Development of innovative tools, processes, equipment and technologies through responses to disasters and emergencies for search and rescue in hazardous conditions

¿De qué trata esta convocatoria?

The topic funds tools, robots and equipment that make emergency medical response and search and rescue safer and more effective in hazardous disaster conditions. Projects are expected to reach technology readiness level 7-8.

¿Qué financia esta convocatoria?

Scope

The topic funds innovative tools, equipment and technologies that improve the capability of emergency responders in complex and hazardous disaster environments. Using smart protective equipment, robotics, autonomous systems, remote sensing, communication and human sensor technologies, it aims to improve emergency medical response and search and rescue, particularly in high-risk situations such as wildfires, earthquakes and large-scale trauma events.

What proposals should address

• Design, test and validate solutions able to perform critical tasks in disaster areas, in extreme conditions such as high temperatures, unstable terrain and low visibility, and beneficial to people regardless of age, gender or ability.
• Autonomous navigation, AI-driven decision making, real-time situational awareness and integration with existing command-and-control systems, with interoperability and data sharing between platforms, response teams and crisis management systems.
• Practical deployment and validation in field exercises and simulations of real disaster scenarios, using user-driven design that prioritises inclusivity and accessibility.
• A command-and-control solution that organises all activities for a swift, coordinated response, with a clear plan for uptake after the project.
• A stakeholder or market analysis and an uptake roadmap that takes into account the European Civil Protection Pool, its capacity gaps, the rescEU strategic reserve and the EU Stockpiling Strategy. Proposals may consider heavier assets such as flood containment and high-capacity pumping, transport or response aircraft, shelters, generators, ground firefighting vehicles and aerial firefighting helicopters.
• Ethical, legal and social implications of autonomous technologies, including data privacy, cybersecurity, protection of human and animal life, public acceptance and regulatory compliance.

Alignment with EU policy, in particular the Preparedness Union Strategy, is expected, and synergies with the Knowledge for Action in Prevention and Preparedness grants are recommended. Activities are expected to reach technology readiness level 7-8 by the end of the project.

Expected outcomes

Contributions to some or all of: new tools, processes, equipment and technologies for responders and for assets such as vehicles, aircraft and heavy equipment; autonomous drones, robotics and other technology for emergency medical response and search and rescue in hazardous conditions; greater response efficiency and safety for survivors and responders; and deployment that considers the needs of existing EU-level capacities, emergency reserves and stockpiling.

Further expectations

• Proposals should conduct a stakeholder or market analysis and a roadmap for uptake by industry, the research community and authorities.

¿Cuándo termina el plazo?

5 de noviembre de 2026

5 November 2026.