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EU grants for dual-use & defence companies

Open-call snapshot checked 2026-04-18

Dual-use and defence-technology companies can access EU funding through the European Defence Fund (for collaborative defence research and capability development) and, for civil applications of the same technology, through Horizon Europe and the Digital Europe Programme.

Best-fit programmes

These are the EU programmes most relevant to dual-use & defence companies. Each guide explains eligibility, funding rates, and the calls open now.

European Defence Fund The European Defence Fund supports collaborative defence research and capability development across the EU, with a budget of around €8 billion for 2021-2027. Horizon Europe Horizon Europe is the European Union's main research and innovation funding programme for 2021-2027, with a budget of around €93.5 billion. Digital Europe Programme The Digital Europe Programme is the EU's funding programme for deploying digital technology, with a budget of around €7.5 billion for 2021-2027.

Where defence and dual-use funding sits

The European Defence Fund is the EU's instrument for collaborative defence research and capability development. Research actions can be funded at up to 100% of eligible costs; development actions are co-funded with member states. Consortia normally span at least three member states.

Many companies hold dual-use technology — useful in both civil and defence contexts. The civil side can often be funded through Horizon Europe or the Digital Europe Programme, while the defence side runs through the European Defence Fund.

Security and eligibility rules

Defence and some security-related civil calls apply ownership-and-control conditions and security requirements that go beyond standard civil programmes. These exist to protect the EU's strategic interests and are set out in each call.

Companies should check these conditions early — including ownership structure and the location of key assets — because they can determine eligibility before the technical merits are even assessed.

Choosing the right route

Defence-specific capability work points to the European Defence Fund. Civil applications of the same underlying technology — in AI, sensing, cybersecurity, or materials — point to Horizon Europe or Digital Europe. A specialist familiar with both sides can help a dual-use company fund its roadmap without breaching programme rules.

Open calls relevant to dual-use & defence companies

These open EU calls in the current index snapshot mention themes relevant to dual-use & defence companies. Keyword filtering is a starting point, not an eligibility check — run a free match for a proper fit assessment.

Frequently asked questions

Can an SME get European Defence Fund funding?

Yes. SMEs can participate in European Defence Fund consortia, and calls often include specific incentives to encourage SME and mid-cap involvement alongside larger defence companies.

What is dual-use technology in EU funding terms?

Dual-use technology has both civil and defence or security applications — for example AI, autonomy, sensing, or advanced materials. The civil side can often be funded through Horizon Europe or Digital Europe, and the defence side through the European Defence Fund.

Are there extra rules for defence funding?

Yes. The European Defence Fund and some security-related calls apply ownership-and-control and security conditions beyond standard civil programmes. These are detailed in each call and should be checked before applying.

Grants for other sectors

EU grants for AI companies AI companies in Europe can access EU grant funding mainly through Horizon Europe (for research and innovation), the Digital Europe Programme (for AI deployment and testing facilities), and the EIC Accelerator (for breakthrough single-company innovation). EU grants for healthtech companies Healthtech and digital-health companies can access EU funding through Horizon Europe's health cluster (for research and innovation), the EIC Accelerator (for breakthrough products), and EU4Health (for health-system deployment and prevention). EU grants for climate & energy companies Climate and clean-energy companies can access EU funding through Horizon Europe (for research and innovation), the Innovation Fund (for first-of-a-kind clean-tech demonstration), and the LIFE Programme (for environment and climate-action projects). EU grants for deeptech companies Deeptech companies can access EU grant funding mainly through the EIC Accelerator (for single-company breakthrough innovation), Horizon Europe (for collaborative research and innovation), and Eurostars (for SME-led international R&D projects). EU grants for medtech companies Medtech and medical-device companies can access EU funding mainly through Horizon Europe's health cluster (for clinical research and innovation) and the EIC Accelerator (for breakthrough single-company innovation with a route to market). EU grants for advanced manufacturing companies Advanced manufacturing companies can access EU funding through Horizon Europe (for industrial research and innovation), Eurostars (for SME-led international development projects), and the Innovation Fund (for clean, low-carbon industrial demonstration).