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The EDF MaJoR First Cascade Funding Sub-call is a competitive grant from the European Defence Fund (EDF) MaJoR project that provides up to €60,000 to SMEs and start-ups developing dual-use and defence-related technologies with European relevance. The sub-call is the first open cascade funding opportunity within the MaJoR project framework.
Eligible applicants are SMEs and start-ups established in EU Member States, Norway, or Ukraine; Ukrainian entities are especially encouraged to apply. Applications closed March 25, 2026. The program supports the EDF's mission to strengthen the European defence industrial base and foster cross-border collaboration in defence R&D.
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EDF MaJoR project launches first cascade funding call - European Commission Defence Industry and Space Back Previous items Next items Copernicus | Earth Observation Galileo | Satellite Navigation EGNOS | Satellite Navigation IRIS² | Secure Connectivity GOVSATCOM | Satellite Communications SSA | Europe's Eyes on Space Cassini | Entrepreneurship Research, Development and Innovation The EU Observatory of Critical Technologies SAFE | Security Action for Europe EDF | Developing tomorrow's defence capabilities EDIP | A Dedicated Programme for Defence ENDR | European Network of Defence-related Regions Alliance for Zero-Emission Aviation Space and Defence related funding Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP) to boost investments in critical technologies EDF MaJoR project launches first cascade funding call EDF MaJoR project launches first cascade funding call Directorate-General for Defence Industry and Space The first EDF MaJoR cascade funding call opens today, 28 January 2026, and will remain so until 25 March 2026, 12:00 CET.
The MaJoR project focuses on modernising defence systems and improving the durability of future platforms through innovative technologies for maintenance, joining and repair of multi-material structures across air, sea, and land domains . Under the European Defence Fund (EDF ) , projects can provide Financial Support to Third Parties (FSTP) , also known as cascade funding .
This mechanism aims to support smaller players, including newcomers to the defence sector, in contributing to their innovative technologies and specialised expertise. It provides them with opportunities to explore and expand their business in defence. This first FSTP sub-call is looking for up to 30 innovators to act as technological solution providers and address specific innovation challenges across the three domains.
Eligible participants include small and medium-sized enterprises and start-ups established in EU Member States, Norway or Ukraine. Ukrainian entities are particularly encouraged to apply.
The areas of interest for this sub-call include: Hybrid structures for defence platforms: multi-material design, joining and reversible interfaces Innovative joining technologies and processes for multi-material defence structures Structural health monitoring, health and usage monitoring systems and embedded sensor architectures for next-generation defence platform Non-destructive testing for bonded joints: maintenance, repair, bonding initial design and diagnostics for hybrid and composite structures Digitalisation, AI and decision support tools for structural assessment and defence maintenance Successful applicants will receive up to €60,000 in funding and participate in a 6-month business development support programme.
Factsheet on the FTSP mechanism and the first sub-calls for the MaJor project Funding & Tenders Portal – First cascade sub-call for the MaJoR project Financial Support to Third Parties (FSTP) - First sub-call for the MaJoR project European Defence Fund (EDF) Publication date 28 January 2026 Author Directorate-General for Defence Industry and Space Defence Industry and Space Directorate-General for Defence Industry and Space Directorate-General for Defence Industry and Space Follow the European Commission Report an IT vulnerability Languages on our websites
Based on current listing details, eligibility includes: SMEs and start-ups established in EU Member States, Norway, or Ukraine; Ukrainian entities are especially encouraged to apply. Applicants should confirm final requirements in the official notice before submission.
Current published award information indicates Up to €60,000 Always verify allowable costs, matching requirements, and funding caps directly in the sponsor documentation.
The current target date is March 25, 2026. Build your timeline backwards from this date to cover registrations, approvals, attachments, and final submission checks.
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