Non-thematic research actions by SMEs and research organisations

Last updated: 18.7.2025
Grant

The EDF-2023-LS-RA-SMERO-NT call, part of the European Defence Fund, supported non-thematic research actions led by Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) and Research Organisations. This initiative aimed to foster innovation in defence technologies by leveraging novel concepts, civil applications, and addressing emerging challenges like hybrid warfare, with a total budget of 36 million euros.

Who is Funded by the European Defence Fund?

The European Defence Fund (EDF) program for non-thematic research primarily targets Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) and Research Organisations (ROs) across the European Union. Its overarching objective is to drive innovation in defence research, fostering cutting-edge solutions and strengthening the European defence industrial base.

What Research and Innovation is Funded?

This program funds a wide array of innovative defence technologies and solutions, focusing on enhancing capabilities across various defence domains. The supported activities primarily revolve around early-stage research, knowledge generation, and design, with an emphasis on novel approaches and adapting existing technologies.

Type and Scope of Funding

The funding is provided as lump sum grants under the European Defence Fund. The total budget allocated for the 2023 call was 36 million euros, supporting research actions by SMEs and research organisations.

Conditions and Requirements for Applicants

Applicants and beneficiaries must adhere to a set of critical conditions and requirements covering admissibility, eligibility, financial capacity, and specific legal frameworks governing the grants. These provisions are detailed in the official call documents.

Application Procedure: How to Apply for Defence Research Funding

The application process involved preparing and submitting proposals through a single-stage procedure, which closed in November 2023. Evaluation criteria and timelines were stipulated in the official call documents.

The program is firmly rooted in a robust legal framework established by European Union regulations, ensuring transparency, accountability, and adherence to defence policy objectives.

Similar Programs

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Funding Overview

Funding Status

Funding Status:

Closed

Maximum Amount

Maximum Amount:

36,000,000 €

Allocated Budget

Allocated Budget:

36,000,000 €

Deadline

Deadline:

22.11.2023

Award Channel

Award Channel:

Framework Programme Call

Region

Region:

European Union

Sectors

Sectors:

Information and Communication Technology, Software Development, Green Technology, Research and Development, Other

Beneficiaries

Beneficiaries:

Innovative SMEs and research organisations involved in defence research and technology development.

Application Type

Application Type:

Unknown

Funding Stages

Funding Stages:

Basic Research, Applied Research, Feasibility Study, Prototyping, Pilot Testing, Product Development, Process Optimization, Planning, Policy Development, Implementation, Infrastructure, Service Delivery, Capacity Building, Awareness Campaigns, Monitoring, Evaluation

Funding Provider

Program Level:

European Union

Funding Body:

European Commission

Managed By:

European Commission

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