European Defence Fund (EDF): Opportunities for industry, research, and SMEs

At a time of increasing geopolitical tensions and growing technological complexity, Europe's ability to pursue an independent security and defence policy is more crucial than ever. The European Defence Fund (EDF) is the EU's central funding instrument for strengthening this strategic autonomy through targeted research and development.
With over €1 billion per year, the EDF supports multinational projects along the entire innovation chain – from basic research and system development to market-oriented demonstrators.
But it is not only large defence companies that benefit: technology-oriented SMEs, start-ups, and research institutions are also explicitly invited to participate – in particular through new formats such as EUDIS.

EDF: Broad support throughout the innovation cycle

• Artificial intelligence & robotics
• Cybersecurity & electronic warfare
• Sensors, space, quantum & communications
• Energy efficiency & materials
• Protection & mobility systems

What is funded?

• Early-stage research (TRL 2–4) – up to 100% funding
• Later development (TRL 5–7) – up to 80% funding
• Joint studies, demonstrators, technology tests
• Infrastructure development, certifications

New: EDF + EUDIS – your entry point via the innovation pathway

With the new European Defence Innovation Scheme (EUDIS), the EU has created its own innovation track within the EDF – specifically for start-ups, SMEs, and technology-open innovators.

• Challenges & accelerators
• Studies & roadmaps
• Concept development & technology assessments
• Special bottom-up SME calls with simplified access

Ideal for companies with dual-use technologies that want to enter the defence market for the first time.
-> Use EUDIS as a springboard – and build on it with classic EDF projects.

Why should you prepare now?

• The EDF topics for 2025 have been published – with 33 topics and a budget of over €1 billion
• The submission deadline is October 2025 – but good projects need lead time, partners, and strategy
• Early positioning increases your chances of success – especially for SME and EUDIS calls

Where EurA comes in: Your bridge to the EDF/EUDIS universe

As a technology-oriented innovation consultancy with Europe-wide funding expertise (including Horizon Europe, CEF, LIFE), EurA supports established industry players as well as start-ups and research institutions on their way to the EDF.

• Access to a broad network of SMEs, research, industry, and start-ups
• Technology transfer and market knowledge in the areas of dual-use, deep tech, and tech readiness
• Linking civil innovations with security-related applications

• Matching technology & funding calls
• Consortium building via international networks
• Application strategy & partner search
• Project planning, timelines, and deadline management
• Submission, follow-up, and audit security

EurA acts as a bridge between civilian technology development and security-related 
applications – and helps to anchor new players in the EDF ecosystem. EurA is not a traditional defence company, but rather a mediator between innovation and security applications – ideal for new EDF/EUDIS players.

How does EurA support you?

• Quick check of your project idea – does your project fit the EDF?
• Identification of suitable call topics
• Setup & management of your consortium
• Eligible application (including cost planning, IPR, security issues)
• Optional: Cost-benefit analysis (CBCA light)
• Support until submission – and beyond.

Have your project idea reviewed now with no obligation

The EDF topics for 2025 have been published – with over 33 topics in research & development and a submission deadline of October 2025.
The preparation time is now crucial for finding partners, developing a viable project idea, and submitting it in a strategically sound manner.

Interested? We will review your idea free of charge
Take advantage of EurA's free EDF Quick Check to find out whether your project fits into the funding program – and how you can best position yourself.

📧 julian.seethaler@eura-ag.de
🌐 EDF Funding Portal
📄 Work Programme 2025 (PDF)

Text: Dr. Markus Hanke