these gaps. It therefore represents a plausible blueprint for other regions seeking to pursue similar paths.

Suitable for:

  • The Two Faces of Innovation: Rise and Change of the Dual-Use Sector in Germany and EuropeThe Two Faces of Innovation: Rise and Change of the Dual-Use Sector in Germany and Europe

How does the Munich Quantum Valley fit into the defense narrative?

Quantum computing, sensors, and communication are medium- to long-term strategic enabling technologies for encrypted communication, navigation robustness, sensor fusion, and the optimization of complex operational situations. MQV is building three hardware pathways (superconducting, neutral atom, ion traps) in Bavaria, as well as transfer architecture and entrepreneurship programming. The Free State of Bavaria is specifically funding MQV through its High-Tech Agenda; the platform links LMU, TUM, FAU, MPG, FhG, and BAdW – a depth that is internationally compatible. For defense applications, these capacities mean that talent, prototyping access, and industry-compatible transfer models are developed locally, which favors subsequent security-relevant applications.

Which startups are exemplary for “quickly deployable dual-use products”?

Three examples:

  • Quantum Systems: eVTOL-sUAS with high endurance and field-proven Vector systems. Over 200 Vectors are in operation in Ukraine; 500 systems are under delivery; an additional 800 are on request. Partnerships with Airbus Defence and Space (AI modules, swarm) and ARX Robotics (joint UxS approaches) demonstrate the company's systematic approach.
  • ARX ​​Robotics: modular UGV platforms with scalable hardware/software architecture; deployed in test/procurement pipelines by six European armed forces. Collaborations with Quantum Systems and the UXS Alliance aim to achieve interoperability across domains.
  • Helsing: AI systems for sensor analysis, electronic warfare, and battlefield intelligence. Major financing, FCAS participation, and operational activity in real conflict environments demonstrate levels of maturity that go beyond the prototype stage.

These examples illustrate that dual-use is not just a label, but has been operationalized through concrete supply chains, approvals, foreign deployments, and military acceptance processes.

Who is financing this – and how professional is the VC side?

In addition to international investors, several groups of actors are active in Bavaria:

  • Deep-tech specialists like Vsquared Ventures invest in AI/computing, space, robotics, and energy, and close funds with institutional clout (e.g., €214 million Fund II, LP-based including NIF, EIF, and KfW Capital). Portfolio connections to the Munich scene are prominent.
  • Alpine Space Ventures positions itself as a NewSpace specialist with partner networks in NATO contexts (including NIF backing). Its space focus is strategically relevant for ISR, communications, and navigation capabilities.
  • Public and semi-public capital sources such as Bayern Kapital provide follow-on financing, growth funds, and bridges into capital-intensive phases – with tickets that can also support later stages of industrialization.
  • International growth and crossover investors are participating in large rounds, opening up valuations and scaling options on a global level (see the Helsing round as a case study).

Overall, this VC architecture professionalizes scaling: deal flow, due diligence, and post-investment support are now calibrated to defense-typical cycles, certifications, and regulatory requirements.

 

Hub for security and defense - advice and information

Hub for security and defense

Hub for security and defense - Image: Xpert.digital

The hub for security and defense offers well-founded advice and current information in order to effectively support companies and organizations in strengthening their role in European security and defense policy. In close connection to the SME Connect working group, he promotes small and medium -sized companies (SMEs) in particular that want to further expand their innovative strength and competitiveness in the field of defense. As a central point of contact, the hub creates a decisive bridge between SME and European defense strategy.

Suitable for:

  • The Working Group Defense of the SME Connect - Strengthening SMEs in European defense

 

Dual-use instead of a one-way street: How military technologies scale up for civilian use

Which special structural elements accelerate the transfer into practice?

Five mechanisms can be identified:

  1. Research programs with a demonstrator focus. dtec.bw projects are designed from the outset for specific use cases. The early involvement of departments and industry partners reduces friction during validation and handover.
  2. Regional nodes that synchronize ecosystems. The Digital Hub Security & Defense is deliberately designed as an interface for startups, industry, and academia. It facilitates visibility, matchmaking, and the search for scaling partners.
  3. Cross-company alliances address interoperability. The UXS Alliance and the ARX Quantum partnership aim to achieve shared software frameworks and compatibility—a lever that significantly simplifies subsequent procurement because system integration carries less risk.
  4. Political support. The Bavarian law promoting the Bundeswehr in Bavaria, the High-Tech Agenda, AI computing infrastructure, and quantum advancement eliminate bottlenecks in resources, access, and legal ambiguities that slow transfer elsewhere.
  5. VC governance and international cofinancing. NIF commitments, EIF programs, and corporate investors from the defense sector increase capital stability and reduce the risk of projects drying up between TRL stages. This makes pilot-to-procurement bridges more resilient.

