Non-thematic development actions by SMEs

Opened

Code: 35937 | Identifier Code: EDF-2025-LS-DA-SME-NT | Programme name: 3564 | Start submission calls: 18/02/2025 | End submission calls: 16/10/2025

This call topic encourages the driving role of innovative SMEs to turn technology and research results into defence products in a fast and cost-efficient way, possibly by adapting technologies from civil applications or addressing hybrid warfare.

CoARA Boost second cascade funding call

Closed

Code: 35934 | Identifier Code: CoARA Boost | Programme name: 20613 | Start submission calls: 21/02/2025 | End submission calls: 21/04/2025

CoARA Boost’s second cascade funding call facilitates institutional change and targets pilot and exchange-of-knowledge initiatives. It will fund +20 projects facilitating knowledge-exchange, piloting new initiatives within institutions, and enabling lasting institutional change. As such, it encourages and supports research organisations to investigate and test what will efficiently work ‘in real life’.

More specifically, the call aims to:

• Facilitate the exchange, transfer and adaptation of proven good practices and their adoption in research organisations.
• Catalyse the set-up or transformation of research assessment practices and tools in line with the commitments of the Agreement on Reforming Research Assessment.
• Support the development and testing of new and innovative research assessment approaches, models and procedures.

Support to the EDF National Focal Points (NFP) network

Opened

Code: 35932 | Identifier Code: EDF-2025-CSA-NFP | Programme name: 3564 | Start submission calls: 18/02/2025 | End submission calls: 16/10/2025

The National Focal Points for the EDF (EDF-NFPs) consists of a network of individuals nominated by EU Member States and EDF Associated countries that are supported by national structures established under the responsibility and control of the EU Member States and EDF Associated Countries. The NFPs form an essential part of the EDF implementation by providing practical information, advice, training, and other forms of assistance to stakeholders on all aspects of participation in the EDF. This action aims at facilitating trans-national cooperation between EDF NFPs with a view to identifying and sharing good practices and raising the general standard of support to (potential) programme applicants, taking into account the diversity of actors that could benefit from the programme and thus contribute to strengthening the EDTIB.

Stand-off anti-submarine warfare engagement

Opened

Code: 35930 | Identifier Code: EDF-2025-RA-UWW-SOASW | Programme name: 3564 | Start submission calls: 18/02/2025 | End submission calls: 16/10/2025

It is essential for the survivability of a surface warship to be able to engage and neutralise an adversary submarine outside its effective weapon range when the mission dictates that evasion is not possible. The engagement capability must consequently be available at any time and within short notice, even outside of the deck cycles of the organic aircraft or availability of non-organic aircraft.

Specific objective: Market available rocket-launched torpedoes like the VL ASROC or MILAS are being launched from the Vertical Launch Systems (VLS) or upper deck surface-to-surface missile (SSM) containers, therefore consuming the very limited space and weight that could otherwise be used for air defence missiles or strike capabilities, increasingly required for present and future Anti-Access/Area Denial (A2/AD) threat environment, to achieve the Surface Warfare mission.
Current developments in the field of torpedo technology aim at developing very-lightweight torpedoes (VLWT) and ultra-lightweight torpedoes (ULWT). However, these new developments pose new challenges because of a reduced underwater effective range and the simultaneous requirement for extended range for transfer from the launching unit to the target area and with greater precision, delivering the effector at shorter range from its target, by suitable means to be determined. The surface warship requires an optimisation of its UW sensor suite for the prerequisite long-range detection and classification of targets with higher accuracy and update rates, which must be addressed before these new stand-off capabilities can develop their full potential.
Future multi-domain mission profiles require enhanced firepower distributed on board smaller size surface combatants, demanding for new and more flexible approach that delivers solutions able to be integrated in a multi-mission or multi- weapons bay, where both offboard and onboard sensors and effectors, can be loaded and integrated in a mission tailored configuration.
The aim of this activity is the identification of feasible common effector components, like V/ULW torpedoes or depth charges, which can be deployed by systems, which are usable for other purposes or in other warfare areas or even other warfare domains as well, like Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV)/ Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USV) for reconnaissance and surveillance, affordable precision strike capability, or deploying sensors like sonobuoys, in a configuration similar to the multiple launch rocket system. This approach may allow greater degree of flexibility for the procurement of systems and as well reduce individual integration, certification and storage footprints thus increasing their viability for navies of EU Member States and EDF Associated Countries.

Technologies for counter-battery capabilities

Opened

Code: 35928 | Identifier Code: EDF-2025-RA-GROUND-CBC | Programme name: 3564 | Start submission calls: 18/02/2025 | End submission calls: 16/10/2025

Given that artillery is still responsible for the vast majority of losses suffered by armies facing each other on the battlefield, this call topic aims to explore and mature the technologies required to destroy or neutralise all enemies’ artillery potential, thereby ensuring the survival of own forces and safeguarding their operational capacity.

Multi-Disciplinary design and Analysis Framework for Aerial Systems

Opened

Code: 35926 | Identifier Code: EDF-2025-RA-SIMTRAIN-DAFAS | Programme name: 3564 | Start submission calls: 18/02/2025 | End submission calls: 16/10/2025

A key objective of this call topic is to explore the benefits of applying DT technologies across the entire lifecycle of military systems, from design and development to operation and maintenance. This includes investigating how DTs can improve the efficiency, effectiveness, and interoperability of systems throughout their lifespan.

Chiplet for Defence Application

Opened

Code: 35923 | Identifier Code: EDF-2025-RA-MATCOMP-CDA-STEP | Programme name: 3564 | Start submission calls: 18/02/2025 | End submission calls: 16/10/2025

The objective is to explore the possibilities the chiplet technology in combination with heterogeneous packaging can add to systems used for defence applications. Combining e.g., chiplets made in different technologies (GaN, GaAs, Si etc) and with analogue, mixed analogue/digital and digital functions may lead to new capabilities in processing power and still achieve a reasonable cost level and power consumption. New and/or improved devices can be made by exploring chiplet technology in various fields of defence applications such as, but not limited to: radar systems, Electronic Warfare systems, communication systems, munition applications, signal processing applications.
This call topic contributes to the STEP objectives, as defined in STEP Regulation, in the target investment area of deep and digital technologies.

Autonomous triage and evacuation

Opened

Code: 35921 | Identifier Code: EDF-2025-RA-MCBRN-ATE | Programme name: 3564 | Start submission calls: 18/02/2025 | End submission calls: 16/10/2025

Large Scale Combat Operations (LSCO) between peer adversaries can result in mass casualty scenarios where the need for casualty care and evacuation dramatically outstrips available medical resources. Unmanned air, ground and sea vehicles could significantly improve evacuation capacity and enable rapid automated or fully autonomous battlefield triage, also under Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) conditions and in high intensity fighting areas, resulting in faster and more efficient care, increasing life and limb saving opportunities in the early stages of the evacuation chain. This call topic addresses the urgent need to develop and validate innovative Robotic and Autonomous System (RAS), i.e., autonomous and robotic-assisted capabilities that address the specific challenges of military battlefield triage and evacuation in mass casualty scenarios, including CBRN contamination and ongoing high intensity fighting spots with limited or no access of first responders.

Multifunctional Information Distribution System

Opened

Code: 35919 | Identifier Code: EDF-2025-RA-C4ISR-MIDS-STEP | Programme name: 3564 | Start submission calls: 18/02/2025 | End submission calls: 16/10/2025

The Multifunctional Information Distribution System (MIDS) is an indispensable C4ISR capability to facilitate international conflict prevention and crisis management in all phases of operations. EU Member States (MS) and EDF Associated Countries have already used various types of MIDS in recent operations to provide tactical Link interoperability between their major platforms (e.g., fighters, frigates, etc.).

The specific objective of this topic is to design, develop and build a demonstrator of a radiocommunication system that provides this critical defence capability to respond to future security challenges.

Propulsion system for next generation rotorcrafts

Opened

Code: 35916 | Identifier Code: EDF-2025-RA-ENERENV-PSR | Programme name: 3564 | Start submission calls: 18/02/2025 | End submission calls: 16/10/2025

The general objective of this call is to develop and mature the technologies required for a new state-of-the-art, breakthrough, affordable, efficient, and high-power (above 3000 shp / 2.237 kW) engine for future generation of EU military rotorcraft systems.

The objective of this research topic, is to better understand and analyse the future needs EU Members States and EDF Associated Countries and the transition to future rotorcraft features, concepts, and capabilities, and to derive specific design parameters for next generation propulsion systems. Conception and pre-design of an alternative propulsion system for rotorcraft platforms must be performed.

Live, Virtual, Constructive training interoperability – Joint operations and service-specific solutions

Opened

Code: 35914 | Identifier Code: EDF-2025-RA-SIMTRAIN-LVC-STEP | Programme name: 3564 | Start submission calls: 18/02/2025 | End submission calls: 16/10/2025

Live training is paramount to conduct realistic multi-domain operations (MDO) training in a multi-national context. Creating a realistic joint training environment is however challenging due to aspects such as limitations in access to training areas, the number of available real assets and the need to protect information regarding tactics and system capabilities.

Live, Virtual and Constructive (LVC) technology has a clear potential to be important to perform cost-efficient Multi Domain training by alleviating some of the above limitations. An integrated blend of real platforms (Live), simulators (Virtual) and computer-generated players and targets (Constructive) is developing rapidly. Various recent technologies such as modern communication systems, security solutions and eXtended Reality (XR) also show potential for further enhancing Live as well as Virtual solutions, facilitating flexible use of LVC for training participants. Using LVC in Multi Domain Education and Training reduces operational risks and enhances decision support.
A major challenge is to design and evaluate LVC-training to ascertain training value to both Live and Virtual participants.

Non-thematic research actions targeting disruptive technologies for defence

Opened

Code: 35910 | Identifier Code: EDF-2025-LS-RA-DIS-NT | Programme name: 3564 | Start submission calls: 18/02/2025 | End submission calls: 16/10/2025

The specific challenge is to lay the foundations for radically new future technologies of any kind with unexpected impact that aims to bring radical technological superiority over potential adversaries. This topic also encourages the driving role of new actors in defence research and innovation, including excellent researchers, ambitious high-tech SMEs and visionary research centres of big companies, universities or research and technology organisations.

Great-depth enabling technologies

Opened

Code: 35908 | Identifier Code: EDF-2025-LS-RA-DIS-GDET | Programme name: 3564 | Start submission calls: 18/02/2025 | End submission calls: 16/10/2025

Due to a growing number of sabotage acts on critical underwater infrastructure, SBW has gained a very high level of interest for many EU navies. It is therefore necessary to be able to counter the various threat types operating in deep waters up to 6000m in depth. An extensive and precise research activity, focused on “great-depth enabling technologies”, could represent an important intermediate step towards an optimised and more efficient future SBW. The results of the research activity could facilitate and speed up the design of new systems specifically conceived and optimised for the operation in the new operational scenarios. At the same time, these new great-depth technologies could facilitate the adaptation of current systems to new operational requirements.
Therefore the aim is to progress in undersea operations (e.g., SBW) in deep waters up to a depth of 6000m, with a concept phase to study and evaluate technologies suitable for platforms and payloads to allow unmanned underwater vehicles (UUV), detection systems, warning systems, communication systems, and weapon systems to perform deep water undersea missions (e.g., SBW missions), or even to be applied on fixed elements such as monitoring systems.

RFCS-2025-JT-Big Tickets for Coal

Opened

Code: 35906 | Identifier Code: RFCS-2025-JT | Programme name: 19762 | Start submission calls: 04/02/2025 | End submission calls: 06/05/2025

The RFCS Research Programme (Council Decision (EU) 2021/1094) has the following research objectives for the coal sector:

• supporting the just transition of the coal sector and regions;
• improving health and safety;
• minimising the environmental impacts of coal mines in transition.

The call objectives are:

• Repurposing of formerly operating coal and lignite mines or those in the process of closure and coal-related infrastructure including power supply services.
• Materials and waste reuse, and development of alternative materials, including recovery of critical raw materials.
• Land monitoring, modelling, stabilisation and/or restoration.
• Processing of methane emissions.
• Monitoring, management and/or treatment of mine water and water tables in coal mines in the process of closure and formerly operating mines.

RFCS-2025-CSP-Big Tickets for Steel

Opened

Code: 35904 | Identifier Code: RFCS-2025-CSP | Programme name: 19762 | Start submission calls: 04/02/2025 | End submission calls: 06/05/2025

The RFCS Research Programme has the following research objectives for the steel sector:

• new, sustainable and low-carbon steelmaking and finishing processes;
• advanced steel grades and applications;
• conservation of resources, protection of the environment and circular economy;
• management of work force and working conditions.

