Bildnachweis: e.solutions, PwC Deutschland, Mon5.
What happens when cutting-edge cybersecurity meets next-generation vehicle software in a defence context? The pan-European PwC Scale Defence & Resilience Tech Programme brings together exactly these kinds of complementry players in order to help turn potential into tangible collaboration. This is a powerful example of how the right ecosystem can unlock new growth paths.
Cybersecurity in operational technology (OT) is rapidly do risks – yet many industrial systems and critical infrastructures lack unified protection. Even in the absence of traditional military conflict, cyber defence has become a daily, cross-border reality. Founded in 2022, the Italian start-up Mon5 – based in Bologna as well as in Luxembourg – addresses the threat with a SaaS platform that protects industrial plants and critical infrastructure from OT and IoT threats. It enables real-time monitoring, intrusion detection, and an automated response to contain attacks. “With most competitors based elsewhere in the world, demand for trusted, European providers is rising. Our solution keeps all data on-premises and within Europe, ensuring full regulatory compliance and sovereignty,” says co-founder and CEO Roberto Pasi. Mon5 has secured some 20 customers so far, including Leonardo, one of the world’s largest defence companies. “This deal initially seemed like a strategic breakthrough, but in hindsight, it was merely a perfect match: a clearly defined need met by our tailor-made solution. Our real challenge lies in selling to medium-sized companies where awareness, structured decision-making, and cybersecurity expertise are often limited. This requires a go-to-market approach focused on education, simplicity, and trust.” Against this backdrop, Pasi considers himself especially lucky to be part of the well-curated 20-company cohort with Mon5: “The PwC programme is of central importance to us as a strategic lever for gaining access to the relevant decision-makers – it enables us to establish contact with key players, such as major industrial companies, at an early stage, and drive our international expansion in a targeted manner. This accelerates our development and strengthens our position in an increasingly competitive global environment.”
Three-month programme offers variety of networking events
Since the kick-off at the Munich Security Conference in February, Pasi and his fellow cohort members have gained several targeted exposure opportunities, including a pitch event at Airbus Helicopters attended by over 100 companies. The recent flagship Ecosystem Day in Rome brought together over 90 investors, companies and public sector stakeholders. Throughout the programme, participants are benefitting from internal PwC showcasing, expert masterclasses and tailored one-to-one sparring sessions. An Innovation Day in Warsaw will round off the pan-European initiative at the end of May. “To make technological sovereignty a reality in Europe, we need to scale up knowledge and market access across the continent. We are harnessing the current momentum to build a resilient ecosystem comprising start-ups, the venture capital scene, and the security sector that can translate visionary technologies into marketable applications,” explains Lisann Tandy, the EMEA Lead of the Scale Defence & Resilience Tech Programme at PwC.
Bridging innovation and industrial experience pays off
e.solutions GmbH, a corporate partner of the programme, brings deep expertise in vehicle software, infotainment, and connectivity. Founded in 2009 as a joint venture between Audi and Elektrobit, the company provides infotainment solutions within the Volkswagen Group. It generates EUR 250 million in annual revenue across three locations: Wolfsburg, Ingolstadt and Erlangen. The PwC programme is leveraged as a gateway to key stakeholders in defence, to explore expansion opportunities. “It provides direct, unbureaucratic access to innovative start-ups, leading industrial players such as Leonardo, and public sector partners – connections that are otherwise hard to establish at short notice,” confirms Florian Gruss, Director Business Development & Ecosystems. “Behind the scenes, we are now getting to grips with the current market parameters. That helps us validate our understanding of what specifications are required.” His goal: three proofs of concept – one with a start-up (aerial drone), one with an industrial partner (ground-based drone), and one with the public sector (satellite data) in order to demonstrate how modern automotive-grade software can be deployed on hardware to deliver scalable, real-world defence solutions. Early outcomes include collaboration opportunities with the Italian Ministry of Defence, such as receiving satellite data for drone applications. Gruß: “Built for the automotive industry, our software is now ready for the world, and we see significant potential in the defence technology market. In a fast-moving environment, the ability to adapt and leverage the right partnerships is critical – those who fail to do so will fall behind.” Overall, this fulfils the vision for the programme set out by Florian Noell, the EMEA Startup, Scaleup & Global Venturing Leader at PwC: “Resilience is a collective endeavour. Through the strategic collaboration of our European PwC territories, we have scouted not only 20 outstanding start-ups, but also created a space where innovation meets industrial experience. For we are convinced that the bridge between innovative technology champions and established industry is essential for bringing new solutions to a wider audience and strengthening European security in the long term.”
