Defence and startups: Italy seeks capital for dual use

Published 2026-11-01

Institutions and startups are currently discussing the issue of dual use, that is, technologies that can have both civilian and military applications. The sector is known as defense tech, meaning technology for defence. For young European companies working in this field, the most important problem is finding sufficient capital to grow.

According to data presented during the debate, almost half of the capital invested in European defense tech comes from the United States. This figure shows how much the sector still depends on foreign investors. For Europe and for Italy, the issue therefore concerns not only technology, but also the ability to attract financing within its own territory.

The topic is also sensitive from the point of view of public opinion. A poll cited in the debate indicates that 58% of Italians are opposed to rearmament. This figure shows that the growth of defence spending does not find unanimous consensus in the country, and that decisions on these investments must also take this position into account.

In conclusion, dual use represents a concrete challenge for Italy: developing technologies useful both to civil society and to national security, while at the same time finding adequate capital and a balance with the opinion of citizens. The dialogue between institutions and startups will continue in the coming months.

Sources: Startupbusiness.it

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