Open topic on testing / validating tools, technologies and data used in cross-border prevention

The main goal of this opportunity is to test and validate tools, technologies, and data for improving cross-border disaster prevention, preparedness, and response. The focus is on enhancing the use of AI and machine learning for decision-making, developing miniaturized sensors for threat detection and victim identification, and ensuring reliable, secure, and universal communication systems for emergencies. Projects should demonstrate how these innovations work in real situations, especially for climate, geological, and accidental fire disasters, as well as chemical, biological, or radiological threats. The scope is international, covering legal entities in Latin America, the Caribbean, Africa, Central Asia, and at least three EU Member States or Associated Countries. The opportunity supports the broader aim of strengthening European and global disaster management cooperation.

• Proposals must involve at least 2 first responders or disaster management authorities and 2 SMEs from at least 3 different EU Member States or Associated Countries.
• Projects should focus on testing and validating tools, technologies, and data for cross-border disaster prevention, preparedness, and response.
• Solutions must demonstrate interoperability in real-case scenarios, with emphasis on AI/ML, miniaturized sensors, and secure communication systems.
• Proposals should include plans for mid-term assessments by practitioners and solutions with lower environmental impact.
• 5% to 20% of the EU funding requested should be allocated to financial support for third parties (e.g., first responders, SMEs).
• Clear plans for future uptake and upscaling at national and EU levels are required.

Example projects:

• A multinational team tests AI-powered early warning systems for wildfires using miniaturized sensors and cross-border communication protocols.
• First responders and SMEs from several countries validate secure, interoperable radio systems for chemical spill emergencies.
• A partnership develops and trials a machine learning tool for real-time victim identification during cross-border earthquake response exercises.

• Financial support to third parties (grants to first responders, disaster management authorities, or SMEs)
• Activities for expanding user groups
• Complementary assessments by practitioners
• Testing of new technologies or methodologies
• Project management and coordination
• Procurement of miniaturized sensors and related equipment
• Development and deployment of AI/ML tools
• Implementation of secure and universal communication systems
• Environmental impact assessments
• Dissemination and future upscaling activities

Restrictions: Each third party may receive up to EUR 100,000. 5% to 20% of the EU funding requested must be allocated to financial support for third parties.

• Budget for this Call: 13,500,000€
• Number of Grants attributed: 3
• Budget per grant: 4,500,000€

• Applicants must be legal entities established in Latin America, Africa, the Caribbean, Central Asia, or EU Member States/Associated Countries.
• Each proposal must involve at least two first responders or disaster management authorities and two SMEs from at least three different EU Member States or Associated Countries.
• Applicants must provide detailed information about security practitioners in their application.
• Projects must include cross-border collaboration.
• If using satellite-based earth observation or navigation data, applicants must use Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS systems.
• Proposals must plan for mid-term assessments by practitioners.
• 5%–20% of the EU funding must be allocated to financial support for third parties.
• Projects must address future uptake and upscaling at national and EU levels.