Learning by Building: DroneAid Workshop at the EUDIS Defence Hackathon Netherlands

The countdown to the EUDIS Defence Hackathon Netherlands (17–19 October) has begun, and one of the highlights awaiting participants is the hands-on workshop by DroneAid collective taking place on Friday, 17 October from 12.00- 15.00, at Unmanned Valley.

The workshop was first introduced during the final preparatory webinar, where participants received updates about the hackathon and heard from Max Boreiko, co-founder of DroneAid Collective, about what to expect from this practical session.

From concept to flight

During this three-hour session, participants will assemble a 10-inch FPV drone from twelve core components, guided step by step by DroneAid Collective instructors. The session combines practical learning and teamwork, turning technical concepts into a real flying prototype.

No previous drone or engineering experience is required, only curiosity and focus. For many, it will be the first time they see a drone come to life through their own hands.

“When people build something themselves, they immediately understand how drones work and what they can achieve,” said Max Boreiko during the webinar. “It is about learning by doing and connecting technology to real-world needs.”

About DroneAid Collective

DroneAid Collective is a volunteer-based, non-profit initiative that teaches people how to assemble and test drones for educational, humanitarian, and defence-related applications. The collective operates in 11 countries and 16 cities across Europe, bringing together engineers, veterans, makers, and innovators to strengthen technical skills and promote practical innovation.

Through workshops like this, DroneAid Collective connects communities and technologies, demonstrating how drones can be used for data collection, emergency response, and defence applications, while also offering a highly engaging learning experience.

Workshop details

Date and time: Friday, 17 October, 12:00–15:00
Location: Unmanned Valley, Valkenburg (Katwijk, the Netherlands)
Duration: 3 hours
Experience required: None
Language: English
For hackathon participants: Limited internal spots (first-come, first-served; registration details shared via official hackathon channels)
For externals: Open registration (€400 per kit, materials included)

👉 Register here for external participation: https://luma.com/4mi9czcg

Weather permitting, the newly built drones will take to the skies later that afternoon for a short demonstration, marking the official start of a weekend dedicated to creativity, experimentation, and collaboration between the defence, space, and technology communities.