EUDIS (EU Defence Innovation Scheme)
EUDIS is an EDF-backed instrument to strengthen defence innovation within the EU, offering grants, financing instruments and coaching for SMEs, start-ups and other actors not traditionally part of the defence sector. In 2026 EUDIS measures account for €231 million of the total EDF budget. Cascade funding (FSTP) enables EDF consortia to sub-grant up to €60,000 per SME or start-up.
Calls (4)
Research Actions
EDF-2026-LS-RA-SI-ENERENV-NTFE: New turbofan engine This call topic aims to to investigate a new turbofan engine in the range of approximately 25-35 kN that meets all feasible military requirements and is capable of operating on kerosene, hydrogen (H2) and sustainable aviation fuel. The proposals need to build upon or integrate results that have been achieved within one or several projects funded following an EU programme call with a focus on civil applications and for which applicants will have the necessary rights to use and commercialise the results. Indicative budget: EUR 20.000.000 Apply for the call (PENDING LAUNCH) EDF-2026-LS-RA-SI-UWW-CSBI-STEP: Layered critical seabed infrastructure protection This call topic aims to improve the protection of seabed infrastructure through a comprehensive system, including unmanned assets, advanced sensors, underwater observation, detection, acquisition and communication systems, and integrated command and control. The proposals need to build upon or integrate results that have been achieved within one or several projects funded following an EU programme call with a focus on civil applications and for which applicants will have the necessary rights to use and commercialise the results. The topic contributes to the STEP objectives in the target investment area of deep and digital technologies. Indicative budget: EUR 30.000.000 Apply for the call (PENDING LAUNCH)
Non-thematic research actions by SMEs and research organisations
The proposals must demonstrate their disruptive impact on defence applications and address innovative technologies and solutions for defence, including those that can improve the readiness, deployability, reliability, safety and sustainability of forces in defence tasks and missions, for example in terms of operations, equipment, infrastructure, energy solutions, surveillance systems or digital solutions. Proposals must address disruptive knowledge, products and technologies in any area of defence interest (*) reaching at least TRL 4. In addition, to best complement R&D efforts that already target civil applications and encourage the efficient spinning-in of knowledge, innovation and technological development to the defence sector, this topic also welcomes proposals for add-on research actions to adapt solutions originally developed for civilian applications and previously not applied in defence. Indicative budget: EUR 35.000.000 Specific to this call: Proposals (Part B) are limited to maximum 50 pages, counting the work package descriptions. Only three criteria apply for evaluation, which will be performed in a cascade approach. More info available in the call document. Apply for this call (*) As described in the two Guidance Notes on the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP) – C(2024) 3148 final of 8.5.2024 and C(2025) 6798 of 23.12.2025 available here: STEP documents – European Union
Non-thematic development actions by SMEs
The proposals must address innovative defence products, solutions and technologies, including those that can improve readiness, deployability, reliability, safety and sustainability of forces in defence tasks and missions, for example in terms of operations, equipment, infrastructure, energy solutions, surveillance systems or digital solutions. Proposals must address disruptive knowledge, products and technologies in any area of defence interest (*) reaching at least TRL 4. In addition, to best complement R&D efforts that already target civil applications and encourage the efficient spinning-in of knowledge, innovation and technological development to the defence sector, this call topic also welcomes proposals for add-on development actions to adapt solutions originally developed for civil applications and previously not applied in the defence sector. Indicative budget: EUR 30.000.000 Apply for this call (*) As described in the two Guidance Notes on the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP) – C(2024) 3148 final of 8.5.2024 and C(2025) 6798 of 23.12.2025 available here: STEP documents – European Union
EDF Cascade Funding — MaJoR Project FSTP Sub-call
First EDF FSTP cascade sub-call under the MaJoR (Maintenance, Joining and Repair) project. Seeks up to 30 innovative SMEs and start-ups as technological solution providers for defence maintenance, AI, sensors and structural monitoring across air, sea and land domains. Over 200 proposals received; new rounds expected.