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

March 31, 2026 (Full application, 17:00 Brussels time)

~€3,000,000 per project | Total budget: €15,000,000 | Approx. 5 grants

Funds innovative cybersecurity toolkits, support services, and training to help European SMEs improve cyber resilience and comply with EU requirements.

Single-stage submission; only proposals supporting SMEs in eligible countries considered.

--- ## Description This funding opportunity supports the uptake of innovative cybersecurity solutions tailored to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Europe. The grant aims to foster the development and deployment of cyber toolkits, support services, and incident response capabilities to help SMEs manage cyber risks, implement effective cybersecurity strategies, and comply with evolving EU legislation such as the Cyber Resilience Act. Projects should deliver practical resources—such as SaaS-integrated tools, risk assessment platforms, vulnerability alerting systems, non-commercial hotlines, multilingual helplines, and sector-specific training modules—to increase SMEs’ preparedness and resilience against cyber threats. --- ## Due Dates - March 31, 2026: Full application submission deadline (single-stage; 17:00 Brussels time) --- ## Funding Amount - Total indicative budget for this topic: **€15,000,000** - Typical grant size: **around €3,000,000 per project** - Expected number of grants: **approximately 5** Funding covers up to 100% of eligible costs, depending on the type of activity and applicant. See the [Model Grant Agreement](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/digital/agr-contr/mga_dep_en.pdf) for cost categories and eligibility. --- ## Eligibility - **Type of applicants:** Proposals must be submitted by consortia. Consortium composition and size are not strictly specified but should include relevant expertise and capacity to deliver the proposed action. - **Countries:** Applicants must be established in EU Member States or eligible associated countries as specified in the [call document](https://cybersecurity-centre.europa.eu/document/4da440fa-b5dd-474b-b6a9-df1cbdba67d2_en). - **Target beneficiaries:** Projects must directly address the needs of SMEs operating in Europe. - **Other requirements:** Applicants must demonstrate financial and operational capacity. Proposals must adhere to the admissibility and eligibility conditions outlined in the call documentation, including page limits and required forms. --- ## Application Process - **Submission:** Proposals must be submitted electronically via the [EU Funding & Tenders Portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/DIGITAL-ECCC-2025-DEPLOY-CYBER-09-UPTAKE?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=15&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate) by the deadline. - **Proposal format:** Single-stage application process. Use the [standard application form (DEP)](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/digital/temp-form/af/af_dep_en.pdf) and include all required administrative and technical sections. - **Supporting documents:** Ownership control declaration, financial statements, and any other documents specified in the portal or call document. - **Evaluation criteria:** Excellence, impact, and quality of implementation, as detailed in the [call document](https://cybersecurity-centre.europa.eu/document/4da440fa-b5dd-474b-b6a9-df1cbdba67d2_en). - **Timeline:** Evaluation and grant agreement timelines are described in the call document. --- ## Additional Information - Projects should address at least one of the expected outcomes, such as: - Development of innovative cybersecurity tools and services for SMEs - Support for incident reporting and response - Improved notification and security processes - Support for compliance with EU cybersecurity legislation (e.g., Cyber Resilience Act) - Training and capacity building for first responders in key sectors - All proposals must adhere to ethical standards and data protection requirements. - Financial support to third parties (e.g., subgrants or prizes) may be included, subject to specific limits and rules. --- ## External Links - [Call Topic & Submission Portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/DIGITAL-ECCC-2025-DEPLOY-CYBER-09-UPTAKE?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=15&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate) - [Call Document (PDF)](https://cybersecurity-centre.europa.eu/document/4da440fa-b5dd-474b-b6a9-df1cbdba67d2_en) - [Work Programme 2025–2027 (PDF)](https://cybersecurity-centre.europa.eu/document/a35f7be2-4464-43d3-a40f-6ec942036f48_en) - [Application Form Template](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/digital/temp-form/af/af_dep_en.pdf) - [Model Grant Agreement (DEP MGA)](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/digital/agr-contr/mga_dep_en.pdf) - [Ownership Control Declaration](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/common/temp-form/af/ownership-control-declaration_en.docx) - [Online Manual](https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/funding-tenders-opportunities/display/OM/Online+Manual) - [ENISA Cybersecurity Guide for SMEs](https://www.enisa.europa.eu/publications/cybersecurity-guide-for-smes) --- ## Contact Information | Contact Type | Details | |---------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | General enquiries | [European Commission Contact](https://commission.europa.eu/about-european-commission/contact_en) | | National support | [National Cybersecurity Coordination Centres](https://cybersecurity-centre.europa.eu/nccs-0_en) | | ECCC Applicants | [applicants@eccc.europa.eu](mailto:applicants@eccc.europa.eu) | | IT helpdesk | [IT Helpdesk Contact Form](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/helpdesks/contact-form) | ---

Uptake of innovative cybersecurity solutions for SMEs

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