EUDIS targets SMEs, start-ups, and other small players new to the defence sector. The EDF includes specific calls targeting SMEs to lower entry barriers into the defence domain.
Rewards & Benefits
Funding opportunity for R&D of innovative defence products, solutions and technologies.
Submit project proposals for development actions with funding up to EUR 6 million and project proposals for research action with funding up to EUR 4 million per project, as innovative SME get a driving role to turn technology and research results into defence products.
Address any subject of interest for defence and receive grant funding for a wide array of topics.
Beneficiaries can receive business coaching: reduce the time of bringing results from research to development, or eventually to the market.
How does it work?
Every year there are two open and non-thematic SME R&D calls targeting SMEs and RTOs.
A call for development actions is aimed for consortia of SMEs. This call topic is open to any technology development for defence. The proposals should describe the targeted functionalities and the foreseen means to measure progress toward the achievements of these functionalities.
A call for research actions is aimed for consortia of SMEs and research organizations. This call topic is open to any technological research for defence. The coordinator of the consortium needs to be an SME. The budget allocated to research organisations cannot exceed 40% of the total grant amount requested. The call is open for several applications.
Information on the 2024 SME Calls:
In EDF 2024, the SME calls for proposals on defence innovation 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.
In addition, in order to best complement R&D efforts already targeting civil applications and to encourage the efficient spinning-in of knowledge, innovation and technological development to the defence sector, this topic also welcomed proposals for add-on development actions to adapt solutions originally developed for civil applications and previously not applied in defence sector.
The results of EDF 2024 calls are expected to be announced in May 2025.
Information on the 2023 SME Calls:
In EDF 2023, the SME calls for proposals on defence innovation addressed any subject of interest for defence, such as, but not limited to:
- Blockchain applications (e.g., for identification of friend or foe);
- Tools and applications improving cybersecurity talents screening;
- Artificial intelligence and robotic autonomous systems;
- Future naval platform control and management;
- Smart damage control related to future naval platforms;
- Ship signature management;
- Secure and reliable underwater communication solutions and interfaces (radiofrequency, acoustic, optic or others);
- Measurement and monitoring of physiological and cognitive state of soldiers;
- Solutions for mechanical and “green” chemical recycling of waste of soldier individual equipment (uniforms, helmets, boots, rucksacks, plastic elements, harness etc.).
Following the evaluation process on SME calls, 17 project proposals were selected for funding within EDF 2023.
To apply for this call, consult the EDF Work Programme and the Commission’s Funding and Tender Opportunities online portal.
Applicants need to be members of a consortium (at least three companies) based in at least three different Member States.
Successful applicants receive funding in the form of a lump sum grant.
Open and non-thematic SME research calls specifically target SMEs and research organisations.
Open and non-thematic SME development calls target SMEs.
Applicants need to be members of a consortium (at least three companies) based in at least three different Member States.
No. Applicants need to be members of a consortium (at least three companies) based in at least three different Member States.
To apply for the open and non-thematic SME call, applicants should consult the Work Programme as well as the Commission’s Funding and Tender Opportunities online portal.
The deadline to apply for 2024 SME calls was 5 November 2024.
More information can be found in the Funding and Tenders online portal.
Calls targeting research actions (dedicated to SMEs and research organisation) are 100% funded.
Please see the funding rates for development actions:
| Activity type | EU baseline funding rate | Bonuses | EU maximum funding rate |
| Integrating knowledge | 65% | 100% | |
| Studies | 90% | 100% | |
| Design | 65% | 100% | |
| Prototyping | 20% | 55% | |
| Testing | 45% | 80% | |
| Qualification | 70% | 80% | |
| Certification | 70% | 80% | |
| Increasing efficiency | 65% | 100% |