[European Commission](https://commission.europa.eu/index_en)

October 16, 2025 (single-stage)

€33,000,000 total budget; lump sum grants; typical award size not specified

Supports innovative SMEs in developing and adapting technologies for defence applications, including the integration of civil innovations into the defence sector.

Open to any defence-relevant technology; proposals must address at least one eligible development activity.

--- ## Description This funding opportunity aims to empower innovative small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to rapidly and cost-effectively develop new or adapted defence products, solutions, and technologies. The grant encourages novel concepts, technological improvements, or the application of existing civil technologies to defence, especially those not previously used in the sector. Proposals should focus on solutions that enhance the readiness, deployability, reliability, safety, and sustainability of defence forces, spanning domains such as operations, equipment, infrastructure, energy, surveillance, or digital systems. Integrating results from EU-funded civil projects into defence applications is encouraged, provided applicants hold the necessary rights. Eligible activities include integrating knowledge, conducting studies, designing products, prototyping, testing, qualification, certification, and improving efficiency across the defence product lifecycle. Proposals must clearly state objectives, targeted functionalities, and criteria for measuring progress. --- ## Due Dates - Opening date: February 18, 2025 - Submission deadline: October 16, 2025, 17:00 Brussels time --- ## Funding Amount - Total budget for the call: €33,000,000 - Grants are awarded as lump sums - Typical award size is not specified; consult the call document for details --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must be SMEs established in eligible countries (EU Member States and EDF Associated Countries). - Proposals must address at least one of the following activities: design, system prototyping, testing, qualification, certification, or increasing efficiency in the defence product lifecycle. - Proposals may include adapting civil technologies for defence, provided the applicant has rights to the precursor technology. - Full eligibility criteria, admissibility, and financial/operational capacity requirements are detailed in the [call document](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/edf/wp-call/2025/call-fiche_edf-2025-ls-da-sme_en.pdf). --- ## Application Process - Single-stage submission via the [EU Funding & Tenders Portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/EDF-2025-LS-DA-SME-NT?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=15&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate). - Prepare your proposal according to the guidelines in Part B of the Application Form. - Required documents include the standard application form, detailed budget table, participant information, and relevant declarations (see links below). - Evaluation criteria, scoring, and thresholds are outlined in the call document. - Only electronic submissions are accepted. --- ## Additional Information - Eligible activities must be clearly linked to work packages and justified in the proposal. - Proposals should include criteria for assessing completion of each work package. - The call is open to any defence-relevant technology area. - Partner search is available via the portal for consortium building. - For detailed legal, financial, and operational requirements, consult the official documentation. --- ## External Links - [Call Topic Details & Submission Portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/EDF-2025-LS-DA-SME-NT?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=15&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate) - [Call Document (PDF)](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/edf/wp-call/2025/call-fiche_edf-2025-ls-da-sme_en.pdf) - [Standard Application Form (EDF)](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/edf/temp-form/af/af_edf_en.pdf) - [Detailed Budget Table (Excel)](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/edf/temp-form/af/detailed-budget-table_edf-ls-da_en.xlsm) - [EDF Annual Work Programme](https://ec.europa.eu/defence-industry-space/eu-defence-industry/european-defence-fund-edf_en) - [Participant Information Template](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/edf/temp-form/af/participant-information_edf_en.docx) - [EU Funding & Tenders Portal Online Manual](https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/funding-tenders-opportunities/display/OM/Online+Manual) - [FAQ](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/faq) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact | |------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------| | General queries | [Contact the European Commission](https://commission.europa.eu/about-european-commission/contact_en) | | Call-specific support | DEFIS-EDF-PROPOSALS@ec.europa.eu | | IT Helpdesk | [IT Helpdesk Contact Form](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/helpdesks/contact-form) |

Non-thematic development actions by SMEs

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