The European defence landscape is evolving rapidly, and innovation lies at its heart. The EU Defence Innovation Scheme (EUDIS), empowered by the European Defence Fund (EDF), is at the forefront of supporting groundbreaking solutions and fostering innovation in defence technologies across Europe.
Why EUDIS?
EUDIS is specifically designed for SMEs, start-ups, and other innovative entities eager to enter or grow within the defence industry. With a dedicated budget of EUR 336.6 million in 2025—representing a substantial 31% of the EDF’s annual budget—EUDIS offers a diverse range of opportunities tailored to your company’s needs.
How Can Your Company Benefit?
- Participate in European Hackathons: Starting Spring 2025, join teams from across Europe to showcase your innovative ideas and solutions at the EUDIS Defence Hackathon (9-11 May 2025), addressing critical defence needs, including those relevant to Ukraine.
- Matchmaking Services: Connect with a broad network of investors, defence end-users, and leading corporates, facilitating strategic partnerships and market entry.
- Engage in Technological Challenges: Gain invaluable experience through competitive testing environments where your solutions will be benchmarked against peers, fostering growth and collaboration.
- Access Cascade Funding through Innovation Test Hubs: Form consortia and leverage funding specifically aimed at empowering SMEs and start-ups.
- Spin-in Calls: Accelerate your innovation journey by transitioning technologies developed for civilian EU-funded projects into impactful defence applications.
- Defence Equity Facility (DEF): Connect with private equity investments specifically targeted at the European defence sector, simplifying your path to market maturity.
- Open SME and Disruptive Technology Calls: Benefit from lump-sum grants to propel your research and development initiatives forward.
- Expert Business Coaching: Up to 15 days of targeted business coaching from seasoned defence industry professionals available to EDF beneficiaries, helping you commercialize your innovations successfully.
- Accelerate Your Business: The EUDIS Business Accelerator provides focused support, funding opportunities, and vital networking with end-users, investors, and major corporations.
2025 Focus Areas
In 2025, EUDIS will spotlight:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI): Participate in specialized technological challenges designed to advance AI applications in defence.
- Civil-Defence Synergies: Opportunities in space technologies, energy resilience, ground combat innovations, and cybersecurity solutions.
- Support for Ukrainian Innovators: Ukrainian companies will be eligible for dedicated acceleration support, creating pathways for meaningful collaboration.
With a clear focus on disruptive innovation, 4% of EDF’s budget is dedicated explicitly to breakthrough technologies, while another 6% is directed toward innovative, non-thematic solutions, strongly emphasizing SMEs.
Get Involved Now
EUDIS represents an unprecedented opportunity to advance your innovations, scale your business, and contribute to Europe’s defence capabilities. With significant funding, dedicated support mechanisms, and access to high-value networks, your pathway to success in the European defence sector has never been clearer.
Seize the opportunity today and discover how EUDIS can propel your company to new heights.
Ready to innovate and lead?
Contact EUDIS today and secure your role in shaping Europe’s defence innovation future.