Funding call · EDF · EU
EDF 2026 — Research Actions (EDF-2026-RA): all topics
European Commission — DG DEFIS · published 11 Feb 2026 · ✓ analyst reviewed · Source ↗
Deadline29 Sep 2026 43 days left
Budget / value€329.0m
Statusopen
Funding rateUp to 100% of eligible costs for research actions
Consortiumrequired
Why it matters
Research actions are 100% funded and the SME/disruptive tracks are the realistic entry point for start-ups without a prime sponsor — but with 6 weeks left, only teams with a draft proposal should still be building consortia.
Summary
~€329m for research actions in the 2026 EDF cycle: disruptive technologies (~€60m), AI, quantum sensing/communications, cognitive EW, advanced materials and components, medical/CBRN, plus the non-thematic SME/EUDIS call (~€35m, up to 7 awards of ≤€5m). Deadline 29 September 2026, 17:00 Brussels time.
Eligibility
Consortia of ≥3 entities from ≥3 EU Member States/Norway (same EDF eligibility rules as DA); research actions can be led by research organisations.
Related
Context
CH federal
· Switzerland
Signals Swiss intent to integrate external air picture feeds, which downstream implies procurement of data links, fusion and C2/air-surveillance interfaces at VBS/armasuisse. Relevant to sensor-fusion, air C2 software and secure data-link suppliers with Swiss presence or Swiss partners. Do: Track VBS/armasuisse air-defence C2 and sensor-fusion programmes on simap.ch and position early with Swiss integrators on interoperable air-picture data-link and fusion capability.
Funding call
UKDI
· UK
· deadline 17 Sep 2026 (31d)
· €702k
Dstl is seeding low-TRL autonomy ideas with small, fast contracts and a signalled £600k Phase 2 follow-on, a low-barrier entry point into UK MOD autonomy work. Relevant to autonomy/robotics research teams and university-linked startups; note Stage 1 has already closed, so only invited applicants can now submit. Do: If invited at Stage 1, submit your Stage 2 proposal via the UKDI Online Submission Service before midday 17 September 2026; otherwise watch for the Phase 2 competition and the Dstl Autonomy Programme Incubator's next call.
Context
UKDI
· UK
· deadline 27 Aug 2026 (10d)
UKDI is the main low-barrier UK entry point for single-company defence innovation funding, and the Defence-side route is being rebuilt after the Defence Investment Plan — meaning the Security Open Call is currently the only broad open door. Relevant to autonomy, space, sensing and security-tech scale-ups and SMEs able to bid alone without a consortium. Do: Submit to the Security Open Call 2026 Cycle 1 by 27 August 2026 or Innovation Support to Operations Cycle 8 by 22 September 2026 via the UKDI portal, and email accelerator@dstl.gov.uk for scope clarification; contact the UKDI Help Centre about Defence Innovation Loans while cycles are paused.
Context
UKDI
· UK
It shows UKDI's Security Open Call as a 100%-funded, non-dilutive entry route that led to a first commercial contract and prime introductions for a software SME. Relevant to computer-vision, C-UAS and autonomy software startups looking for a UK public-sector reference customer. Do: If you build edge AI, C-UAS or autonomy software, watch for the next UKDI Security Open Call cycle on gov.uk and frame your proposal around a named end-user problem (policing, Dstl, Royal Navy) as Vizgard did.
Award
· Netherlands
· €3.0m
A direct, urgency-justified award shows the Dutch MoD buying Anduril C2 hardware through a Dutch reseller/integrator rather than a traditional prime — Surcom International is the visible channel partner. Relevant to C2/tactical comms integrators and resellers wanting to be the Dutch conduit for US autonomy and C2 product lines. Do: Approach Surcom International B.V. and the Dutch MoD (DMO) as an integration/support partner for Anduril Voyager-based C2 deployments, and register in the Dutch TenderNed/DMO supplier base for follow-on sustainment lots.
Tender
· Germany
· deadline 01 Sep 2026 (15d)
Beschaffung von cUAS-Detektionssystemen für vier Flughäfen inkl. folgender Leistungen: - IKT Hardware - Transport, Aufbau und Inbetriebnahme - Schulung Passive RF-Drohnendetektionssysteme für Flughäfen inkl. C2-System un…
Source: https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/calls-for-proposals?callIdentifier=EDF-2026-RA — summarised by Rearm Radar; verify details at source before bidding. Enrichment: analyst (confidence 95%).