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

February 18, 2025 (Opening) | October 16, 2025 (Deadline, 17:00 Brussels time)

€29,000,000 total; single-stage; typical multi-partner projects

Supports development and demonstration of advanced IR detector and ROIC technologies to enhance EU defence capabilities and supply chain security.

Consortium must include main EU IR detector providers; strict eligibility for EU/associated country entities.

--- ## Description This call, under the European Defence Fund (EDF), aims to advance next-generation Read-Out Integrated Circuits (ROICs) for infrared (IR) detectors. It focuses on strengthening the EU’s security of supply, technological sovereignty, and competitiveness in defence-related IR technologies. The initiative targets the integration of detection circuits covering various wavelengths onto advanced ROIC platforms, their assembly into demonstrator focal plane arrays, and the maturation of underlying technology and supply chains for future defence systems. The scope includes prototyping, testing, and exploring 3D stacking technologies to enable smart IR sensors, with a strong emphasis on interoperability, high performance, and secure, non-dependent supply chains within the EU. The call builds on prior collaborative efforts among EU IR detector providers and addresses critical technological gaps, targeting applications across land, air, naval, space, missile guidance, and drones. Activities span design optimization, system prototyping, performance validation, and development of large-format, high-resolution IR detector assemblies, supporting the European Defence Technological and Industrial Base (EDTIB). --- ## Due Dates - Call opens: February 18, 2025 - Submission deadline: October 16, 2025 (17:00 Brussels time) --- ## Funding Amount - Total indicative budget for this topic: €29,000,000 - Single-stage application process - Funding is intended for multi-partner consortia; typical grant size is not specified but expected to support large-scale, collaborative R&D and demonstration projects --- ## Eligibility - Proposals must be submitted by consortia including the main EU IR detector providers. - Applicants (beneficiaries and affiliated entities) must be legal entities established in an EU Member State or an EDF associated country (e.g., Norway). - Entities controlled by non-EU countries may participate only under strict conditions and guarantees, subject to the approval of the relevant Member State. - Work conducted by entities or subsidiaries in non-EU/associated countries is not eligible for funding. - Subcontracting should generally be less than 30% of total costs per beneficiary. - A Consortium Agreement is mandatory. --- ## Application Process - Proposals must be submitted electronically via the [EU Funding & Tenders Portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/EDF-2025-DA-SENS-IRD-STEP?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=15&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate). - Single-stage submission. - Application templates, budget tables, and all required declarations are available on the portal. - Proposals must address all mandatory activities: integrating knowledge, studies, design, system prototyping, and testing. - Proposals should demonstrate complementarity with ongoing or completed activities in the field, especially those under EDF-2021-SENS-R-IRD. - The evaluation process and award criteria 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-da_en.pdf). --- ## Additional Information - Eligible activities include: integrating knowledge, studies, design, system prototyping, testing (all mandatory); plus optional activities such as qualification, certification, and efficiency improvements. - Key technical requirements: - Focal Plane Arrays: resolution above 3 Mpixels, pitch size below 7 µm. - Demonstrators must address a range of IR circuit detection materials and architectures. - Proposals should explore 3D stacking and advanced packaging. - Intellectual property generated belongs to the consortium, with internal agreements governing usage. - For partner search, use the portal’s partner search tool or contact National Focal Points. --- ## External Links - [Call details and submission portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/EDF-2025-DA-SENS-IRD-STEP?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-da_en.pdf) - [Application form template](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/edf/temp-form/af/af_edf_en.pdf) - [EDF Annual Work Programme](https://ec.europa.eu/defence-industry-space/eu-defence-industry/european-defence-fund-edf_en) - [FAQ for applicants](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/faq?order=DESC&pageNumber=1&pageSize=10&sortBy=publicationDate&isExactMatch=true&type=1&grantCategories=p_submission_eval) - [Online Manual](https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/funding-tenders-opportunities/display/OM/Online+Manual) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact | |------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | General call queries | DEFIS-EDF-PROPOSALS@ec.europa.eu | | National Focal Points | [EDF National Focal Point network](https://defence-industry-space.ec.europa.eu/eu-defence-industry/network-european-defence-fund-national-focal-point_en) | | IT/Portal support | [IT Helpdesk](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/helpdesks/contact-form) | | European Commission contact | [Contact page](https://commission.europa.eu/about-european-commission/contact_en) |

Technologies for optronic detectors

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