Skip to main content
EU Defence Innovation Scheme (EUDIS)
Innovation Test Hubs

TEST AND ACCELERATE YOUR INNOVATION

Innovation test hubs

EUDIS aims to enable the establishment of Innovation Test Hubs across the European Union by allowing consortia selected under the European Defence Fund (EDF) to finance innovative SMEs and start-ups without necessarily having previous experience operating in the defence sector. This will be done by adding funding for the Financial Support to Third Parties (FSTP)/cascade funding to the EDF grant.

The EDF grant beneficiaries will be required to provide Financial Support to Third Parties (FSTP) in accordance with the conditions set out in the EDF call text.

In the EDF Work Programme 2023, there is one development action in the Materials & Components category, where 12% of the grant are aimed for FSTP.

Angle Arrow

Rewards & Benefits

Easier access to EDF funding: Cascade funding simplifies and streamlines the funding application process for SMEs. It eases and improves access for smaller market players into the EDF. 

Benefit from industry expertise: SMEs can connect with various industry stakeholders and benefit from activities that can solely be offered by consortia.

Arrow Lined Down - Hackathon
Blank
Blank

How does it work?

A consortium in receipt of an EDF grant which includes also funding for FSTP/cascade funding will be required to organise one or two calls to third parties, targeting a minimum of 10 and maximum of 30 entities per call, depending on the industrial landscape of the targeted domain. Each third party may be supported with up to EUR 60 000 for a maximum 6-months’ acceleration programme that encompasses the associated tasks as described in the EDF call text.

FSTP/cascade funding must target in priority SMEs, including start-ups. Participation of entities other than SMEs can only be accepted where no SMEs are available to demonstrate the capacity or expertise needed for the project during its lifetime.

When will cascade funding calls for SMEs and start-ups start?

For the current EDF 2023 calls for proposals, it is envisaged that the successful consortia will receive grants at the end of 2024. The consortia that will implement the EDF project will organize cascade funding call(s) for small entities during the project implementation.

For example, if the project implementation will take place for 36 months, i.e., from 1 December 2024 – 30 November 2027, the consortium will organize one or two cascade funding calls for third parties, being SMEs and start-ups, during that time. It is up for the EDF consortium to decide on the precise timing. This call is carried out under the guidance of the European Commission.

 The EDF consortium will advertise, select , award SMEs or start-ups and provide a set of support services.

ACCESS THE OPEN CALL 

Cascade funding for SMEs and start-ups is used for the following support services:

  • Technical mentoring;
  • Technology testing;
  • A class on doing business in defence sector (IPR, security & export control, etc.);
  • Provide networking and collaborative activities;
  • Other activities can also be provided in support of third parties (SMEs and start-ups) within 60 000 EUR lump sum grants per one entity. The financial support for third parties (SMEs and start-ups) can be used for the following activities (this list is not exhaustive): coaching; proof of concept; validation; prototyping; first client search; in-service training support, innovation management support etc.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions on Innovation Test Hubs