Suitable for:

  • Defense industry and dual-use logistics – A new job engine for defense? Is the arms industry now saving the German economy?Defense industry and dual-use logistics - A new job engine for defense? Is the arms industry now saving the German economy?

How do dual-use and pure defense innovation paths differ in Bavaria?

Dual-use projects are particularly well-suited to integration in Bavaria because of the presence of several leading civilian industries (automotive, mechanical engineering, aerospace, electronics). Technologies in sensor technology, propulsion, robotics, data analysis, and security can be scaled across civilian markets while simultaneously providing military benefits. This reduces path dependencies on pure defense demand and improves capital allocation, as revenue diversification lowers financing costs. This bridge is explicitly addressed politically – from the high-tech agenda and digital hub justifications to legal frameworks that allow transfer to security-relevant applications.

Purely defense innovations—such as specific battlefield electronics or weapon system upgrades—benefit from the presence of the Primes and their procurement channels in Bavaria. This allows highly regulated components to be developed, tested, and embedded into larger platform programs. This co-localization avoids interface losses and facilitates certification.

To what extent does the Bavarian ecosystem contribute to European sovereignty?

European sovereignty requires its own expertise in key technologies, robust supply chains, and industrial policy coordination. Bavaria provides three building blocks:

  • System leadership in specific areas: KNDS Germany, MBDA sites, Airbus centers, and Hensoldt's electronics expertise create industrial depth in land, air, and space travel.
  • Deep tech talent: MQV, AI clusters, and HPC infrastructure provide talent and advances that can grow in critical areas without US dominance. Quantum, AI, and secure communications are key to future military command and control systems.
  • Capital mechanics: NIF-backed funds, state-owned venture capital firms, and international investors generate the necessary financing lines to ensure that projects do not fizzle out after proof of concept, but rather reach series/platform integration. Helsing, as a case study, demonstrates how European defense AI can be built to be globally competitive.

These elements do not guarantee autonomy, but they reduce dependencies, increase negotiating power in transatlantic programs, and strengthen Europe's ability to act in industrial policy.

What risks or blind spots remain despite the successes?

Three risks are identifiable:

  1. Procurement pace. Despite regional hub dynamics, federal and European procurement processes remain complex. Without binding pilot-to-procurement paths, startups risk the "valley of tears" phase after successful demonstrators. Studies emphasize the need for more flexible procurement and overcoming historical divisions between civilian and military research.
  2. Skilled workers and scaling capacities. Demand for AI, electronics, sensor technology, security, and space experts exceeds supply in many places. MQVs, professorships, and AI clusters are important answers, but international competition for talent remains fierce.
  3. Capital volatility and regulations. Although 2024/25 will provide strong VC signals, interest rate cycles, ESG debates, and export control regimes can influence financing and distribution. Clearer guidelines for dual-use exports and security-by-design compliance are essential to create planning certainty.

What evidence supports the claim that Munich will be Europe's central defense investment hub by 2024?

Analyses by law firms, industry media, and data services estimate that nearly one billion US dollars in defense investments will be made in Munich by 2024. The Helsing Series C was the most visible round, flanked by other larger financings for drone and robotics companies. This is complemented by NIF commitments to Munich-based funds and deal flow in space and resilience startups from the region. This clustering creates a network effect that attracts additional investors.

What concrete examples of industrial startup collaborations can be named?

In addition to the Quantum Systems ARX partnership and the UXS Alliance, there are indications of collaborations between Quantum Systems and Airbus Defence and Space to develop AI-supported swarm capabilities. Helsing reports on contracts within FCAS consortia, Eurofighter EW upgrades (with Saab), and maritime and land-based projects. The Exploration Company won ESA funding and is expanding its production base for Nyx prototypes in Planegg – an example of how space startups from the region are integrating contracts into European programs.

