European Defence Fund (EDF) - Calls 2023

Research

What?

Complementing and amplifying Member States’ efforts, the Fund promotes cooperation among companies and research actors of all sizes and geographic origin in the Union, in research and development of state-of-the-art and interoperable defence technology and equipment. The Fund supports competitive and collaborative projects throughout the entire cycle of research and development for a bigger impact on the European defence capability and industrial landscape.

It strongly encourages the participation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in collaborative projects and fosters breakthrough innovative solutions.

Research actions can receive up to 100% of EU funding of the eligible costs, mainly in grants. Development actions are co-funded. The Fund will complement Member States' investment by co-financing up to 20% of the costs for prototype development and up to 80% of ensuing certification and testing activities. The Fund does not cover the acquisition phase.

To ensure that EU resources are put to good use, development of common prototypes will be funded only where Member States intend to buy the final product or use the technology in a coordinated manner. No capability will be owned by the EU.

The 2023 call for proposals includes 32 Call Topics worth a total of €960.57 million. The Topics cover areas as diverse as smart technologies for next generation fighter systems; laser communications; high performance materials for defence applications; and the protection of space-based assets.

You can take a look at the EDF 2023 call topics on the EDF webpage or on the Funding & Tenders portal in order to determine those of interest for you.

Who?

With an exception for funding projects on disruptive technologies, only collaborative projects are eligible. Collaborations must involve at least three legal entities from at least three Member States or Norway.

For disruptive technologies, eligible projects should be submitted by a consortium of at least two participants from at least two Member States or Norway.

The Fund will incentivise the cross-border participation of SMEs by providing higher funding rates and favouring projects by consortia which include SMEs.

More information?

Please contact research@uhasselt.be if you want to apply

Deadline

22.11.2023

Contact Hasselt University?

E-mail ellen.vancutsem@uhasselt.be

Tel. +3211268995