Lithuanian Riflemen’s Union Hackathon

Lithuanian Riflemen’s Union Hackathon

Flaming Shield '26:

PROTECT THE SKY

Create, test, and present a defense technology solution that can become a real air defense shield for Lithuania.

October 9-11, Kaunas

Organisers

Strategic partners

Partners

Media partners

About the hackathon

"Flaming Shield" brings together technology developers, business, academia, and the defense community to create solutions that strengthen the security of Lithuania and the Baltic region.

The 2026 strategic mission is "Protect the Sky." Drone attacks, electronic warfare, and cyber threats are transforming the modern security landscape, so this year's hackathon calls for solutions that strengthen airspace monitoring, protection, and defense.

Organized since 2023 by the Lithuanian Riflemen's Union and Tech-Park Kaunas, "Flaming Shield" has become one of the most important platforms for defense technology (DefTech), space technology, and cybersecurity innovation in Lithuania. Here, ideas turn into prototypes, teams into long-term partnerships, and the most promising solutions reach the market and the defense sector.

Each year the hackathon brings together more than 300 participants, over 50 teams, and more than 100 mentors, experts, and investors. Its alumni — Luna Robotics, Astrolight, Broswarm, PDKinematics, TD Autonomy, and other teams — have already attracted more than 8 million euros in investment.

If you're developing technology, growing an idea, or looking for a team to solve real defense challenges — "Flaming Shield" is the place where your solution can become real change.

Focus Areas

Detection

Detection

Detection

Early detection of aerial objects, trajectory monitoring, risk zone forecasting, situational monitoring, and response coordination.

Early detection of aerial objects, trajectory monitoring, risk zone forecasting, situational monitoring, and response coordination.

Early detection of aerial objects, trajectory monitoring, risk zone forecasting, situational monitoring, and response coordination.

Neutralization and Response

Neutralization and Response

Neutralization and Response

Threat neutralization solutions, including soft-kill and hard-kill technologies, laser systems, anti-drone measures, and other effectors.

Threat neutralization solutions, including soft-kill and hard-kill technologies, laser systems, anti-drone measures, and other effectors.

Threat neutralization solutions, including soft-kill and hard-kill technologies, laser systems, anti-drone measures, and other effectors.

Identification and Classification

Identification and Classification

Identification and Classification

Object recognition, threat classification, priority setting, and real-time decision-making support.

Object recognition, threat classification, priority setting, and real-time decision-making support.

Object recognition, threat classification, priority setting, and real-time decision-making support.

Cyber Layer

Cyber Layer

Cyber Layer

Protection of unmanned systems, sensors, control systems (C2), telemetry and communication channels, SOC and CERT integration solutions.

Protection of unmanned systems, sensors, control systems (C2), telemetry and communication channels, SOC and CERT integration solutions.

Protection of unmanned systems, sensors, control systems (C2), telemetry and communication channels, SOC and CERT integration solutions.

Data Integration and C2

Data Integration and C2

Data Integration and C2

Building a common operational picture from various sensors and systems, open APIs, data standards, and secure communication solutions.

Building a common operational picture from various sensors and systems, open APIs, data standards, and secure communication solutions.

Building a common operational picture from various sensors and systems, open APIs, data standards, and secure communication solutions.

Space Layer

Space Layer

Space Layer

Satellite monitoring, communications, navigation, geodata utilization, and large-scale situational awareness solutions.

Satellite monitoring, communications, navigation, geodata utilization, and large-scale situational awareness solutions.

Satellite monitoring, communications, navigation, geodata utilization, and large-scale situational awareness solutions.

Communications and Resilience

Communications and Resilience

Communications and Resilience

Resilient data transmission, edge computing solutions, operation under interference and electronic warfare conditions, and communication assurance in critical situations.

Resilient data transmission, edge computing solutions, operation under interference and electronic warfare conditions, and communication assurance in critical situations.

Resilient data transmission, edge computing solutions, operation under interference and electronic warfare conditions, and communication assurance in critical situations.

Civil Security and Dual-Use Applications

Civil Security and Dual-Use Applications

Civil Security and Dual-Use Applications

Technologies for civilian protection, border monitoring, security of energy and critical infrastructure objects, and other dual-use needs.

Technologies for civilian protection, border monitoring, security of energy and critical infrastructure objects, and other dual-use needs.

Technologies for civilian protection, border monitoring, security of energy and critical infrastructure objects, and other dual-use needs.