What role do state and federal initiatives play in procurement and awarding?

Bavarian agencies and partner institutions address hurdles in public procurement with information and advisory services. At the federal level, programs such as KOINNO exist to promote innovative procurement; Bavarian platforms convey this know-how to companies. The goal: to increase the proportion of innovation-oriented procurement and to avoid structurally disadvantaging startups through specification and eligibility requirements. Such support is important for pilot projects to transition into robust procurement procedures.

What is the social and economic policy embedding like?

Business and industry associations emphasize the need to transform this shift from a slogan into robust industrial and innovation policies. This includes long-term budgets, accelerated procurement, reliable export regulations, and an end to rigid dividing lines between civilian and military research paths. Bavaria has addressed some of these points politically, but nationwide harmonization and EU compatibility remain crucial for achieving economies of scale.

At the same time, the wave of investment demonstrates that private markets are responding to reliable signals. NIF support, EIF programs, and corporate VCs from the defense sector signal that security technologies are recognized as legitimate impact investments—provided the governance, ethics, and legal framework are clear.

What are the lessons for other federal states or regions?

Three lessons can be drawn:

  • Ecosystems benefit from density: Co-location of primes, universities, hubs, and VCs reduces transaction costs and time to pilot. The Bavarian metropolitan area around Munich/Swabia is coherent and generates network effects.
  • Policy instruments must close transfer gaps: Legal certainty for dual research, HPC and quantum resources, digital hubs, and procurement consulting create pathways that support startups and SMEs along the TRL scale.
  • Capital architecture determines scaling: Funds with defense/deep tech DNA, NIF co-financing, and state growth funds secure the bridge from Seed/Series A to Series B/C and series ramp-up—particularly important in hardware-heavy domains.

The blueprint is therefore: create systemic links, not just individual measures. Bavaria illustrates what these links could look like.

What future topics are emerging?

Three technology complexes will shape the coming years:

  • Software-defined defense: From platform-centric to network-centric – with AI-supported sensor fusion, edge computing, resilient communications, and digital twins. Bavaria addresses these topics through dtec.bw projects, FCAS contexts, and AI computing infrastructure.
  • Unmanned systems across domains: Interoperable drone and UGV swarms, modular payloads, standard APIs. Alliances like UXS and industry startup partnerships are working on frameworks that facilitate the transition to procurement and doctrine.
  • Quantum-enabled security: quantum communication, precise sensing, optimization. MQV offers the talent and hardware routes; the transfer to defense applications will be a matter of roadmaps and use case prioritization.

The question remains how export and procurement rules can be designed to enable European companies to scale while ensuring compliance and responsibility.

What does all this mean operationally: What measures are necessary for a “pilot-to-procurement” path?

Operationally, five clearly defined steps are required:

  • Establish problem definition and use case scoping with stakeholders (authorities, troops, critical infrastructure) at an early stage. dtec.bw formats demonstrate what joint scoping phases can look like.
  • Rapid prototyping with realistic data and operational environments, secured by HPC/AI resources and testbeds. The Bavarian AI infrastructure at the LRZ/RRZE and the MQV resources support this.
  • Leverage pre-commercial procurement/alliances to advance interoperability and standardization. UXS alliances and industry startup collaborations are blueprints.
  • Implement innovation-oriented procurement (KOINNO instruments, ABZ consulting) in a structured manner and define criteria that do not effectively exclude startups (e.g., reference logic, liability models).
  • Ensuring follow-on financing and production scale-up: State growth funds, NIF alliances, and corporate VCs are orchestrating. Helsing's C round demonstrates the maturity of large capital pools for defense AI; space rounds at The Exploration Company demonstrate preparation for series production in the hardware segment.

If these steps are orchestrated as a “Build-Partner-Invest” alliance between universities, prime ministers, startups, and capital, the time from pilot to framework agreement is significantly reduced.

Where do the numbers stand – is the boom resilient or cyclical?

Cross-sector analyses indicate sustained increases in volumes: European defense investments rose significantly in 2024; the trend continues in 2025, driven by geopolitical risks and a re-emphasis on ESG narratives in the sense of "security as impact." Germany overtook the United Kingdom as a target market in 2024; Munich aggregated almost one billion US dollars. At the same time, the number of rounds has decreased, while ticket sizes have increased – an indication of consolidation and quality selection. The risks lie less in demand than in the governance of procurement, exports, and regulations.

