EC
ECDI

ECDI - Dual-Use Drones Innovative Programme

Pays manufacturing SMEs equity-free grants to advance a dual-use drone product by at least one technology readiness level.

OpenECDIEU

ECDI - Dual-Use Drones Innovative Programme is an ECDI grant that pays manufacturing SMEs in the drone sector equity-free grants of up to EUR 35,000 to advance a dual-use drone product, component, subsystem or infrastructure by at least one technology readiness level, covering prototype development, pilot testing, validation, certification support and approved internationalisation travel. Software

The programme targets manufacturing SMEs in the drone sector developing dual-use drone products, components, subsystems or infrastructure that can move up at least one technology readiness level. It funds prototype development, pilot testing, validation, certification support and approved internationalisation travel. Software-only companies, drone-service operators, AI or data-processing firms without their own drone hardware, consultancies and resellers of third-party drone hardware are excluded.

CycleiHow often this grant runs - e.g. annually, on a rolling basis, or a one-off call.No fixed schedule
Next deadlineiThe next date applications are due. Rolling means you can apply any time.30 Sept 2026
Decision timeiTypical time from the deadline to the funder's decision.-
Project durationiHow long the funded work is expected to run.6 months
Award typeiThe form of funding - grant, equity, loan, tax credit, etc.Grant
Match fundingiThe share of project costs you must cover yourself. 0% = fully funded.20%
Funding pooliThe total budget available across all awards in this round.-

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