EU Defence Innovation Scheme (EUDIS)

EU Defence Innovation Scheme (EUDIS) is a European Commission instrument funded via the European Defence Fund (EDF) that strengthens defence innovation in the European Union by lowering entry barriers for SMEs, startups, and non-traditional players in the defence ecosystem.

EUDIS offers a range of support mechanisms including business acceleration, R&D lump-sum grants, technological challenges, spin-in calls, defence hackathons, cascade funding for SMEs, business coaching, and equity access through the Defence Equity Facility. In the 2026 EDF Work Programme, EUDIS represents 23 percent of the total EDF budget, totaling 231 million euros.

Eligible applicants are SMEs and startups from EU member states, with Ukrainian entities also eligible for cascade funding grants. The programme supports innovators throughout the full development cycle from early research through market entry.

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EDF MaJoR project launches first cascade funding call Boosting Defence Tech Innovation Discover the opportunities Join EUDIS Business Accelerator Apply as a trainer or field expert Turn your ideas into impact with expert guidance EU Defence Innovation Office in Kyiv Fostering EU-Ukraine cooperation in defence Results of EDF 2024 Calls Enabling an Innovative Europe The EU Defence Innovation Scheme (EUDIS ) is an instrument enabled by the European Defence Fund (EDF) to strengthen defence innovation in the European Union.

EUDIS offers a set of instruments for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), including start-ups, and other non-traditional players in defence industrial ecosystem to ensure more opportunities to access the European Defence Fund. It aims to lower entry barriers into the defence domain for smaller players and innovators, focusing on technological readiness and market maturity .

EUDIS is here to support innovators throughout the development cycle to mature, scale-up, demonstrate their use-case, grow and successfully enter the market. Harness the Support. Accelerate Defence Innovation Host or participate with your team in Defence Hackathons that are held across Europe every Spring & Autumn.

Apply to the Business Accelerator: targeted acceleration measures, access to finance and matchmaking with end-users, corporates and investors. Benefit from R&D funding : Organise or participate in Technological Challenges : set-up testing environments for Research & Development and compare your solution with competing teams. Participate in Spin-in calls : migrate your results from civil EU-funded R&D programmes to the defence sector.

Take part in open, non-thematic SME and Disruptive Technologies calls : receive lump sum grants for R&D. Apply for thematic cascade funding grants for SMEs or start-ups. As SME, benefit from Business Coaching : all SME beneficiaries participating in EDF R&D projects can benefit from up to 15 days of business coaching by defence industry experts.

As investor apply for the equity funding through European Investment Fund’s Defence Equity Facility : easier access to equity investments in Europe for the defence sector. The EDF 2026 Work Programme continues its support for defence innovation through the EU Defence Innovation Scheme.

This year's programme includes: A Technological Challenge in Digital Transformation call category, focusing on AI-based tactical situational awareness using swarms of small robots and drones. R&D calls fostering spin-in of EU funded civil research in two call categories: Energy Resilience and Environmental Transition (New turbofan engine) and in Underwater Warfare (Layered critical seabed infrastructure protection).

Continued support for start-ups and SMEs through cascade funding calls. Eligibility for Ukrainian entities to apply for EDF cascade funding grants. Furthermore, the 2026 programme will fund two Defence Hackathons .

The Spring edition of Defence Hackathons, “ Defending Airspace” (26-28 March 2026) will take place across eight EU locations. A call for hosting and participating in the Autumn Defence Hackathon will be issued later in Spring 2026. EUDIS Business Accelerator to support up to 40 start-ups and scale-ups in Spring and Autumn Cohort.

Matchmaking Service will be present in seven tech events across Europe and focus on connecting innovators with investors and organize several online capacity building sessions. Defence Equity Facility (DEF) will continue to support private funds investing in defence and dual-use technologies. Business Coaching will continue to be accessible for all SMEs in EDF projects.

Recognizing the importance of disruptive innovation, 5. 6% of the EDF 2026 budget is allocated to a call addressing breakthrough technologies . An additional 6.

5% is earmarked for non-thematic calls targeting innovative and future defence solutions, with a specific focus on SMEs. 23% of EDF 2026 budget is represented by EUDIS measures (€231 million) 43% of project participants are SMEs 83 83 EDF projects in open, non-thematic calls focusing on cutting-edge defence solutions The EDF 2025 Work Programme continues its support for defence innovation through the EU Defence Innovation Scheme.

This year's programme includes: A technological challenge in Artificial Intelligence. R&D calls fostering civil-defence synergies in space, energy resilience, ground combat, and cyber. Continued support for start-ups and SMEs through cascade funding.

Eligibility for Ukrainian entities to receive acceleration support.

Furthermore, the 2025 programme will fund the 2nd EUDIS Defence Hackathon (9-11 May 2025), taking place across eight EU locations to develop solutions for Ukraine and similar operational contexts; the EUDIS Business Accelerator to support start-ups and scale-ups; Matchmaking Services connecting innovators with investors and defence end-users; the continuation of the Defence Equity Facility (DEF) , supporting private funds investing in dual-use defence technologies; and Business Coaching for EDF beneficiaries to enhance commercial viability.

Recognizing the importance of disruptive innovation, 4% of the EDF 2025 budget is allocated to a call addressing breakthrough technologies . An additional 6% is earmarked for non-thematic calls targeting innovative and future defence solutions, with a specific focus on SMEs. 31% of EDF 2025 budget is represented by EUDIS measures (€336.

6 million) ~250 SMEs join EDF R&D projects annually and receive 20% of the funding 58 EDF projects in open, non-thematic calls focusing on cutting-edge defence solutions In total EUR 1. 46 billion are sourced from the European Defence Fund (EDF) and EUR 400-500 million are leveraged from other public and private sources . In the EDF 2026 Work Programme, the total funding available for EUDIS is EUR 231 million.

The EU Defence Innovation Scheme is managed by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Defence Industry and Space ( DG DEFIS ) . DG DEFIS manages the implementation of the European Defence Fund (EDF), the EU’s Defence Research and Development programme. EUDIS is an integral part of the EDF.

Learn more about the European Defence Fund (EDF) EUDIS is implemented by the European Commission . The European Defence Fund (EDF) Programme Committee, based on the Commission’s proposals, approves the annual prioritisation and the budget for the EUDIS actions in the context of the EDF Work Programme.

Beyond that, feedback and conclusions stemming from a regular dialogue with EU Member States and countries associated to the EDF (Norway), and the European Defence Agency through the EDA’s Hub for Defence Innovation (HEDI) , is taken into account by the Commission. National Focal Points (NFPs) support and facilitate the implementation of the EDF, including EUDIS. NFPs are individuals nominated by EU Member States and Norway.

They support the implementation of the EDF, for example, by reaching out to stakeholders or providing advice to potential applicants or beneficiaries of the EDF programme. This includes EUDIS. A full list of NFPs, including contact details, can be found on the website of DG DEFIS.

See here the list of National Focal Points Check out the factsheet on the EU Defence Innovation Scheme for key features and opportunities available to defence sector innovators: