Accelerating uptake through open proposals for advanced SME innovation

What is this call about?

The topic funds innovation projects that help SMEs and start-ups bring mature civil security technologies closer to market. It targets SMEs and start-ups working with security end-users and research or industrial partners.

What does this call fund?

Scope

The topic offers a collaborative setting in which small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and start-ups can tailor mature security technologies to the needs of civil security end-users. Projects address one of four areas: fighting crime and terrorism (Option A), disaster-resilient society (Option B), resilient infrastructure (Option C) or border management (Option D).

Principles for proposals

• Focus on mature technological solutions addressing EU security policy priorities.
• Collaboration between SMEs from different Member States and Associated Countries.
• Security end-users act as validators and potential first adopters.
• Collaboration with research and technology organisations or large industrial players to support technology transfer and new business models. Research organisations should support the SMEs rather than develop their own technology.

Example activities

Assessing market requirements, accessing additional funding, approaching public buyers, analysing competition, innovation management, intellectual property management and planning expansion to new markets. Examples of technology domains include mobile forensics, deepfake detection, satellite data for disaster prevention, physical access control, border checks and detection of dangerous or illicit goods in customs.

Expected outcomes

• A mature technological solution addressing EU security policy priorities.
• Sustained collaboration between SMEs, public research partners and academia.
• Easier access to finance and new international markets for innovative SMEs.

Technology readiness

Activities are expected to reach TRL 6-8 by the end of the project, which should last at most 2 years.

What are proposals expected to do?

• It is encouraged that an SME acts as coordinator; if the coordinator is not an SME, this should be justified. A midcap included in the proposal could also coordinate.

When is the deadline?

4 November 2027 (364 days)

4 November 2027 (single-stage submission).