Innovation Challenges
![Hackathon visual](/sites/default/files/styles/oe_theme_ratio_3_2_medium/public/2023-06/featured%20image%20wb%20712x476-10.png?itok=JL0R7OtP)
Participate in hackathons held across Europe: develop your ideas, win mentoring and possibly prizes from local organizer. The first hackathon will take place from 31 May to 2 June 2024.
![Technological challenges card](/sites/default/files/styles/oe_theme_ratio_3_2_medium/public/2023-06/Technological%20challenges%20%20712x476-8.png?itok=XsK22rr9)
Organise or participate in technological challenges: set-up testing environments for Research & Development and compare your solution with competing teams.
Test your Innovation
![Innovation test hubs card](/sites/default/files/styles/oe_theme_ratio_3_2_medium/public/2023-06/Innovation%20test%20hubs%20wb%20712x476-9.png?itok=hskuj_iW)
SMEs, including start-ups, will be able to apply for Financial Support to Third Parties (FSTP)/cascade funding grants organised by EDF-funded consortia.
Migrate from civil to defence
![Business coaching card](/sites/default/files/styles/oe_theme_ratio_3_2_medium/public/2023-06/Spin%20in%20calls%20712x476-4.png?itok=lvffSxCi)
Participate in spin-in calls: build on the results from civil EU-funded R&D programmes and apply them to a defence setting.
Access to Finance
![Defence Equity Facility](/sites/default/files/styles/oe_theme_ratio_3_2_medium/public/2024-01/featured%20image%20wb%20712x476%20-%20access%20funding%20v2.png?itok=833lDTaj)
For Investors: receive equity financing to create your fund and invest in defence technologies with dual-use potential.
Empower SMEs
![Open SME Calls card](/sites/default/files/styles/oe_theme_ratio_3_2_medium/public/2023-06/SME%20calls712x476-1.png?itok=Z2Ria-Hf)
Participate in open and non-thematic SME calls with international consortia under the European Defence Fund (EDF): receive lump sum grants for R&D.
![Critical technologies card](/sites/default/files/styles/oe_theme_ratio_3_2_medium/public/2023-06/Critical%20technologies%20%20712x476-7.png?itok=u54CsjvG)
Participate in disruptive technologies calls with international consortia under the EDF: receive lump sum grants for R&D.
![Business coaching card](/sites/default/files/styles/oe_theme_ratio_3_2_medium/public/2023-06/Business%20Coaching%20712x476-5.png?itok=q5fpIlu9)
Benefit from business coaching: SME beneficiaries from all EDF calls can benefit from business coaching.