European Defence Fund (DG DEFIS) logo
European Defence Fund (DG DEFIS)

Non-thematic research actions targeting disruptive technologies for defence

Pays for high-risk, high-reward research into any radically new defence technology that breaks with current approaches.

ClosedEuropean Defence Fund (DG DEFIS)EU

Non-thematic research actions targeting disruptive technologies for defence is a European Defence Fund (EDF) grant that pays for high-risk, high-reward research into any radically new defence technology that breaks with current approaches — in any area, not a fixed theme — as long as it would have a disruptive effect in a realistic military operation, is built on a radical new concept rather than …

This topic funds high-risk, high-reward research into genuinely new defence technology in any area, not a fixed theme, as long as it has a disruptive effect in a realistic military operation, is built on a radical new concept rather than incremental progress on an established approach, and targets a scientific or technological breakthrough that can be tested. It explicitly excludes basic research with no clear technological objective for defence.

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.€20M

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European Defence Agency (EDA) logo
Closed

Non-thematic actions targeting disruptive technologies for defence

🇪🇺EDA · European Union

Pays up to EUR 3 million per proposal for disruptive defence technology anywhere in the field, from TRL 4 upward.

Defense
€3M
European Commission logo
Open

Horizon Civil Security: Disruptive Tech Innovation

🇪🇺European Commission · European Union

Funds two €1.5M projects that take an early-stage security technology and prove it works with the practitioners and public authorities who'd use it.

Defense
€1.5MNov'26
European Commission logo
Scheduled

Advanced Protective Gear for CBRN-E Disaster Response

🇪🇺European Commission · European Union

Funds field-ready solutions that improve responder safety, mobility and decisions in hazardous environments.

Defense
€3.8MNov'27
Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space logo
Open

Research for Civil Security — Stichtag (Bekanntmachung: Richtlinie zur Förderung von Projekten zum Thema "Anwendungen in der zivilen Sicherheit")

🇩🇪BMFTR · Germany

Funds German projects in cyber and defense technologies that strengthen civil security applications.

CybersecurityDefense
European Commission logo
Scheduled

Evidence-Based Responses to Synthetic Drugs and Stimulants

🇪🇺European Commission · European Union

Funds evidence, harm-reduction practice and civil-security tools to address synthetic drugs, violence and trafficking across Europe.

Defense
€4MNov'27
Business Finland logo
Open

European Defense Fund National Co-Funding

🇫🇮Business Finland · Finland

Funds Finnish startups, SMEs, large companies and research organizations completing EU-approved European Defense Fund R&D projects with a national funding top-up.

Defense