Which companies and institutions specifically shape the Bavarian map?

Examples from the location map and public sources include: Airbus Defence and Space (Manching, Donauwörth), Hensoldt (Sensorik), KNDS Deutschland (München-Allach), MBDA Deutschland, MTU Aero Engines, RENK, The Exploration Company (Planegg), Quantum-Systems (Gilching), ARX Robotics, Alpine Space Ventures, Vsquared Ventures, Bayern Kapital, TUM, Bundeswehr University Munich/dtec.bw. This list is not exhaustive, but it demonstrates the density and close proximity between industry, research, and capital.

Suitable for:

  • The integration of advanced terminal systems into a dual-use framework for civil and military heavy-lift logisticsThe integration of advanced terminal systems into a dual-use framework for civil and military heavy-lift logistics

What is “uncomfortable” about Bavaria – and why is it relevant?

It is uncomfortable to realize that a functioning defense and resilience economy is not created through debates, but through consistent ecosystem work: clear political guardrails, realistic procurement mechanisms, hard technology paths, resilient capital architecture, and the conscious removal of outdated cultural dividing lines between civilian and military. Bavaria has taken visible steps in this direction – not through individual flagship projects, but through the synchronization of many building blocks.

This sends a signal to the Republic and to Europe: Anyone who is serious about technological sovereignty must link organization, capital, and procurement in such a way that research becomes market-effective capabilities – for resilience in peacetime, for defense in an emergency.

What concrete recommendations for action can be derived?

Four packages of measures appear to be a priority:

  • Reform procurement: Standardize innovation-oriented procurement, pre-commercial pilot contracts, and scalable framework agreements. A binding "pilot-to-procurement" guideline for each capability area reduces uncertainty for startups and procurement officials. Bavaria can serve as a pilot region.
  • Prioritize interoperability: Open interfaces, reference architectures, and shared testbeds (e.g., UxS frameworks) as mandatory building blocks. Alliances like UXS should be expanded across Europe and standardized.
  • Securing the talent and computational economy: Providing professorships, labs, and HPC/AI clusters with reliable budgets. Networking MQV structures across Europe to stabilize the flow of skilled workers and joint projects.
  • Close capital pathways: Coordinate state growth funds, NIF co-financing, corporate venture capital, and export credit guarantees to ensure that TRL 8/9 phases are not interrupted. Targeted use of successful flagship projects (Helsing-C, Nyx-B) as references in procurement.

These measures only work in conjunction. Bavarian experience suggests that governance coupling is more important than the absolute size of individual funding budgets.

Is Bavaria a blueprint – and what are the consequences?

Bavaria is a blueprint not because individual companies are large, but because the network of industry, research, capital, and politics appears coherent. The Digital Hub Security & Defense, dtec.bw's consolidation, the High-Tech Agenda (AI and MQV), deep-tech venture capital firms with NIF tailwind, and scaling startups together create a path on which pilot projects can, with a realistic probability, transition into procurement and fleet integration. The large Helsing rounds, the UxS alliances, and the MQV dynamic are visible markers of this development.

The next step is to standardize this path: binding pilot-to-procurement mechanisms, interoperable frameworks, and predictable export and financing rules. If other federal states adapt this system logic and network it across Europe, true technological sovereignty will emerge—not as a slogan, but as an industrially and operationally robust result. Bavaria has shown how it can be done; now it's up to others to muster the courage to scale.

 

Advice - planning - implementation
Digital Pioneer - Konrad Wolfenstein

Markus Becker

I would be happy to serve as your personal advisor.

