MBDA is participating in its first VivaTech, Europe’s largest start-up and technology event, taking place in Paris between 17 and 20 June. The Group is showcasing some of its latest innovations, demonstrating how defence drives technological progress by continually pushing the limits of innovation to better protect people.
At the heart of MBDA’s presence is a clear ambition: to demonstrate that innovation is not an abstract concept, but a structured, industrial and operational reality driven by nine strategic pillars.
Placing Innovation at the Forefront of MBDA’s Strategy
In its 10th year, VivaTech is once again bringing together major international companies, start-ups, investors and industry leaders to explore the most ambitious and disruptive technologies of tomorrow. As a key player in defence innovation, MBDA places research and development at the core of its strategy, continuously investing in future capabilities to address emerging operational challenges. The Group recently announced its ambition to double its investment over the next five years, to reach €5 billion across Europe.
Participation in VivaTech therefore represents a natural opportunity to highlight MBDA’s commitment to innovation and technological excellence. It also offers a unique occasion to showcase the technologies, expertise and innovations that often remain out of the public eye, yet play a critical role in protecting citizens and safeguarding freedoms. True to its purpose of being behind every safe place, MBDA develops solutions that continuously push technological boundaries in the service of security and resilience.
Presenting a Structured Approach to Innovation
As defence requires the most advanced technologies across every domain to maintain operational superiority, MBDA’s approach to innovation is built on a coherent framework of nine complementary pillars, each addressing a critical technological area for future defence capabilities and broader technological advancement.
These pillars bring together leading engineers working on data management, AI systems, quantum technologies, robotics and autonomous systems, future of energy, materials and electronics, as well as hypersonic technologies and virtual and augmented reality.
All these areas are central to MBDA’s approach, enabling advanced architectures that support real-time decision-making infrastructures and optimised energy management, all contributing to enhanced operational advantage.
“Innovation is truly embedded in our DNA. It is not limited to our products; it also shapes the way we work, the way we design, and the way we collaborate.”
Denis GARDIN, VP Innovation & Future Technologies MBDA.
Shaping Innovation Through Collaboration
Beyond technology, MBDA’s innovation model is grounded in a broader ecosystem approach. International cooperation remains a key driver, enabling teams across countries to combine expertise and accelerate progress in complex technological domains.
This collaborative model extends to universities, research laboratories, industrial partners and start-ups, creating a dynamic environment where ideas can evolve into operational capabilities.
Welcoming hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, VivaTech offers an exceptional platform to engage with a diverse audience, including students, entrepreneurs, executives and investors.