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.
Evaluation of the 2026 Disruptive Technology Calls
The evaluation of proposals submitted for the 2026 Disruptive Technology Calls is currently underway.
The call EDF-2026-LS-DIS closed at 17.00 on 29 September. 104 proposals were submitted for evaluation.
The calls EDF-2026-DA, EDF-2026-DA-ACC and EDF-2026-LS-DA-DIS closed at 17.00 on 29 September. 30 proposals were submitted for evaluation.
You will be able to find the results here or follow the European Defence Fund updates for further announcements.
Results of the 2025 Disruptive Technology Calls
In EDF 2025, following the evaluation process on Disruptive Technology Calls, 7 project proposals were selected for funding.
Results of the 2024 Calls:
In EDF 2024, following the evaluation process on disruptive calls, 9 project proposals were selected:
- Orchestrating the Operational Deployment of Quantum Resistant Services for Next-Generation Secure Defence Systems and Communications (ORQESTRA)
- Quantum Agile and Resilient Military Communications (Q-ARM)
- Spin-based Quantum Optics for Robust and Precise Inertial Sensing, Orientation and Navigation (SQORPION)
- Disruptive structural radar ABsorBing and EMI shielding cOmposite Technologies (ABBOT)
- Harnessing Adaptive Renewables: Versatile Energy Supply Technology (HARVEST)
- Innovative and Streamlined Water Prefiltration System for Military Personnel (INNOSWAMP)
- METAsurfaces for the next generation of STEALTH platforms (METASTEALTH)
- Disruptive “NEURO-QUantum-AI technology symbiosis” for Real-Time Cognitive Monitoring and Decision Support to improve Pilot Control and Safety (NEUROQUAD)
- Silicon-based materials for the short-wave infrared range (SILFRARED)
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)
What are disruptive technologies calls?
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.
Who can participate in the disruptive technologies calls?
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.
Can single SMEs apply?
No. Applicants need to be members of a consortium (at least two companies) based in at least two different Member States.
How do SMEs apply?
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.
What are the application deadlines?
Applications for the EDF 2026 calls will open soon. At this stage, no information on the application deadlines is available.
More information on the available opportunities can be found in the Funding and Tenders online portal.
What is the funding volume?
Calls targeting research actions are 100% funded.
A total of up to EUR 56 million are available in 2026 under two disruptive technologies calls on New abilities in over-the-horizon sensing and Non-thematic actions targeting disruptive technologies for defence.