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European Defence Fund (DG DEFIS)

Non-thematic development actions by SMEs

Pays SMEs a lump-sum grant to develop any innovative defence product or technology of their own choosing, including civil tech adapted for defence.

Non-thematic development actions by SMEs is a European Defence Fund (EDF) grant that pays SMEs a lump-sum grant to develop any innovative defence product or technology of their own choosing — there is no fixed theme — including civil technology adapted for defence use, as long as the applicant has the rights to commercialise that earlier work. Proposals need to include at least one activity from a…

This topic funds SME-led development of innovative, cost-effective defence products, solutions or technologies in any area of defence interest — there is no fixed theme. It explicitly welcomes proposals that adapt existing civilian technology, including results from other EU-funded programmes, for defence use, as long as the applicant has the rights to commercialise that earlier work.

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.-
Decision timeiTypical time from the deadline to the funder's decision.-
Project durationiHow long the funded work is expected to run.-
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.-
Funding pooliThe total budget available across all awards in this round.€33M

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