Featured Events

Hackathon

"Flaming Shield" is a 72-hour hackathon organized by the Lithuanian Riflemen's Union and Tech-Park Kaunas, bringing together technology developers, business, academia, and the defense community to create solutions that strengthen the security of Lithuania and the Baltic region; the 2026 mission, "Defend the Skies," calls for solutions that enhance airspace surveillance, protection, and defense in response to drone attacks, electronic warfare, and cyber threats.

Learn more

Tech Demo Day

On October 9, the event will bring together defense, technology, public sector, and international experts to discuss the most pressing airspace security challenges and their solutions. The program includes technology presentations, expert insights, practical demonstrations, and discussions on pilot projects, testing opportunities, and the implementation of innovations in Lithuania's security system.

Learn more

"Cyber Arena"

In cyberspace, the winner isn't the one who reacts fastest, but the one who thinks one step ahead. Cyber Arena is where Lithuania's best cybersecurity talents meet, and every task becomes a true test. CTF, Bug Bounty, and King of the Hill — three disciplines, one arena, and one chance to prove you're ready to fight where tomorrow's security is being decided today.

Hosted by: the "Lizdeika" Cybersecurity Company of the Lithuanian Riflemen's Union

Learn more

Hackathon

"Flaming Shield" is a 72-hour hackathon organized by the Lithuanian Riflemen's Union and Tech-Park Kaunas, bringing together technology developers, business, academia, and the defense community to create solutions that strengthen the security of Lithuania and the Baltic region; the 2026 mission, "Defend the Skies," calls for solutions that enhance airspace surveillance, protection, and defense in response to drone attacks, electronic warfare, and cyber threats.

Learn more

Tech Demo Day

On October 9, the event will bring together defense, technology, public sector, and international experts to discuss the most pressing airspace security challenges and their solutions. The program includes technology presentations, expert insights, practical demonstrations, and discussions on pilot projects, testing opportunities, and the implementation of innovations in Lithuania's security system.

Learn more

"Cyber Arena"

In cyberspace, the winner isn't the one who reacts fastest, but the one who thinks one step ahead. Cyber Arena is where Lithuania's best cybersecurity talents meet, and every task becomes a true test. CTF, Bug Bounty, and King of the Hill — three disciplines, one arena, and one chance to prove you're ready to fight where tomorrow's security is being decided today.

Hosted by: the "Lizdeika" Cybersecurity Company of the Lithuanian Riflemen's Union

Learn more

Why join the Hackathon?

>10 tūkst. €

>10 tūkst. €

>10 tūkst. €

>10 tūkst. €

prize pool

7 mln. €

7 mln. €

7 mln. €

7 mln. €

in investment attracted by alumni

30+

30+

30+

30+

mentors at the event

Hackathon alumni

From Idea to Prototype in 3 Days

In three days, refine your idea, test it under real-world conditions, and build a solid foundation for product development.

Fast MVP Testing

Your solution will be evaluated by military representatives, riflemen, and defense experts. Find out if you're solving a real problem and creating practical value.

Defense Innovation Ecosystem

The event opens the door to the rapidly growing European defense technology sector — from public procurement to partnerships with national defense institutions.

Access to the Investor Spotlight

The most promising projects can raise up to … million EUR in investment from Coinvest Capital and business angels.

Gateway to the European Defense Innovation Ecosystem

"Flaming Shield" opens the path to NATO DIANA, ODIN, and EUDIS programs, as well as the international defense technology network.

Depending on the startup’s needs, stage, and level of innovation, the investment in each company can reach up to 3 Eur million. In the long term, Baltic Sandbox Ventures is prepared to invest up to 125,000 Eur in high-potential startups.

Depending on the startup’s needs, stage, and level of innovation, the investment in each company can reach up to 3 Eur million. In the long term, Baltic Sandbox Ventures is prepared to invest up to 125,000 Eur in high-potential startups.

Depending on the startup’s needs, stage, and level of innovation, the investment in each company can reach up to 3 Eur million. In the long term, Baltic Sandbox Ventures is prepared to invest up to 125,000 Eur in high-potential startups.

Hackathon challenges

More information coming soon. Challenges being prepared by:

Mentors

Mentors

Mentors who help build what the market needs. You'll work alongside technology, defense, and business experts who will help you refine your idea faster, assess its potential, and turn it into a solution with real value.

From AI and security specialists to product development pros, tech startup founders, and cutting-edge innovators from across the Nordics.
They will not just share insights – mentors are ready to work alongside you as partners, helping you refine a solution with the power to make a real impact on national security. With their guidance, your concept will evolve into a robust, well-grounded response to today’s most important challenges.

Do not limit yourself. Move forward. Look for some unusual or absolutely incredible solutions.