Head of Business Development

Chairman SME Connect Defense Working Group

LinkedIn

 

 

 

Advice - planning - implementation
Digital Pioneer - Konrad Wolfenstein

Konrad Wolfenstein

I would be happy to serve as your personal advisor.

contact me under Wolfenstein ∂ Xpert.digital

call me under +49 89 674 804 (Munich)

LinkedIn
 

 

 

Our EU and Germany expertise in business development, sales and marketing

Our EU and Germany expertise in business development, sales and marketing

Our EU and Germany expertise in business development, sales and marketing - Image: Xpert.Digital

Industry focus: B2B, digitalization (from AI to XR), mechanical engineering, logistics, renewable energies and industry

More about it here:

  • Xpert Business Hub

A topic hub with insights and expertise:

  • Knowledge platform on the global and regional economy, innovation and industry-specific trends
  • Collection of analyses, impulses and background information from our focus areas
  • A place for expertise and information on current developments in business and technology
  • Topic hub for companies that want to learn about markets, digitalization and industry innovations

 

Your dual -use logistics expert

Dual-use logistics expert

Dual -use logistics expert - Image: Xpert.digital

The global economy is currently experiencing a fundamental change, a broken epoch that shakes the cornerstones of global logistics. The era of hyper-globalization, which was characterized by the unshakable striving for maximum efficiency and the “just-in-time” principle, gives way to a new reality. This is characterized by profound structural breaks, geopolitical shifts and progressive economic political fragmentation. The planning of international markets and supply chains, which was once assumed as a matter of course, dissolves and is replaced by a phase of growing uncertainty.

Suitable for:

  • Strategic resilience in a fragmented world through intelligent infrastructure and automation - The requirements profile of the dual-use logistics expert

other topics

  • Dual-use economy: Why the invisible power of dual-use technology will determine Europe's future
    Dual-use economy: Why the invisible power of dual-use technology will determine Europe's future...
  • Dual-Use: Weapon or Tool? The Fascinating Dual Technology That Brings Billions to Germany
    Dual-use: Weapon or tool? The fascinating dual technology that's bringing Germany billions...
  • Dual-use heavy-load container terminals – For the EU internal market and Europe’s military defense security
    Dual-use heavy-duty container terminals – For the EU internal market and Europe's military defense security...
  • EU billion injection for startups
    EU billion injection for startups "Choose Europe to Start and Scale": The new funding strategy in Europe ...
  • European Innovation Center for Defense (Eudis): Opportunities for Mechanical Engineering and Logistics | EU defense innovation scheme
    Innovative funding program of the European Union (Eudis): opportunities for mechanical engineering and logistics | EU defense innovation scheme ...
  • Rotterdam-Europe's largest port in change: military logistics, NATO, dual-use logistics and container high-class bearing
    Rotterdam-Europe's largest port in change: military logistics, NATO, dual-use logistics and container high-class warehouse ...
  • Dual-use logistics for Europe's security: the multinational structured partnership in Logistics (Spil)
    Dual-use logistics for Europe's security: the multinational structured partnership in Logistics (Spil) ...
  • The Rhine-Main-Danube Corridor and the dual-use logistics infrastructure as a strategic lifeline for Europe and NATO
    The Rhine-Main-Danube Corridor and the dual-use logistics infrastructure as a strategic lifeline for Europe and NATO...
  • AI offensive of the EU and the EU AI Champions Initiative: Large Groups, SMEs and Startups are moving together
    Ki offensive of the EU and the EU AI Champions Initiative: Large Groups, SMEs and Startups are moving together ...
Partner in Germany and Europe - Business Development - Marketing & PR

Your partner in Germany and Europe

  • 🔵 Business Development
  • 🔵 Trade Fairs, Marketing & PR

The security and defense Hub of the SME Connect Working Group Defense on Xpert.digital SME Connect is one of the largest European networks and communication platforms for small and medium -sized companies (SMEs) 
  • • SME Connect Working Group Defense
  • • Advice and information
 Markus Becker - Chairman SME Connect Defense Working Group
  • • Head of Business Development
  • • Chairman SME Connect Defense Working Group

 

 

 

Urbanization, logistics, photovoltaics and 3D visualizations Infotainment / PR / Marketing / MediaContact - Questions - Help - Konrad Wolfenstein / Xpert.Digital
  • CATEGORIES

