A call for proposals on disruptive technologies for defence is aimed for research proposals on cutting-edge, high-risk/high-impact research leading to game changing impact in a defence context.
The proposals should focus on enhanced or completely new technologies that bring about a paradigm shift in the concept and conduct of defence affairs such as by replacing existing defence technologies or rendering them obsolete.
The European Defence Fund (EDF) supports actions that can help develop disruptive technologies based on concepts or ideas originating from “non-traditional defence’s state-of-art” or emerging technologies equally disruptive, contributing to the development of innovative defence systems.
Rewards & Benefits
Unique focus, fostering SME presence in disruptive technologies through the specific research call for a smaller size consortium of minimum two entities from two EU Member States and Norway
Receive 100% of required funding
Successful beneficiaries can receive business coaching: reduce the time of bringing results to the next phase of development
How does it work?
This is an open and non-thematic call and it follows the same rules as non-thematic calls reserved for SMEs.
Applicants need to be members of a consortium (at least two companies), based in at least two different Member States.
Successful applicants receive funding in the form of a lump sum grant.
Who can apply?
This call encourages the driving role of new actors in defence research and innovation, including excellent researchers, ambitious high-tech SMEs and visionary research centres of big companies, universities or research and technology organisations.
Apply for the 2025 Calls
EDF-2025-LS-RA-DIS-GDET: Great-depth enabling technologies
This call focuses on extensive and precise research into "great-depth enabling technologies" for Seabed Warfare (SBW). The results will enhance and accelerate the design of new systems specifically developed and optimised for operations in emerging operational scenarios.
Indicative budget: EUR 23.000.000
EDF-2025-LS-RA-DIS-NT: Non-thematic research actions targeting disruptive technologies for defence
This call is designed to lay the foundations for radically new future technologies of any kind, with unexpected impact that aims to bring radical technological superiority over potential adversaries. The proposals may address any area of interest for defence.
Indicative budget: EUR 20.000.000
The deadline date for applications is 16 October 2025, 17:00 Brussels time
Information on the 2024 Calls:
A total of up to EUR 40 million were available in 2024 under two disruptive technologies calls on Quantum Technologies and Non-thematic research actions.
For the call on quantum technologies, the proposals addressed at least one of the following technological domains:
- Quantum sensing technologies for PNT;
- Quantum technologies for optronics and RF sensing;
- Quantum technologies and/or quantum-resistant cryptography for secure communications.
For the call on non-thematic research, the proposals addressed any area of interest for defence, such as, but not limited to:
- Measurement and monitoring of physiological and cognitive state;
- Optimisation of cognitive performance in human-machine interaction, including for human-robot teaming;
- Blockchain applications (e.g., for Identification of Friend or Foe);
- Tools and applications improving cybersecurity talents screening;
- Artificial intelligence and robotic autonomous systems;
- System health monitoring and through life-cycle interoperability;
- Solutions for mechanical and “green” chemical recycling of waste of soldier individual equipment (uniforms, helmets, boots, rucksacks, plastic elements, harness, etc.);
- Concepts and corresponding technologies to ensure a safe water reuse throughout the entire water cycle of a deployable camp or a deployed combat group, including with microbial safety and hygiene considerations;
- Synthetic fuel production from waste and biomass for military use;
- High Power Microwave (HPM) Electronic Waveform Technology countering electronic systems;
- Technologies for advanced Printed Circuit Boards (PCB) for defence electronics.
The results of EDF 2024 calls are expected to be announced in May 2025.
Results of the 2023 Call:
In EDF 2023, following the evaluation process on disruptive call, 5 project proposals were selected:
- Command, Control, and Communications for Multi-X Swarms (SWARM-C3)
- Sustainable Water Innovations for Fielded Troops (S.W.I.F.T)
- LAserCEramics (LACE)
- Disruptive Electromagnetic 70 mm Rocket System (DEMAROCK)
- Tactical Advanced Laser Optical Systems: Technologies for High Power Laser, Vulnerability study, Vignette development and Operational Study (TALOS-TWO)
Disruptive technologies calls focus on enhanced or completely new technologies that bring about a radical change, including a paradigm shift in the concept and conduct of defence affairs such as by replacing existing defence technologies or rendering them obsolete.
Proposals should therefore primarily consist of activities aiming to create, underpin and improve disruptive technologies that can achieve significant effects in the area of defence.
Applicants need to be members of a consortium (at least two companies) based in at least two different Member States, and respect the other eligibility conditions of the EDF Regulation as reflected in the call texts.
No. Applicants need to be members of a consortium (at least two companies) based in at least two different Member States.
To apply for a disruptive technologies call, applicants should consult the EDF Work Programme as well as the Commission’s Funding and Tender Opportunities online portal.
The deadline to apply for EDF 2024 calls was 5 November 2024.
More information on the upcoming opportunities can be found in the Funding and Tenders online portal.
Calls targeting research actions are 100% funded.
A total of up to EUR 40 million are available in 2024 under two disruptive technologies calls on Quantum Technologies and Non-thematic research actions.