Do not limit yourself. Move forward. Look for some unusual or absolutely incredible solutions.

Do not limit yourself. Move forward. Look for some unusual or absolutely incredible solutions.

Dmytro Kuzmenko

Dmytro Kuzmenko

Chief Executive Officer at Ukrainian Venture Capital and Private Equity Association

Chief Executive Officer at Ukrainian Venture Capital and Private Equity Association

Listen to the client more and fall less in love with your product.

Listen to the client more and fall less in love with your product.

Listen to the client more and fall less in love with your product.

Ernestas Žvaigždinas

Ernestas Žvaigždinas

Co-founder of the defence technology startup BROSWARM

Co-founder of the defence technology startup BROSWARM

Participating in the "Flaming Shield" hackathon is one of the best ways to take steps into the defense industry. Here, you can establish critically important contacts that help both attract investments, organize equipment testing during exercises, and gain real insights into the product's potential.

Participating in the "Flaming Shield" hackathon is one of the best ways to take steps into the defense industry. Here, you can establish critically important contacts that help both attract investments, organize equipment testing during exercises, and gain real insights into the product's potential.

Participating in the "Flaming Shield" hackathon is one of the best ways to take steps into the defense industry. Here, you can establish critically important contacts that help both attract investments, organize equipment testing during exercises, and gain real insights into the product's potential.

Martynas Bajoraitis

Martynas Bajoraitis

Commander of the Technology Unit, KSK "Lizdeika", Lithuanian Riflemen's Union

Commander of the Technology Unit, KSK "Lizdeika", Lithuanian Riflemen's Union

Participation in a hackathon allows you to not only test your idea with a large audience that quickly finds ways to "challenge" the solution. It is an intense experience of learning, collaboration, and creativity, where in just a few days you can achieve what would normally take months in a regular project. Moreover, hackathons help establish new connections with other innovators and potential partners, investors, and future clients.

Participation in a hackathon allows you to not only test your idea with a large audience that quickly finds ways to "challenge" the solution. It is an intense experience of learning, collaboration, and creativity, where in just a few days you can achieve what would normally take months in a regular project. Moreover, hackathons help establish new connections with other innovators and potential partners, investors, and future clients.

Participation in a hackathon allows you to not only test your idea with a large audience that quickly finds ways to "challenge" the solution. It is an intense experience of learning, collaboration, and creativity, where in just a few days you can achieve what would normally take months in a regular project. Moreover, hackathons help establish new connections with other innovators and potential partners, investors, and future clients.

Elvinas Kukys

Elvinas Kukys

Luna Robotics CEO

Luna Robotics CEO

Startup Wise Guys venture partner and operations manager of the Cyber & Defence fund

Povilas Urbonas

More than 10 years of experience in creating and investing in startups. 16 years as a commander of the KASP unit and in non-kinetic operations. Mentorship in various events and programs (Defence Builder, Brave1, and Wolver Ventures). Active scientific work, currently studying for a doctorate.

"Luna Robotics" co-founder and CEO, former intelligence officer

Elvinas Kukys

"Luna Robotics" co-founder and CEO, former intelligence officer. He leads a rapidly growing Lithuanian defense technology company whose solutions have been tested in combat conditions in Ukraine and are used in unmanned systems. He actively works with NATO member states' armed forces, the defense industry, and technology partners across Europe and the US.

Head of the TOOLAS laser technology cluster, founder and CEO of RISO

Dr. Titas Gertus

Head of the TOOLAS laser technology cluster, founder and CEO of RISO. His fields are laser material processing, and optical and photonics solutions for industry and science. He coordinates international R&D and technology transfer projects in the defense, space, and advanced manufacturing sectors.

Part 21J aviation engineer

Ronaldas Jacunskas

Competences: design and certification of aircraft systems and structures, design and production of light and unmanned aircraft. Mentored in the NASA SpaceApps international hackathon organized by VITP.

Startup Wise Guys venture partner and operations manager of the Cyber & Defence fund

Povilas Urbonas

More than 10 years of experience in creating and investing in startups. 16 years as a commander of the KASP unit and in non-kinetic operations. Mentorship in various events and programs (Defence Builder, Brave1, and Wolver Ventures). Active scientific work, currently studying for a doctorate.

"Luna Robotics" co-founder and CEO, former intelligence officer

Elvinas Kukys

"Luna Robotics" co-founder and CEO, former intelligence officer. He leads a rapidly growing Lithuanian defense technology company whose solutions have been tested in combat conditions in Ukraine and are used in unmanned systems. He actively works with NATO member states' armed forces, the defense industry, and technology partners across Europe and the US.

