Defence & Security Funding Research Intern (m/f/x)
Internship (6 months), full-time, ref: IBRMDO127
Service: National Business Relationship
Hierarchical Superior: Business Relationship Manager - Defence
Start date: January 2027
About Luxinnovation
Luxinnovation is Luxembourg's national innovation agency. As a semi-public institution set up as an Economic Interest Group (GIE), we empower companies to innovate today to be ready for tomorrow. We also contribute to the development of the economy as a whole by identifying innovation opportunities and fostering collaborative innovation projects that stimulate the development of a sustainable, competitive and digital economy.
Luxinnovation is supported by three ministries — the Ministry of the Economy, the Ministry for Research and Higher Education, and the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs — as well as three semi-public institutions: the Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce, the Luxembourg Chamber of Skilled Crafts, and FEDIL – The Voice of Luxembourg's Industry.
Job mission
Department description
The National Business Relationship department acts as Luxinnovation's frontline interface with Luxembourg's business ecosystem. The team supports companies across key sectors by identifying growth opportunities, facilitating access to funding and connecting them with strategic partners at national and international level.
Job description
As a Defence & Security Funding Research Intern, you will support the National Business Relationship team in mapping the landscape of financial aid instruments and funding programmes relevant to the defence and security sector. You will conduct structured research and analysis to identify funding opportunities, benchmark calls for tenders and scout potential partners for collaborative projects at national and international level.
You will contribute directly to Luxinnovation's capacity to advise companies operating in the defence sector by delivering actionable intelligence on available and upcoming financial support mechanisms.
While you will report to and support the Business Relationship Manager – Defence, the tasks assigned to you may also cover other sectors and innovation areas addressed by Luxinnovation, including decarbonisation, digitalisation, healthtech, agrifood and other strategic domains.
Main tasks and responsibilities
Map and categorise the typologies of financial aid and support service systems available for the defence and security sector in Luxembourg and across Europe
Extend the mapping exercise to adjacent sectors (decarbonization and other innovation-related topics) to identify cross-sector funding synergies
Analyse the eligibility criteria, application processes and strategic relevance of identified defence funding programmes
Benchmark active and upcoming calls for tenders relevant to the defence sector at national and international level
Identify and assess potential future partners (research institutions, industry players, public bodies) for collaborative funding applications
Prepare structured analytical reports, dashboards and presentations summarising key findings and recommendations
Monitor policy developments and funding trends in the European defence and security landscape (e.g. European Defence Fund, PESCO, NATO innovation initiatives)
Support the Business Relationship Manager Defence in preparing strategic briefings and stakeholder meetings
This list is not exhaustive. Additional tasks may be assigned to the holder of the job.
You will act as a key bridge between national/European initiatives and the Luxembourg business ecosystem, driving innovation and sustainable growth.
Required competencies
Education level and professional experience required:
Master's degree (or final-year enrolment) in political science, international relations, European studies, security and defence studies or a related field
A first experience (internship, academic project, working student role) in research, policy analysis or funding analysis is an asset
Specific competencies:
Strong research and analytical skills with the ability to synthesise complex information into clear, actionable outputs
Ability to conduct structured benchmarking exercises and present findings in a professional format
Understanding of European and national defence policy frameworks and funding mechanisms is an asset
Rigorous, methodical and detail-oriented approach to data collection and analysis
Excellent written and oral communication skills
Proactive, autonomous and comfortable working in a multi-stakeholder environment
Strong intellectual curiosity and genuine interest in defence, security and innovation ecosystems
Languages:
Fluent English and French are mandatory.
IT skills:
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (data structuring, pivot tables, advanced formulas)
Proficiency in Microsoft PowerPoint for presentation design
Familiarity with strategic monitoring and open-source intelligence tools (e.g. Orbit Intelligence, TED eTendering, CORDIS)
Familiarity with databases and data visualisation tools is an asset
Why choose this position?
This internship offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience at the intersection of defence policy, European funding and innovation ecosystem development. You will work alongside experienced professionals in a dynamic, purpose-driven agency shaping Luxembourg's strategic positioning in the defence and security sector. You will develop highly transferable skills in funding analysis, benchmarking and strategic research — all within a collaborative and international working environment.
Application
Interested candidates are invited to submit online their resume and a cover letter detailing their relevant experience and motivation for the role.
AI-generated applications might not be the best way to stand out. Show us the real you, and let's see where this journey takes us!
Please note that this position is based at our current offices in Esch-Belval. Luxinnovation GIE will relocate to the Luxembourg main station area in the first quarter of 2027.