In the world of European defense technology, few names resonate with as much impact as Benjamin Wolba. His ability to bridge innovation with tangible solutions has turned hackathons into a powerful method for solving pressing issues in defense. These hackathons, once seen as mere coding competitions, are now fueling startups that deliver real-world technologies to critical situations like the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Let’s dig deeper into how Wolba has revolutionized defense innovation in Europe by creating a movement centered around collaborative problem-solving, and what lessons entrepreneurs can glean from his work worldwide.
The DNA of the Defense Tech Movement
Hackathons run by the European Defense Tech Hub (EDTH) aren't just events. They’re intense 48-hour marathons with purpose-built challenges aimed at tackling real warfare scenarios. Participants, engineers, entrepreneurs, investors, and even military experts, focus on creating prototypes that are rapidly turned into solutions for the battlefield.
Here’s how Wolba structured these hackathons to ensure they became catalysts for the movement:
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Real Problems as the Starting Point:
Challenges posed during these hackathons are directly aligned with military needs, particularly regarding drone warfare in Ukraine. Examples include counter-drone systems and mesh networks for tactical communication. -
Partnerships with Defense Leaders:
EDTH has collaborated with companies like Helsing for AI-driven defense tech and Quantum Systems for drone innovation. By involving these industry leaders, Wolba ensures the outcomes are meaningful and actionable. -
Focus on Founders:
Each hackathon creates 10-12 startups, highlighting the potential for long-lasting business applications. The focus isn’t just on completing a task but on building a sustainable business model that aligns with modern defense needs. -
Connecting Talent:
With over 20 hackathons held across Europe, including Kyiv and Gothenburg, Wolba’s strategy fosters talent recruitment directly from these events. Engineers and entrepreneurs don’t just meet, they collaborate to launch enduring solutions.
For European entrepreneurs, this approach teaches the importance of aligning innovation with urgent market needs. It’s not just about making something cool; it’s about solving high-impact problems.
Women Should Learn From This Model
As a serial entrepreneur, I’ve observed that women entering highly technical industries like defense often face invisible barriers, whether it’s access to networks or proving technical expertise. Wolba’s model of hackathons addresses these barriers in a way that could be adapted to other industries.
Here’s why female founders should consider using this template:
- Collaboration Builds Confidence: The hands-on focus of these events ensures participants develop not just technical skills but confidence among peers and potential mentors.
- Immediate Feedback: Feedback loops during demonstrations teach founders how to refine ideas quickly, a key skill, especially when pitching to investors.
- Real Outcomes: Hackathons like these prove that ideas from “outsiders” aren’t just welcomed, they’re turned into scalable businesses with the right guidance.
If you’re a woman in tech, look for events structured to promote constructive collaboration while addressing social impact. Such environments foster growth more effectively than ones obsessed with competition.
How Can Entrepreneurs Get Inspired?
For those thinking of carving their path in competitive industries like defense or deeptech, Wolba’s methodology offers actionable advice:
Step-by-Step Inspiration for Female Founders
- Seek Purpose-Driven Opportunities: Find events that align with societal needs or niche problems rather than broad business challenges. This specificity makes your work more focused.
- Collaborate, Even with Rivals: Hackathons bring unlikely collaborators together. Instead of fearing competitors, learn from them in shared spaces.
- Think Beyond the Challenge: Don’t end your innovation at prototype stage, research how ideas could transition into businesses like those pioneered via EDTH.
Common Missteps to Avoid
- Trying to Do It All: Wolba’s events rely on collaboration, not individual heroics. Entrepreneurs shouldn’t burn themselves out by trying to master every skill alone.
- Ignoring Real Market Gaps: Defense industry startups succeed by addressing visible, urgent gaps rather than speculative ideas. Female founders should dig into current pain points before inventing.
- Skipping Post-Hackathon Momentum: Often, after hackathons, momentum fades. Entrepreneurs must actively network, validate ideas, or pitch prototypes to keep growth alive.
Building More Grassroots Movements
The impact of EDTH is undeniable, with over 100 startups to come out of these hackathons by 2025, many of which are already delivering battlefield technologies. What excites me most is how Wolba’s model turns grassroots community collaboration into businesses with real-world applications.