Head of the TOOLAS laser technology cluster, founder and CEO of RISO

Dr. Titas Gertus

Head of the TOOLAS laser technology cluster, founder and CEO of RISO. His fields are laser material processing, and optical and photonics solutions for industry and science. He coordinates international R&D and technology transfer projects in the defense, space, and advanced manufacturing sectors.

Part 21J aviation engineer

Ronaldas Jacunskas

Competences: design and certification of aircraft systems and structures, design and production of light and unmanned aircraft. Mentored in the NASA SpaceApps international hackathon organized by VITP.

UAB "Pekkla" co-founder and CEO, reserve officer

Martynas Andriejavas

Leads a company creating solutions for the battlefield challenges of the future, which are used in combat conditions in Ukraine and beyond. He actively collaborates with the armed forces of other NATO countries and leads training sessions.

Co-founder of defense technology startup "BROSWARM"

Ernestas Žvaigždinas

Defense technology startup "BROSWARM" won 1st place in a NATO challenge. Ernestas' portfolio includes more than 30 startups founded.

Povilas Urbonas

Elvinas Kukys

Dr. Titas Gertus

Ronaldas Jacunskas

Martynas Andriejavas

Ernestas Žvaigždinas

This year's hackathon focuses on one of the most critical areas of modern defense — airspace security.

Drone threats, balloon smuggling, and other airborne challenges call for new technological solutions. We invite you to create innovations that help detect, monitor, and neutralize threats, and strengthen the protection of Lithuania's airspace.

FAQ

Who can participate in the Lithuanian Riflemen’s Union hackathon “Flaming Shield: Mission AI 2025”?

Anyone who completes the registration form and receives a confirmed invitation to join the hackathon.

Can I join the hackathon with just an idea and no prototype?

Absolutely. You can enter with an idea alone and develop it during the hackathon.

Can I participate with a developed prototype?

Yes, participants with advanced ideas or working prototypes are welcome.

Can I take part solo, without a team?

Yes. On the second day, Saturday, you will have the chance to join an existing team or create a new one and find team members.

Is it mandatory to attend all three days of “Flaming Shield: Mission AI 2025”?

It is most beneficial to attend all three days. Attendance on Saturday and Sunday is mandatory.

Can I attend the hackathon as an observer without participating?

Currently, this option is not available.

Will the event be photographed and filmed?

The event will be photographed and filmed by the organisers. Participants and technologies may only be photographed or filmed with the organiser's permission or the explicit consent of the individuals and technology creators being photographed.

Who owns the copyright of the prototypes developed during the hackathon?

Ownership of prototypes developed during the “Ugninis Skydas: Mission AI 2025” hackathon belongs to the teams that created them.

Agenda

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Day 1

9 October

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Day 2

11 October

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Day 3

12 October

Hackathon Agenda

11:30

1

Registration

Participant selection

12:00

1

Opening ceremony

Host: Journalist, Moderator, and Author Živilė Kropaitė-Basiulė

12:15

2

Thematic sessions

Keynote presentations on border threats, air defense, and lessons from NATO and Ukraine.

13:15

4

Technology demo sprint pitch

Team solution presentations

14:15

5

Practical demonstrations and technology testing based on scenarios

16:00

6

Networking, defence tech exhibition, and solution presentations.

17:30

7

Dinner

Hackathon Agenda

11:30

1

Registration

Participant selection

12:00

1

Opening ceremony

Host: Journalist, Moderator, and Author Živilė Kropaitė-Basiulė

12:15

2

Thematic sessions

Keynote presentations on border threats, air defense, and lessons from NATO and Ukraine.

13:15

4

Technology demo sprint pitch

Team solution presentations

14:15

5

Practical demonstrations and technology testing based on scenarios

16:00

6

Networking, defence tech exhibition, and solution presentations.

17:30

7

Dinner

Organisers

Got questions?

Ask us.

info@sauliuhakatonas.lt

Organizers

Lithuanian Riflemen’s Union

Lithuanian Riflemen’s Union (LRU) is a voluntary, state-sponsored organization that unites people who dedicate their time to the defence and strengthening of the Homeland. The LRU plays a crucial role in our nation’s defence and crisis management, making it an integral part of these vital operations.

Tech-Park Kaunas

Tech-Park Kaunas – a science and technology park dedicated to delivering the best possible experience for startups. The Park provides tailored consultancy for early-stage ventures and established tech companies, supporting their business development, enhancing international competitiveness, and offering innovation support services.

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