STEP Defense & Security Technology Development/Production

STEP Defense & Security Technology Development/Production sits under Innovation Agency Lithuania as the national delivery route for a large EU Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform call. It supports Lithuanian enterprises developing or producing defense and security technologies, with separate streams for technology development in the Vilnius Capital region, the same work in Central and Western Lithuania, and worker training tied to STEP production. The call carried a total budget of EUR 46,574,575, and the maximum award per project was EUR 12,000,000. Eligible costs for development included equipment depreciation, personnel, travel, equipment rental, premises rental up to 10%, and materials. Production support could cover production equipment, including financial leasing, software, patents, and licenses. Applicants had to be Lithuanian enterprises operating in Lithuania, and the sector focus was explicitly defense and security. The strongest applications are likely to combine a real industrialization plan with a clear cost base and a credible route from development into production. This is not a light-touch innovation grant; it is a scale program for firms that can execute inside Lithuania and justify large project spending. The training stream also makes it relevant for companies that need workforce readiness alongside technical development.

Each grant below is a distinct funding opportunity with its own eligibility, scope, and deliverables.