With the new AGILE funding programme, the EU Commission aims to significantly accelerate innovation in the defence sector. The programme is aimed at "New Defence" players - in particular small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), including start-ups and scale-ups.
What is the AGILE program?
The Programme for Agile and Rapid Defence Innovation (AGILE) is intended to complement the existing instruments European Defence Fund (EDF) and EU Defence Innovation Scheme (EUDIS). It will support European companies in the development of disruptive technologies and cost-effective solutions and accelerate their market acceptance. In contrast to traditional funding lines, the focus is on rapid implementation and short innovation cycles.
Funding conditions
AGILE offers very attractive funding conditions:
Companies can apply on an individual basis.
Funded projects last one to three years.
The non-repayable funding amounts to 1 to 5 million euros per project
Up to 100% of the project costs are covered.
Why is AGILE particularly exciting for SMEs and start-ups?
The extraordinarily fast evaluation speaks for AGILE: companies receive feedback within four months of the application deadline. The retroactivity clause is also a particular novelty. Funded companies can claim costs that were incurred up to three months before the application deadline.
Start in 2027
Following approval by the EU Parliament and the Council of Ministers, AGILE is set to launch with an initial application deadline at the beginning of 2027. This pilot is to have a budget of 115 million euros.
The long-term continuation of the programme is already planned as part of the subsequent EU Multiannual Financial Framework 2028-2034.
EU funding programmes in the area of security & defence: Analysis of AGILE
The AGILE programme supports projects with a high degree of innovation and a clear security-relevant application. It is important to note that the focus is on application-oriented innovations, prioritizing the needs of the EU member states, and not on basic research.
AGILE complements existing EU funding programmes in the defence sector and places a clear emphasis on agility and speed. Compared to established programmes, AGILE aims to:
shorter project durations,
faster decision-making processes,
a stronger focus on SMEs and start-ups.
This is the EU's response to a key challenge: innovations in the defence sector need to be available faster than before.
How EurA supports you
As an experienced partner for funding advice and applications, EurA supports companies throughout the entire process. Our approach:
Strategic selection of the right funding programme
Structured development of convincing project ideas
Professional application preparation
Support in project management and billing
Especially in the complex environment of EU funding programmes, you benefit from our many years of experience and our network.
👉 You can find out more about our support in the funding advice section of our website.
FAQ: AGILE funding programme
What is AGILE? AGILE is a planned EU funding programme for rapid support of innovations in the defence sector with a focus on SMEs and start-ups.
How much funding is available? Projects can be funded with between 1 and 5 million euros - with up to 100% cost coverage.
Can companies apply on their own? Yes, a special feature of AGILE is the possibility of individual company applications ("mono-beneficiary").
When will AGILE start? The start is planned for the beginning of 2027, subject to political approval.
Get in touch with EurA now
👉 Would you like to learn more about our support services in the security and defence sector?
Get in touch with us! We look forward to exchanging ideas and working on joint innovation projects!
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Defence and security, the protection of critical infrastructure, and dual-use technologies continue to gain importance throughout Europe. At EurA AG, I am your contact for companies and research institutions when it comes to the development of innovative security-related technologies and their national and European financing. With my experience in industry and research in the field of defence and security, I can help you strategically position your ideas and implement them successfully. Let's talk about your innovation projects—I look forward to hearing from you!
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