The European Defence Fund (EDF) calls SMEs

The European Defence Fund (EDF) has published its work programme for 2024. The funding programme also contains many opportunities for the defence industry and its subcontractors in the Kanta-Häme region. The 2024 work programme includes 6 thematic calls for proposals and 2 calls for proposals specifically targeted at SMEs. The themes of the calls for proposals in the work programme cover key defence areas such as the development of unmanned ground and air vehicles and secure space communications.

Key elements and requirements for EDF financing 2024

1. Financial support: The programme offers financial support up to 100% of eligible costs. The support will be mainly in the form of grants and bonuses for SMEs and medium sized companies.
2. Support for innovation: The EDF programme offers a wide range of support measures to promote defence innovation. This includes technological challenges, business coaching and financing, and support for business-to-investor contacts.
3. Critical areas: The EDF programme supports projects that address critical defence areas such as hypersonic missile defence, the development of unmanned aerial vehicles and the promotion of secure space communications.
4. Next generation defence systems: The EDF programme is preparing the ground for next generation defence systems such as helicopters and medium-sized cargo aircraft.
5. Consortium requirements: To apply for funding, a consortium of at least three Member States or associated countries must be formed. Exceptions are made for applications for disruptive technologies, where smaller consortia are allowed.
6. Conditions for participation: Beneficiaries and subcontractors must be based in the EU and be subject to an EU administrative structure. Third country control will also be taken into account in order to safeguard EU security and defence interests.
7. Innovation methods: The EUDIS programme provides specific support to small organizations and innovators throughout their development cycle, from product incubation to market entry.

Further information and assistance is also available from national helpdesks, which can help you understand the opportunities and requirements of EDF (Source: EU Defence Industrial Programme EDF).

A two-day information event on the work programme and funding opportunities organised by EDF will take place on 28-29 May. The event will be open both remotely and on-site in Brussels.

See the detailed programme.