As women in business, our takeaway should be this: movements emerge when purpose meets action. Hackathons don’t just create solutions, they connect people passionate about solving urgent problems. Whether your industry is AI, education, or finance, finding ways to foster collaboration paired with immediate outcomes can supercharge your startup pipeline.
In the end, Wolba's story proves the power of strategic thinking combined with inclusivity. As entrepreneurs, let’s not just build companies; let's foster ecosystems that solve problems, connect people, and motivate real change for society, just as Wolba has done for Europe's defense tech scene.
FAQ
1. Who is Benjamin Wolba and what is he known for?
Benjamin Wolba is a co-founder of the European Defense Tech Hub (EDTH). He is recognized for revolutionizing defense innovation in Europe by turning hackathons into platforms for developing real-world defense technologies. Learn more about Benjamin Wolba
2. What is the European Defense Tech Hub (EDTH)?
The EDTH is a pan-European initiative co-founded by Benjamin Wolba to address real-world battlefield challenges through defense tech hackathons. These events help foster deep innovation and result in practical solutions for military needs. Learn more about EDTH
3. How do EDTH hackathons work?
EDTH hackathons are 48-hour events where participants tackle real-life challenges like drone warfare and tactical communication. Teams develop prototypes, which often evolve into startups with sustainable business models. Explore how EDTH hackathons work
4. How many startups have emerged from EDTH hackathons?
As of 2025, more than 100 startups have emerged from EDTH hackathons, many of which are delivering battlefield-relevant technologies. Learn about the success of EDTH startups
5. How are women entrepreneurs benefiting from the EDTH model?
The EDTH's collaborative hackathon model fosters inclusivity by providing hands-on experience, mentorship, and immediate feedback loops, which are especially beneficial for female entrepreneurs entering technical fields like defense.
6. What lessons can entrepreneurs learn from Benjamin Wolba's approach?
Wolba emphasizes aligning innovation with market needs, fostering collaboration, and ensuring longevity for ideas through sustainable business models. His strategy shows how entrepreneurs can address urgent societal challenges while building scalable solutions. Check out Benjamin Wolba's methodology
7. Why is Ukraine significant to the European defense tech movement?
Ukraine has become a hub for defense innovation due to its pressing needs, especially in drone warfare. EDTH hackathons have played a crucial role in addressing these challenges by collaborating with Ukrainian tech alliances and defense organizations. Explore Ukraine’s role in defense innovation
8. Who are some of EDTH's major partners?
EDTH partners with prominent organizations including Helsing for AI-driven defense tech, Quantum Systems for drone innovation, and several Ukrainian defense institutions like the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine. Discover EDTH's partnerships
9. How has EDTH transformed hackathons from coding competitions to startup engines?
By focusing on real-world military challenges, involving industry leaders, and emphasizing sustainable business outcomes, EDTH has elevated hackathons into platforms that launch defense startups. Learn more about EDTH’s transformation
10. What is the long-term goal of the European Defense Tech Hub?
EDTH aims to create a sustainable pan-European ecosystem for defense technology by accelerating innovation, integrating talent, and addressing pressing security challenges collaboratively. Read about EDTH’s mission
About the Author
Violetta Bonenkamp, also known as MeanCEO, is an experienced startup founder with an impressive educational background including an MBA and four other higher education degrees. She has over 20 years of work experience across multiple countries, including 5 years as a solopreneur and serial entrepreneur. Throughout her startup experience she has applied for multiple startup grants at the EU level, in the Netherlands and Malta, and her startups received quite a few of those. She’s been living, studying and working in many countries around the globe and her extensive multicultural experience has influenced her immensely.
Violetta Bonenkamp's expertise in CAD sector, IP protection and blockchain
Violetta Bonenkamp is recognized as a multidisciplinary expert with significant achievements in the CAD sector, intellectual property (IP) protection, and blockchain technology.
CAD Sector:
- Violetta is the CEO and co-founder of CADChain, a deep tech startup focused on developing IP management software specifically for CAD (Computer-Aided Design) data. CADChain addresses the lack of industry standards for CAD data protection and sharing, using innovative technology to secure and manage design data.
- She has led the company since its inception in 2018, overseeing R&D, PR, and business development, and driving the creation of products for platforms such as Autodesk Inventor, Blender, and SolidWorks.
- Her leadership has been instrumental in scaling CADChain from a small team to a significant player in the deeptech space, with a diverse, international team.
