Chiplet for Defence Application

Opened

Code: 35923 | Identifier Code: EDF-2025-RA-MATCOMP-CDA-STEP | Programme name: 3564 | Start submission calls: 18/02/2025 | End submission calls: 16/10/2025

The objective is to explore the possibilities the chiplet technology in combination with heterogeneous packaging can add to systems used for defence applications. Combining e.g., chiplets made in different technologies (GaN, GaAs, Si etc) and with analogue, mixed analogue/digital and digital functions may lead to new capabilities in processing power and still achieve a reasonable cost level and power consumption. New and/or improved devices can be made by exploring chiplet technology in various fields of defence applications such as, but not limited to: radar systems, Electronic Warfare systems, communication systems, munition applications, signal processing applications.
This call topic contributes to the STEP objectives, as defined in STEP Regulation, in the target investment area of deep and digital technologies.

Autonomous triage and evacuation

Opened

Code: 35921 | Identifier Code: EDF-2025-RA-MCBRN-ATE | Programme name: 3564 | Start submission calls: 18/02/2025 | End submission calls: 16/10/2025

Large Scale Combat Operations (LSCO) between peer adversaries can result in mass casualty scenarios where the need for casualty care and evacuation dramatically outstrips available medical resources. Unmanned air, ground and sea vehicles could significantly improve evacuation capacity and enable rapid automated or fully autonomous battlefield triage, also under Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) conditions and in high intensity fighting areas, resulting in faster and more efficient care, increasing life and limb saving opportunities in the early stages of the evacuation chain. This call topic addresses the urgent need to develop and validate innovative Robotic and Autonomous System (RAS), i.e., autonomous and robotic-assisted capabilities that address the specific challenges of military battlefield triage and evacuation in mass casualty scenarios, including CBRN contamination and ongoing high intensity fighting spots with limited or no access of first responders.

Multifunctional Information Distribution System

Opened

Code: 35919 | Identifier Code: EDF-2025-RA-C4ISR-MIDS-STEP | Programme name: 3564 | Start submission calls: 18/02/2025 | End submission calls: 16/10/2025

The Multifunctional Information Distribution System (MIDS) is an indispensable C4ISR capability to facilitate international conflict prevention and crisis management in all phases of operations. EU Member States (MS) and EDF Associated Countries have already used various types of MIDS in recent operations to provide tactical Link interoperability between their major platforms (e.g., fighters, frigates, etc.).

The specific objective of this topic is to design, develop and build a demonstrator of a radiocommunication system that provides this critical defence capability to respond to future security challenges.

Propulsion system for next generation rotorcrafts

Opened

Code: 35916 | Identifier Code: EDF-2025-RA-ENERENV-PSR | Programme name: 3564 | Start submission calls: 18/02/2025 | End submission calls: 16/10/2025

The general objective of this call is to develop and mature the technologies required for a new state-of-the-art, breakthrough, affordable, efficient, and high-power (above 3000 shp / 2.237 kW) engine for future generation of EU military rotorcraft systems.

The objective of this research topic, is to better understand and analyse the future needs EU Members States and EDF Associated Countries and the transition to future rotorcraft features, concepts, and capabilities, and to derive specific design parameters for next generation propulsion systems. Conception and pre-design of an alternative propulsion system for rotorcraft platforms must be performed.

Live, Virtual, Constructive training interoperability – Joint operations and service-specific solutions

Opened

Code: 35914 | Identifier Code: EDF-2025-RA-SIMTRAIN-LVC-STEP | Programme name: 3564 | Start submission calls: 18/02/2025 | End submission calls: 16/10/2025

Live training is paramount to conduct realistic multi-domain operations (MDO) training in a multi-national context. Creating a realistic joint training environment is however challenging due to aspects such as limitations in access to training areas, the number of available real assets and the need to protect information regarding tactics and system capabilities.

Live, Virtual and Constructive (LVC) technology has a clear potential to be important to perform cost-efficient Multi Domain training by alleviating some of the above limitations. An integrated blend of real platforms (Live), simulators (Virtual) and computer-generated players and targets (Constructive) is developing rapidly. Various recent technologies such as modern communication systems, security solutions and eXtended Reality (XR) also show potential for further enhancing Live as well as Virtual solutions, facilitating flexible use of LVC for training participants. Using LVC in Multi Domain Education and Training reduces operational risks and enhances decision support.
A major challenge is to design and evaluate LVC-training to ascertain training value to both Live and Virtual participants.

Non-thematic research actions targeting disruptive technologies for defence

Opened

Code: 35910 | Identifier Code: EDF-2025-LS-RA-DIS-NT | Programme name: 3564 | Start submission calls: 18/02/2025 | End submission calls: 16/10/2025

The specific challenge is to lay the foundations for radically new future technologies of any kind with unexpected impact that aims to bring radical technological superiority over potential adversaries. This topic also encourages the driving role of new actors in defence research and innovation, including excellent researchers, ambitious high-tech SMEs and visionary research centres of big companies, universities or research and technology organisations.