    • Logistics/intralogistics
    • Artificial Intelligence (AI) – AI blog, hotspot and content hub
    • New PV solutions
    • Sales/Marketing Blog
    • Renewable energy
    • Robotics/Robotics
    • New: Economy
    • Heating systems of the future - Carbon Heat System (carbon fiber heaters) - Infrared heaters - Heat pumps
    • Smart & Intelligent B2B / Industry 4.0 (including mechanical engineering, construction industry, logistics, intralogistics) – manufacturing industry
    • Smart City & Intelligent Cities, Hubs & Columbarium – Urbanization Solutions – City Logistics Consulting and Planning
    • Sensors and measurement technology – industrial sensors – smart & intelligent – ​​autonomous & automation systems
    • Augmented & Extended Reality – Metaverse planning office / agency
    • Digital hub for entrepreneurship and start-ups – information, tips, support & advice
    • Agri-photovoltaics (agricultural PV) consulting, planning and implementation (construction, installation & assembly)
    • Covered solar parking spaces: solar carport – solar carports – solar carports
    • Power storage, battery storage and energy storage
    • Blockchain technology
    • NSEO Blog for GEO (Generative Engine Optimization) and AIS Artificial Intelligence Search
    • Digital intelligence
    • Digital transformation
    • E-commerce
    • Internet of Things
    • USA
    • China
    • Hub for security and defense
    • Social media
    • Wind power / wind energy
    • Cold Chain Logistics (fresh logistics/refrigerated logistics)
    • Expert advice & insider knowledge
    • Press – Xpert press work | Advice and offer
  • Further article EU surveillance plans and Germany's veto: How the German government overturns the controversial EU chat control
  • New article The new Google AI mode: Like ChatGPT, Google becomes an answering machine – AI Mode EU rollout on the night of October 8, 2025
  • Xpert.Digital overview
  • Xpert.Digital SEO
Contact/Info
  • Contact – Pioneer Business Development Expert & Expertise
  • contact form
  • imprint
  • Data protection
  • Conditions
  • e.Xpert Infotainment
  • Infomail
  • Solar system configurator (all variants)
  • Industrial (B2B/Business) Metaverse configurator
Menu/Categories
  • Managed AI Platform
  • Logistics/intralogistics
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI) – AI blog, hotspot and content hub
  • New PV solutions
  • Sales/Marketing Blog
  • Renewable energy
  • Robotics/Robotics
  • New: Economy
  • Heating systems of the future - Carbon Heat System (carbon fiber heaters) - Infrared heaters - Heat pumps
  • Smart & Intelligent B2B / Industry 4.0 (including mechanical engineering, construction industry, logistics, intralogistics) – manufacturing industry
  • Smart City & Intelligent Cities, Hubs & Columbarium – Urbanization Solutions – City Logistics Consulting and Planning
  • Sensors and measurement technology – industrial sensors – smart & intelligent – ​​autonomous & automation systems
  • Augmented & Extended Reality – Metaverse planning office / agency
  • Digital hub for entrepreneurship and start-ups – information, tips, support & advice
  • Agri-photovoltaics (agricultural PV) consulting, planning and implementation (construction, installation & assembly)
  • Covered solar parking spaces: solar carport – solar carports – solar carports
  • Energy-efficient renovation and new construction – energy efficiency
  • Power storage, battery storage and energy storage
  • Blockchain technology
  • NSEO Blog for GEO (Generative Engine Optimization) and AIS Artificial Intelligence Search
  • Digital intelligence
  • Digital transformation
  • E-commerce
  • Finance / Blog / Topics
  • Internet of Things
  • USA
  • China
  • Hub for security and defense
  • Trends
  • In practice
  • vision
  • Cyber ​​Crime/Data Protection
  • Social media
  • eSports
  • glossary
  • Healthy eating
  • Wind power / wind energy
  • Innovation & strategy planning, consulting, implementation for artificial intelligence / photovoltaics / logistics / digitalization / finance
  • Cold Chain Logistics (fresh logistics/refrigerated logistics)
  • Solar in Ulm, around Neu-Ulm and around Biberach Photovoltaic solar systems – advice – planning – installation
  • Franconia / Franconian Switzerland – solar/photovoltaic solar systems – advice – planning – installation
  • Berlin and the surrounding area of ​​Berlin – solar/photovoltaic solar systems – consulting – planning – installation
  • Augsburg and the surrounding area of ​​Augsburg – solar/photovoltaic solar systems – advice – planning – installation
  • Expert advice & insider knowledge
  • Press – Xpert press work | Advice and offer
  • Tables for desktop
  • B2B procurement: supply chains, trade, marketplaces & AI-supported sourcing
  • XPaper
  • XSec
  • Protected area
  • Pre-release
  • English version for LinkedIn

© October 2025 Xpert.Digital / Xpert.Plus - Konrad Wolfenstein - Business Development