IP Protection:
- Violetta has built deep expertise in intellectual property, combining academic training with practical startup experience. She has taken specialized courses in IP from institutions like WIPO and the EU IPO.
- She is known for sharing actionable strategies for startup IP protection, leveraging both legal and technological approaches, and has published guides and content on this topic for the entrepreneurial community.
- Her work at CADChain directly addresses the need for robust IP protection in the engineering and design industries, integrating cybersecurity and compliance measures to safeguard digital assets.
Blockchain:
- Violetta’s entry into the blockchain sector began with the founding of CADChain, which uses blockchain as a core technology for securing and managing CAD data.
- She holds several certifications in blockchain and has participated in major hackathons and policy forums, such as the OECD Global Blockchain Policy Forum.
- Her expertise extends to applying blockchain for IP management, ensuring data integrity, traceability, and secure sharing in the CAD industry.
Violetta is a true multiple specialist who has built expertise in Linguistics, Education, Business Management, Blockchain, Entrepreneurship, Intellectual Property, Game Design, AI, SEO, Digital Marketing, cyber security and zero code automations. Her extensive educational journey includes a Master of Arts in Linguistics and Education, an Advanced Master in Linguistics from Belgium (2006-2007), an MBA from Blekinge Institute of Technology in Sweden (2006-2008), and an Erasmus Mundus joint program European Master of Higher Education from universities in Norway, Finland, and Portugal (2009).
She is the founder of Fe/male Switch, a startup game that encourages women to enter STEM fields, and also leads CADChain, and multiple other projects like the Directory of 1,000 Startup Cities with a proprietary MeanCEO Index that ranks cities for female entrepreneurs. Violetta created the "gamepreneurship" methodology, which forms the scientific basis of her startup game. She also builds a lot of SEO tools for startups. Her achievements include being named one of the top 100 women in Europe by EU Startups in 2022 and being nominated for Impact Person of the year at the Dutch Blockchain Week. She is an author with Sifted and a speaker at different Universities. Recently she published a book on Startup Idea Validation the right way: from zero to first customers and beyond, launched a Directory of 1,500+ websites for startups to list themselves in order to gain traction and build backlinks and is building MELA AI to help local restaurants in Malta get more visibility online.
For the past several years Violetta has been living between the Netherlands and Malta, while also regularly traveling to different destinations around the globe, usually due to her entrepreneurial activities. This has led her to start writing about different locations and amenities from the POV of an entrepreneur. Here’s her recent article about the best hotels in Italy to work from.
About the Publication
Fe/male Switch is an innovative startup platform designed to empower women entrepreneurs through an immersive, game-like experience. Founded in 2020 during the pandemic "without any funding and without any code," this non-profit initiative has evolved into a comprehensive educational tool for aspiring female entrepreneurs.The platform was co-founded by Violetta Shishkina-Bonenkamp, who serves as CEO and one of the lead authors of the Startup News branch.
Mission and Purpose
Fe/male Switch Foundation was created to address the gender gap in the tech and entrepreneurship space. The platform aims to skill-up future female tech leaders and empower them to create resilient and innovative tech startups through what they call "gamepreneurship". By putting players in a virtual startup village where they must survive and thrive, the startup game allows women to test their entrepreneurial abilities without financial risk.
Key Features
The platform offers a unique blend of news, resources,learning, networking, and practical application within a supportive, female-focused environment:
- Skill Lab: Micro-modules covering essential startup skills
- Virtual Startup Building: Create or join startups and tackle real-world challenges
- AI Co-founder (PlayPal): Guides users through the startup process
- SANDBOX: A testing environment for idea validation before launch
- Wellness Integration: Virtual activities to balance work and self-care
- Marketplace: Buy or sell expert sessions and tutorials
Impact and Growth
Since its inception, Fe/male Switch has shown impressive growth:
- 5,000+ female entrepreneurs in the community
- 100+ startup tools built
- 5,000+ pieces of articles and news written
- 1,000 unique business ideas for women created
Partnerships
Fe/male Switch has formed strategic partnerships to enhance its offerings. In January 2022, it teamed up with global website builder Tilda to provide free access to website building tools and mentorship services for Fe/male Switch participants.
Recognition
Fe/male Switch has received media attention for its innovative approach to closing the gender gap in tech entrepreneurship. The platform has been featured in various publications highlighting its unique "play to learn and earn" model.
