Open Call Analysis: ECDI Civil Drones Innovative Programme

Secure one of the 25 available places for SMEs, selected across the two cut-off periods of the ECDI Civil Drones Innovative Programme.

The ECDI Civil Drones Innovative Programme Open Call is a European funding and support opportunity aimed at manufacturing SMEs operating in the civil drone sector. Launched under the European Cluster for Drone Innovation (ECDI) project and co-funded by the European Union, the call not only supports companies developing innovative drone products with dual use potential but also contributes to the digital and green transition.

Selected SMEs will receive up to €50,000 in equity-free funding, combined with tailored mentoring, technical and business services, and access to a European innovation ecosystem. The Open Call is organised in two dates, with applications opening on 15 January 2026 and closing on 16 March 2026 and 15 June 2026.

As the first Open Call of the ECDI Civil Drones Innovative Programme, this initiative offers a unique opportunity to be among the very first SMEs shaping its success. While no beneficiaries can yet be highlighted, selected companies will gain early access to funding, expert support and visibility within a growing European drone innovation ecosystem.

Be a pioneer. Join the first cohort of ECDI innovators!

About the ECDI Civil Drones Innovative Programme

The ECDI Civil Drones Innovative Programme is a structured acceleration and funding programme designed to support EU and COSME-country drone manufacturing SMEs in upgrading their technologies and business models towards dual-use applications.

The programme is implemented within the European Cluster for Drone Innovation (ECDI), a Euroclusters project funded by the European Commission. It aims to strengthen the European drone ecosystem by empowering SMEs address civil, environmental, security and defence-related needs, while integrating both digitalisation and sustainability practices.

Each selected SME will implement an Innovation Plan over a six-month programme duration, supported by:

Individual assessments and tailored roadmaps
Continuous mentorship
Technical, regulatory, business and testing services
Training and internationalisation support.

Why Apply to the ECDI Civil Drones Innovative Programme?

This Open Call offers a comprehensive combination of SME-scaling measures bridging financial support and additional specialised services, including:

Up to €50,000 in equity-free funding per SME;
Funding covering maximum 80% of eligible costs, with a minimum 20% co-financing from the SME;
One-to-one mentorship throughout the programme;
Tailored technical, regulatory, business and market services;
Access to training activities, workshops and webinars;
Opportunity to join the Innovation Drone Alliance (IDA);
Support for internationalisation, digital transition and green transition.

Such broadly integrated approach allows SMEs to accelerate product development while reducing technological and market risks.

Who Can Apply?

Open Call targets manufacturing SMEs operating in the drone sector that meet all of the following conditions:

Qualify as an SME according to EU rules (Recommendation 2003/361/EC);
Be independent or compliant with EU definitions of partner or linked enterprises;
Employ fewer than 250 persons, with:

Annual turnover ≤ €50 million, or
Annual balance sheet total ≤ €43 million;

Have at least one drone product at TRL 6 or higher;
Commit to upgrading the product’s TRL by at least one level during the programme;
Are established and operating in:

An EU Member State, or
A COSME / Single Market Programme associated country

IMPORTANT: The call is not open to service providers, non-manufacturing companies, or SMEs without an eligible product.

No consortium applications allowed, only such submitted via single legal entities – SMEs.

How to Apply?

Applications must be submitted online via the Wiin.io platform. The process is fully digital and applications submitted by other means will not be accepted.

Candidates must complete the online application form in English and upload all required documents. Only one application per SME per cut-off date is allowed.

Important Dates

Open Call Opening: 15 January 2026

1st Cut-off Deadline: 16 March 2026, 17:00 CET

2nd Cut-off Deadline: 15 June 2026, 17:00 CET

Remote Interviews / Clarifications: If required, during the evaluation phase

Acceleration Programme Duration: 6 months per selected SME

Proposal Requirements for the ECDI Civil Drones Innovative Programme

Applicants must submit the following set of documents and specifications via the online platform:

Completed online application form
Explicit rational of the innovation and dual-use potential
Innovation Plan outlining activities and objectives
Requested funding amount and indicative budget
Proof of SME status
Ethics Questionnaire (Annex 1)
Declaration of Honour (Annex 2)

All documents must be submitted electronically, in the formats specified on the platform.

Evaluation & Selection Process

All applications are evaluated in a transparent, competitive process after each cut-off date.

Evaluation criteria include:

Innovation and technical maturity (30 Points)
Feasibility of the Innovation Plan (30 Points)
Expected impact, including market, societal and strategic relevance (40 Points)

Each proposal is scored out of 100 points, with a minimum threshold of 50/100 required for selection. Applications are ranked based on total score, with priority given to feasibility and impact in case of ties.

IMPORTANT: A reserve list will be established for eligible proposals not selected due to budget limits.

Potential follow-up financial reward of candidates on Reserve list:

The SME that will wait, in case selected SMEs do not provide contractual data and might be proposed funding in such case;
If the SME is applying before the 1st cut-off date it will be automatically reintegrated in the evaluations of the 2nd cut-off date and might be selected after the 2nd cut-off date.

Additional Support Beyond Funding

Beyond direct funding, selected SMEs benefit from:

Individual assessments and customised roadmaps
Continuous mentor support
Access to consortium experts in technology, regulation and business
Training sessions and peer learning
Networking within the European drone ecosystem
Potential participation in the Innovation Drone Alliance.

Are you ready to unlock this incredible opportunity for your organization?

Final Thoughts

The ECDI Civil Drones Innovative Programme is a unique opportunity for European drone manufacturing SMEs ready to accelerate innovation, unlock dual-use market potential and strengthen their competitive position at European level.

By combining equity-free funding, hands-on expert mentoring and privileged access to a pan-European drone innovation network, the programme delivers both immediate financial support and long-term strategic value. Ambitious SMEs are encouraged to take part in the information activities and apply before the relevant cut-off deadline to secure their place among the programme’s pioneers.