Dual-use technologies
Dual-use technologies supports civilian and defence partners in developing cybersecurity prototypes, products and infrastructure to counter cyber and hybrid threats and protect critical infrastructure.
Funder: Digital Europe Programme
Due Dates: September 1, 2026 (Opening) | January 14, 2027 (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: €3 million–€5 million EU contribution per project; €10 million total topic budget; 3 expected grants
Summary: Supports civilian–defence cooperation to develop and deploy shared cybersecurity prototypes, ready-to-market products and operational infrastructure.
Key Information: Projects must address cybersecurity technologies with relevance in both civilian and defence contexts.
Description
This Digital Europe Programme topic supports operational cooperation between civilian and defence stakeholders on cybersecurity. It funds dual-use working prototypes, ready-to-market products and operational infrastructure that strengthen resilience against cyber and hybrid threats, protect critical infrastructure and secure sensitive data exchanges. The topic sits within the call “Strengthening European Cybersecurity Technologies, Capacities and Preparedness.”
Priority domains include quantum-safe cryptography, Zero Trust Architectures, AI-driven threat detection and response, cyber ranges and digital twins, and Security Orchestration, Automation and Response (SOAR) tools. Other cybersecurity domains with a shared civilian–defence interest also fall within scope. The programme promotes partnerships among national authorities, SMEs, academia and industry, with interoperability and scalability across sectors central to deployment. Applications include critical infrastructure protection, secure communications, hybrid threat management, expanded SOC/CSIRT operations compatible with military requirements, and digital fraud and digital violence prevention.
