NDIA Global Defense Hackathon 2026 

Bridging the Gap Between Industry and Defense Mission Partners

In an era where technological superiority defines a strategic advantage, the National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA) is launching a bold initiative to bridge the gap between warfighters and innovators. From September 7 – 10, 2026, NDIA will host a high-impact, week-long Defense Technologies Hackathon at the 2026 Emerging Technologies for Defense Conference & Exhibition in Washington, D.C. This event is more than a competition: it’s a real-time, global collaboration between Department of War challengers and industry disruptors, designed to accelerate the deployment of data-driven and AI-enabled solutions to the front lines.

The event culminates at NDIA’s flagship Emerging Technologies for Defense Conference & Exhibition, held September 9-10, 2026, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. This forum brings together leaders from government, industry, academia, and the commercial sector to explore innovations shaping national security for the next century. From AI-enabled platforms to contested logistics and autonomous systems, the conference showcases the technologies being prototyped during the Hackathon.

By setting the gold standard for ethical industry-defense collaboration, the Hackathon also democratizes innovation. It gives small businesses a seat at the table, invites venture capital and big industry to witness emerging talent, and bridges the valley of death between startup ingenuity and government adoption.

The NDIA Global Defense Hackathon 2026 is a unique opportunity to position your organization/yourself at the forefront of defense-focused innovation while building meaningful connections across the national security ecosystem.

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FAQ

What is the Hackathon for Global Defense? 
ETC also brings together warfighters, the acquisition community, and problem solvers for the Global Hackathon for Defense, September 7-10. Kicking off ahead of ETC, this event links Department of War challenges with industry innovation in real time across the globe. Hackathon organizers are currently working with DOW partners to identify uses cases/challenge problems and data sets for the hackathon participants to work. 

How do I register for the Hackathon?

The Hackathon registration process is two steps this year.

  •  First hackathon participants will register on the Emerging Technologies for Defense Conference & Exhibition website as a “Hackathon Participant”
  •  Once you have completed registration you will receive a confirmation email. In the confirmation email there will be a link to the Hackathon Portal. Please select the link and register on the Hackathon Portal. This will ensure you are able to join a team and have access to a data set. Please note that system administrators will be approving registrations on the portal.

How do I register on the portal?

To sign up and join a team on the portal please follow the instructions below:

  • Visit the NDIA ETI Global Hackathon Portal
  • Select “Sign in” in the upper right-hand corner of the portal.
  • Either create an account or log in using existing account
  • Scroll down to “Upcoming Hackathon” and select the NDIA ETI Global Defense Hackathon
  • Select “View Public Site”
  • Select “Register”
  • Choose your role
  • Choose your location (Walter E. Washington Convention Center)
  • Select “Complete Registration”
  • Event Admin will approve your registration, and you will receive an email confirming your registration.
  • You now have access to the Hackathon portal including the schedule, teams, and datasets.