The call objectives are:

• Cross cutting issues: digitalisation, skills and social innovation in the steel sector.
• CO2 neutral iron ore reduction (Increasing the use of pre-reduced iron carriers).
• Technologies to improve energy efficiency, increase heat recovery and enhance process integration (PI) approaches in steel production.
• Advanced steel alloys for special applications.
• Circular economy and sector coupling solutions to meet the zero-waste goal for steelmaking.
• Carbon capture of steel CO/CO2 gases.

Annual operating grants to support EU-level Social NGO Networks

Closed

Code: 35902 | Identifier Code: ESF-2025-OG-NETW-NGO-SGA | Programme name: 20859 | Start submission calls: 05/02/2025 | End submission calls: 15/04/2025

It will thereby contribute to the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights and its Action Plan, ensuring just transitions, protecting livelihoods, boosting employment, reducing poverty and inequalities and creating opportunities for all. They particularly focus on principles aiming at ensuring access to adequate social protection throughout the life cycle and tackling barriers to social inclusion of certain particularly disadvantaged groups such as the inclusion of people with disabilities and housing and assistance for the homeless.

The expected results are:

• improved awareness about EU policies and funding among the network’s members;
• increased awareness of EU and national authorities about the needs and potential of organisations represented by the networks;
• increased capacity of the networks and their members to support policy making in their respective areas;
• enhanced research and availability of data about the fields in which the networks operate.

Framework partnership agreements and annual operating grants to support EU level Social NGO Networks

Closed

Code: 35889 | Identifier Code: ESF-2025-OG-NETW-NGO-FPA | Programme name: 20859 | Start submission calls: 05/02/2025 | End submission calls: 08/04/2025

Promote social inclusion and combating poverty by providing financial support to EU-level networks of civil society organisations active in this area at local, regional, national and transnational level. It will thereby contribute to the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights and its implementing documents, ensuring just transitions, protecting livelihoods, boosting employment, reducing poverty and inequalities and creating opportunities for all.

The expected results are:

• improved awareness about EU policies and funding among the network’s members;
• increased awareness of EU and national authorities about the needs and potential of organisations represented by the networks;
• increased capacity of the networks and their members to support policy making in their respective areas;
• enhanced research and availability of data about the fields in which the networks operate.

Innovative Deployable Antennas

Opened

Code: 35887 | Identifier Code: PPPA-2025-DEPLAN | Programme name: 2280 | Start submission calls: 04/02/2025 | End submission calls: 27/05/2025

Deployable antennas are a key element of satellites enabling them to receive and transmit data. They are relevant for all types of space applications such as navigation, Earth observation, science and defence. It is important to explore novel approaches that can reduce development, manufacturing, launch and deployment costs for such large antennas, as well as approaches that can allow in-orbit manufacturing, disassembly, re-use and recycling of parts from defunct satellites, overall contributing to a higher sustainability of space infrastructure. Emerging technologies and concepts linked to the deployment and assembly/disassembly of such structures in orbit, as well as the re-use of parts are key for the future.

EIT Culture & Creativity – Main Innovation Projects 2025

Closed

Code: 35885 | Identifier Code: EIT CC - BP2024-2025 | Programme name: 2939 | Sub-program: European Institute of Innovation & Technology (EIT) | Start submission calls: 11/02/2025 | End submission calls: 11/04/2025

The overall goal of the Innovation Programme is to develop a balanced portfolio of projects addressing key challenges in the EIT CC’s five priority areas: Fashion, Cultural Heritage, Architecture, Gaming and Audio-Visual Media.
The Regular Open Call for Main Innovation Projects supports one-year initiatives designed to advance technologies from TRL 6 to TRL 9, ensuring a smooth transition to market. Projects will focus on refining prototypes, branding, market research, and scaling distribution channels.

EIT Culture & Creativity – Short Innovation Projects – Segment 2: Collaborative projects

Closed

Code: 35882 | Identifier Code: EIT CC - BP2024-2025 | Programme name: 2939 | Sub-program: European Institute of Innovation & Technology (EIT) | Start submission calls: 11/02/2025 | End submission calls: 11/04/2025

The aim of the EIT Culture & Creativity’s 2025 Innovation Programme is to foster a balanced portfolio of projects that address key challenges in EIT Culture & Creativity’s five priority areas: Fashion, Cultural Heritage, Architecture, Gaming, and Audio-Visual Media.
This call will focus specifically on short innovation projects – projects with a duration of no more than 6 months – that can drive tangible, impactful results within a limited timeframe.