Non-thematic development actions by SMEs

The main goal of this opportunity is to help innovative small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) quickly turn technology and research into defence products that are cost-effective and impactful. The focus is on developing new solutions and technologies that improve readiness, reliability, safety, and sustainability in defence missions. It also encourages the adaptation of civil technologies for defence purposes. The opportunity aims to boost innovation capacity across Europe and make it easier for SMEs to access defence markets and supply chains.

• Projects must address at least one of the following: design, system prototyping, testing, qualification, certification, or improving efficiency across the lifecycle of defence products or technologies.
• Proposals should include a clear work breakdown structure and link tasks to eligible activities.
• Projects must target innovative defence products, solutions, or technologies.
• Adapting civil technologies for defence use is allowed.
• Projects should address any area of interest for defence.
• Proposals must include criteria to assess completion of each work package.

Example projects:

• Designing and prototyping a new lightweight body armor for military personnel.
• Testing and certifying a drone navigation system originally developed for commercial use, now adapted for defence.
• Developing and qualifying a secure communication device to improve mission reliability.

• Generating Knowledge: Creating or improving knowledge, products, and technologies, including disruptive innovations.
• Integrating Knowledge: Activities to boost interoperability, resilience, secure production, and data exchange, and to master critical defence technologies.
• Feasibility Studies: Exploring new or improved products, technologies, processes, services, or solutions.
• Design: Designing defence products or components, including technical specifications and partial risk-reduction tests.
• System Prototyping: Building prototypes of defence products, components, or technologies.
• Testing: Conducting tests on defence products, components, or technologies.
• Qualification and Certification: Qualifying and certifying defence products, components, or technologies.
• Increasing Efficiency: Developing technologies or assets that make defence products and their lifecycle more efficient.

Proposals must address at least one eligible activity and provide a clear link between project tasks and these activities.

Budget for this grant: 33,000,000€

• Applicants must be small or medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
• Applicants must be established in an eligible country (specific list not provided).
• Applicants must meet financial and operational capacity requirements.
• Applicants must not be subject to exclusion criteria.
• Applicants must comply with all conditions described in the call document.
• Eligibility may depend on the applicant's ability to form networks or partnerships, as described in the call document.
• Applicants should refer to the call document for complete eligibility details.