ECDI Dual-Use Drones Innovative Programme
ECDI Dual-Use Drones Innovative Programme
European Cluster for Drone Innovation (ECDI) is a project funded by the European Commission under the Euroclusters Programme. It supports innovative EU SMEs operating in the drone ecosystem in their transition towards Dual-use products and business models, as well as in their digital and green (twin) transition. To achieve these objectives, the ECDI consortium launches its second Open Call, “Dual-Use Drones Innovative Programme”, targeting Dual-use drone manufacturing SMEs. The Open Call is a competitive selection process granting access to a structured Programme combining tailored services and direct financial support. The Programme is designed to help SMEs that already belong to the Dual-use market to develop drone projects that adapt their business models, processes and products to address civil, digital, social and environmental needs.
Entité de financement
Commission Européenne - Single Market Programme (Euroclusters)Clôture de l'appel
30 septembre 2026Zone géographique
eur
Objectif
During the six-month Programme, selected SMEs are expected to actively implement the Innovation Plan submitted during the application phase. Beneficiaries will work towards advancing
their product to the next Technology Readiness Level (TRL), participate in the mandatory assessment, mentoring and training activities, engage with the tailored support services provided by the consortium, and contribute to the Programme's digital and green transition objectives.
SMEs are also expected to monitor progress against their Innovation Plan and submit mid-term and final reports describing the activities carried out, results achieved and use of the financial support received. Progress towards the targeted TRL advancement will be monitored through mentoring activities and assessed through the reporting process.
Critères d'éligibilité
Eligible applicants must be manufacturing SMEs operating in the drone sector that seek to upgrade their product technologically and to develop or strengthen Dual-use applications.
They need to meet all of the following conditions:
• Be an SME according to EU rules (Recommendation 2003/361/EC1), which means:
o Be independent or compliant with EU definitions of autonomous partner or linked enterprises.
o Employ fewer than 250 persons and
o have an annual turnover ≤ €50 million, or an annual balance sheet total ≤ €43 million.
• Have at least one drone product at TRL 6 or higher and commit to upgrading the TRL by at least one level during participation in the Programme (a proof of TRL will be required
during the application process).
• Be legal entities established and operating in:
o An EU Member State, or
o A country participating in the EU Single Market Programme/COSME Strand
Technologies clés
Dual-use drones applications
Typologie de consortium
Selected SMEs will receive a combination of services and direct funding, including:
• Individual assessment and roadmap definition.
• Mentorship throughout the Programme.
• Tailored technical, regulatory, business and testing services as explained.
• Access to training and internationalisation support.
• Possibility to participate in the Innovation Drone Alliance.
• Equity-free funding of up to €35,000 per SME.
Minimum 20 % of the costs of the innovation plan will be supported by the manufacturing SME, which corresponds to €8 750 if an SME requests the full grant of €35 000.
o If an SME requests the maximum grant amount of €35,000, the total Innovation Plan budget must be at least €43,750. In this case:
ECDI contribution: €35,000 (80%)
SME own financial contribution: €8,750 (20%)