ECDI- Civil drones innovative programme
Funding opportunity for EU drone manufacturing SMEs developing dual-use technologies with a focus on green and digital transition.
Type of projects to be funded: Development and maturation of dual-use drone technologies (civil and defence/security-related). Projects must aim to increase the TRL (Technology Readiness Level) of at least one drone product from TRL 6 or higher by at least one level. Market access-only projects are not eligible.
Sectors / domain: Drone manufacturing sector, specifically SMEs involved in civil drone technologies with dual-use potential.
Individual or consortium: Only individual applications from SMEs are eligible. Consortiums are not foreseen under this call.
Specific eligibility requirements:
Eligible applicants must:
Be manufacturing SMEs established in EU Member States or countries in the EU Single Market Programme/COSME Strand.
Comply with EU SME definitions (Recommendation 2003/361/EC).
Possess at least one drone product at TRL 6 or above and commit to advancing it by at least one TRL level.
Provide at least 20% co-financing from private sources (not in-kind).
Not be bankrupt, under liquidation, or convicted of fraud or misconduct.
At least 10% of selected SMEs must come from countries not represented in the ECDI consortium (France, Spain, Poland, Ukraine).
Specific topics or challenges: The call targets dual-use innovation — drone technologies applicable to both civil and security/defence markets — and must support the green and digital (twin) transitions.
Projects duration: 6 months
Budget, funding rates and payment conditions:
Funding rate: 80%
Budget conditions / limitations: Up to €50,000 per SME (equity-free), with mandatory 20% co-financing by the SME. Travel costs related to internationalisation are capped at €5,000. Subcontracting is capped at 10% of project budget.
Payments:
40% pre-financing upon contract signature
30% midterm payment after approval of mid-term report (Month 4)
30% final payment after acceptance of final report (submitted by Month 7)
Links
Closes
16/03/2026
Max funding per project
50.000€