This funding call is designed to support groundbreaking research actions in the defence sector, led by innovative small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in partnership with research organisations. The call is structured as lump sum grants and is exclusively dedicated to research actions. It emphasizes the importance of leveraging cutting-edge, innovative technologies to meet the evolving challenges in defence. The primary objective is to foster a research environment where SMEs, in close collaboration with research organisations, drive innovation in defence applications. A distinctive requirement is that the consortium’s coordinator must be an SME, ensuring that the dynamic and agile nature of these enterprises is central to the research activities. Furthermore, the funding call mandates that the budget allocated to research organisations does not exceed 40% of the total requested grant amount, thereby reinforcing the leading role of SMEs in the research initiative.

The scope of the call covers a broad range of innovative technologies and solutions aimed at enhancing the readiness, deployability, reliability, safety and sustainability of defence forces. Applicants are encouraged to propose projects that can improve various aspects of defence operations, including but not limited to equipment and infrastructure, energy solutions, surveillance systems and digital solutions. In addition, the call welcomes proposals that focus on add-on research actions. These actions are designed to adapt solutions originally developed for civil applications for use in the defence sector. Such an approach not only accelerates technological innovation by transferring knowledge from civil to defence sectors but also ensures an efficient spinning-in of technology, knowledge, and innovation.

The call supports projects that are expected to generate new knowledge, underpin and improve products and technologies, and integrate innovative solutions in the defence sector. Eligible activities include feasibility studies, design activities that set technical specifications for defence products, and studies aimed at reducing risks in industrial or representative environments. Importantly, while the proposals should include clear work breakdown structures and criteria to assess work package completion, they must not cover studies only. The funded projects are expected to deliver outcomes that will lead to innovative and cost-effective solutions for defence applications. These outcomes are envisioned to drive forward novel concepts and promising technological improvements, thereby reinforcing the European innovation capacity and facilitating future market creation for SMEs. In parallel, the call is expected to contribute significantly to the development of European research and technology ecosystems and strengthen defence supply chains across EU Member States and EDF Associated Countries.

The initiative is strategically designed to harness the collective expertise of SMEs and research organisations to meet current and future defence challenges. By supporting a wide array of research activities and by promoting the adaptation of civil technologies to the defence sector, the call aims to catalyse innovation that is both cost-effective and transformative. Ultimately, the successful projects are anticipated to offer scalable and sustainable solutions that can have a lasting impact on the security and operational effectiveness of European defence capabilities.

Opening: 18.02.2025
Deadline(s): 16.10.2025