Partners back IDEG26

The International Defence Esports Games (IDEG) 2026, an esports event for Armed Forces athletes, is supported by the British Esports Federation and the UK Ministry of Defence (which announced its partnership with IDEG last year). Founding partners are Babcock International, BAE Systems, Bizzell, Dell Technologies, DXC, Lockheed Martin, M&C Saatchi World Services and Sunderland City Council. Hear from them all below.

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It was fantastic to be among so many business leaders and corporate partners in defence at IDEG26 at the British Arena, and we look forward to working more closely together over the coming year to build up to IDEG in 2027 and explore how we can leverage this amazing event even further.

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Babcock International

Mission Partner

Babcock plays a critical role in international defence. Operating globally, it sets its sights across generations, approaching everything with a broad perspective. Forging close and committed partnerships with its defence and civil customers to deliver vital engineering that creates their big picture. Piece by piece.

Andrea Thompson, Group Managing Director, BAE Systems Digital Intelligence, said: “We’re delighted to be the Digital Partner of the IDEG 2026. Esports is an exciting and powerful platform – as a recruitment tool to engage the next generation of digital talent, and as a way to bring industry and the military closer together. By meeting people where they are – digitally, competitively, and collaboratively – we can inspire new thinking, forge meaningful partnerships, and help shape the future of defence.”

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BAE Systems Digital Intelligence

Digital Partner

Andrea Thompson, Group Managing Director at BAE Systems Digital Intelligence, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to be the Digital Partner of the IDEG 2026. Esports is an exciting and powerful platform – not only as a recruitment tool to engage the next generation of digital talent, but also as a unique way to bring industry and the military closer together. By meeting people where they are – digitally, competitively, and collaboratively – we can inspire new thinking, forge meaningful partnerships, and help shape the future of Defence.”

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Bizzell

Energetics and Manufacturing Partner

A veteran-owned small business providing mission-critical intelligence, operational training, logistics, contingency operations and munitions manufacturing to the Department of Defense, federal agencies, governments and private-sector clients.

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Dell Technologies

Technology Partner

A global technology company helping organisations build secure-by-design workplaces, resilient infrastructure, data foundations and AI capabilities, while delivering world-class gaming experiences through its Alienware brand.

Dell Technologies also had a stand at IDEG26, presenting its offerings to visitors.

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DXC Technology

Enterprise and Innovations Partner

A leading enterprise technology and innovation partner delivering software, services, and solutions to global enterprises and public sector organizations – helping them harness AI to drive outcomes at a time of exponential change with speed.

DXC had a sim racing area at IDEG26 as visitors raced to set the fastest lap times.

Rich Pratley, Managing Director Defence, UKI, DXC Technology, said: “Defence is changing rapidly, and technology is at the heart of that change. At DXC, our role is to help defence and the aerospace industry adapt, keeping critical systems and people ready for what comes next. That means looking beyond traditional defence technology and staying curious about innovation wherever it is happening.”

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Lockheed Martin

Strategic Partner

Lockheed Martin is a global defence technology company driving innovation and advancing scientific discovery. Its all-domain mission solutions and 21st Century Security vision accelerate the delivery of transformative technologies to ensure those it serves always stay ahead of ready.

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M&C Saatchi World Services

Communications Partner

M&C Saatchi World Services is a strategic communications agency working with governments and organisations to address complex challenges in defence, diplomacy and security.

Hussein Khalil, Senior Account Director, Corporate Affairs at M&C Saatchi World Services (pictured below), also delivered the trophies to the winners on stage at IDEG26.

Jay Singh-Sohal OBE VR, M&C Saatchi World Services Armed Forces Champion, said: “Esports is about more than gaming as it brings the potential to develop teamwork, critical thinking and adaptability across all demographics, whilst connecting Defence and its partners with the next generation of talent and the capabilities that we increasingly depend upon. So I’m proud to see M&C Saatchi World Services support and enable the International Defence Esports Games and British Esports Federation. As global strategic communications leaders, we understand the importance of connecting people, and utilising technology and innovation to address evolving security challenges.”

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Sunderland City Council

City Partner

Sunderland City Council is the local authority for Sunderland, supporting the city’s residents and communities and its continued economic regeneration.

The leader of Sunderland City Council, Cllr Chris Eynon, said: “Sunderland City Council is a smart city. We are really big on data. But we are also very proud of our armed forces. It’s not widely known, but Sunderland hosts the largest remembrance in the country outside of London right here. That passion is coupled with the energised data and technological fronts that we’re really pushing for here in Sunderland. And esports is the perfect project that we are happy to get behind.”

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British Esports Federation

Founding Partner

Established in 2016, British Esports is the national body for esports in the UK. It is the recognised member of the Global Esports Federation for Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and founding member of the International Olympic Committee Esports and Gaming Liaison Group. From nationwide amateur grassroots competition to cutting edge esports curriculum and national representation on the global stage, British Esports is dedicated to increasing levels of esports awareness, improving esports standards, and inspiring future esports talent.

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For more info and to register interest in IDEG27 visit www.ideg.gg