European Commission Launches First Call to Accelerate European Defence Innovation and Matchmaking

The European Commission has launched the first open calls for two ambitious initiative  to support European startups, scaleups, SMEs and small mid-caps - the European Defence Innovation Scheme (EUDIS) Business Accelerator and Matchmaking.

The European Commission has launched the first open calls for two ambitious initiative  to support European startups, scaleups, SMEs and small mid-caps - the
European Defence Innovation Scheme
(EUDIS)
Business Accelerator and Matchmaking.
Two complementary initiatives designed to strengthen Europe’s defence innovation ecosystem.
The
EUDIS Business Accelerator
will offer tailored support to European start-ups & scale-ups over an 8-month programme featuring
six dedicated bootcamps
across defence industrial ecosystems in Europe. The companies will gain valuable insights into defence end-users' needs and strengthen their business development and go-to-market strategies. They will receive get dedicated
training and coaching
by industry experts, exclusive
networking opportunities
, engagement with investors and defence stakeholders. Selected companies will receive a
€65,000 seed-financing voucher
.
Applications are now open until April 27th
. In addition to inviting defence startups and scale-ups from EU and Norway, we are also encouraging key stakeholders from the European defence ecosystem to apply as coaches and trainers to support the companies.
The
EUDIS Matchmaking
will offer a unique opportunity for start-ups, SMEs, small mid-caps, investors, defence end-users and corporates to
connect, collaborate, and drive innovation
in the defence sector. This targeted initiative is aimed to support defence innovators that are either already operating in the defence sector or developing civilian applications with potential defence use cases. Through tailored matchmaking opportunities, participants will gain enhanced access to capital, accelerate their market entry and growth, and foster strategic partnerships. The initiative will feature
four onsite and three online Matchmaking events, as well as community building activities.
Participants will be assigned with a dedicated
community manager
who will provide personalised support, facilitate tailored networking opportunities, and offer strategic guidance to ensure maximum benefit from the programme. The call will be open on a continue basis, but we encourage early applications to maximise the opportunities offered by the programme.
Interested companies and defence stakeholders can apply and find more information about the open call at
EUDIS
website or the dedicated websites -
EUDIS Business Accelerator Website
and
EUDIS Matchmaking Website
.
"Defence is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by emerging technologies and the rise of new players. To support this shift, we are launching the EUDIS Business Accelerator programme and EUDIS Matchmaking. The Business Accelerator will equip start-ups and scale-ups with the skills, expertise, and connections to defence. Matchmaking will bring together the European defence innovation ecosystem, facilitating access to capital for defence technology founders and fostering partnerships. Our goal is clear: making Europe a powerhouse for defence innovation and a driver of talent and investment.”
- Timo Pesonen, Director-General of DG Defence Industry and Space, European Commission
Publication date
17 March 2025
Author
Directorate-General for Defence Industry and Space