Great-depth enabling technologies

Opened

Code: 35908 | Identifier Code: EDF-2025-LS-RA-DIS-GDET | Programme name: 3564 | Start submission calls: 18/02/2025 | End submission calls: 16/10/2025

Due to a growing number of sabotage acts on critical underwater infrastructure, SBW has gained a very high level of interest for many EU navies. It is therefore necessary to be able to counter the various threat types operating in deep waters up to 6000m in depth. An extensive and precise research activity, focused on “great-depth enabling technologies”, could represent an important intermediate step towards an optimised and more efficient future SBW. The results of the research activity could facilitate and speed up the design of new systems specifically conceived and optimised for the operation in the new operational scenarios. At the same time, these new great-depth technologies could facilitate the adaptation of current systems to new operational requirements.
Therefore the aim is to progress in undersea operations (e.g., SBW) in deep waters up to a depth of 6000m, with a concept phase to study and evaluate technologies suitable for platforms and payloads to allow unmanned underwater vehicles (UUV), detection systems, warning systems, communication systems, and weapon systems to perform deep water undersea missions (e.g., SBW missions), or even to be applied on fixed elements such as monitoring systems.

RFCS-2025-JT-Big Tickets for Coal

Opened

Code: 35906 | Identifier Code: RFCS-2025-JT | Programme name: 19762 | Start submission calls: 04/02/2025 | End submission calls: 06/05/2025

The RFCS Research Programme (Council Decision (EU) 2021/1094) has the following research objectives for the coal sector:

• supporting the just transition of the coal sector and regions;
• improving health and safety;
• minimising the environmental impacts of coal mines in transition.

The call objectives are:

• Repurposing of formerly operating coal and lignite mines or those in the process of closure and coal-related infrastructure including power supply services.
• Materials and waste reuse, and development of alternative materials, including recovery of critical raw materials.
• Land monitoring, modelling, stabilisation and/or restoration.
• Processing of methane emissions.
• Monitoring, management and/or treatment of mine water and water tables in coal mines in the process of closure and formerly operating mines.

RFCS-2025-CSP-Big Tickets for Steel

Opened

Code: 35904 | Identifier Code: RFCS-2025-CSP | Programme name: 19762 | Start submission calls: 04/02/2025 | End submission calls: 06/05/2025

The RFCS Research Programme has the following research objectives for the steel sector:

• new, sustainable and low-carbon steelmaking and finishing processes;
• advanced steel grades and applications;
• conservation of resources, protection of the environment and circular economy;
• management of work force and working conditions.

The call objectives are:

• Cross cutting issues: digitalisation, skills and social innovation in the steel sector.
• CO2 neutral iron ore reduction (Increasing the use of pre-reduced iron carriers).
• Technologies to improve energy efficiency, increase heat recovery and enhance process integration (PI) approaches in steel production.
• Advanced steel alloys for special applications.
• Circular economy and sector coupling solutions to meet the zero-waste goal for steelmaking.
• Carbon capture of steel CO/CO2 gases.

Annual operating grants to support EU-level Social NGO Networks

Opened

Code: 35902 | Identifier Code: ESF-2025-OG-NETW-NGO-SGA | Programme name: 20859 | Start submission calls: 05/02/2025 | End submission calls: 15/04/2025

It will thereby contribute to the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights and its Action Plan, ensuring just transitions, protecting livelihoods, boosting employment, reducing poverty and inequalities and creating opportunities for all. They particularly focus on principles aiming at ensuring access to adequate social protection throughout the life cycle and tackling barriers to social inclusion of certain particularly disadvantaged groups such as the inclusion of people with disabilities and housing and assistance for the homeless.

The expected results are:

• improved awareness about EU policies and funding among the network’s members;
• increased awareness of EU and national authorities about the needs and potential of organisations represented by the networks;
• increased capacity of the networks and their members to support policy making in their respective areas;
• enhanced research and availability of data about the fields in which the networks operate.

Framework partnership agreements and annual operating grants to support EU level Social NGO Networks

Opened

Code: 35889 | Identifier Code: ESF-2025-OG-NETW-NGO-FPA | Programme name: 20859 | Start submission calls: 05/02/2025 | End submission calls: 08/04/2025

Promote social inclusion and combating poverty by providing financial support to EU-level networks of civil society organisations active in this area at local, regional, national and transnational level. It will thereby contribute to the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights and its implementing documents, ensuring just transitions, protecting livelihoods, boosting employment, reducing poverty and inequalities and creating opportunities for all.

The expected results are:

• improved awareness about EU policies and funding among the network’s members;
• increased awareness of EU and national authorities about the needs and potential of organisations represented by the networks;
• increased capacity of the networks and their members to support policy making in their respective areas;
• enhanced research and availability of data about the fields in which the networks operate.

Innovative Deployable Antennas

Opened

Code: 35887 | Identifier Code: PPPA-2025-DEPLAN | Programme name: 2280 | Start submission calls: 04/02/2025 | End submission calls: 27/05/2025

Deployable antennas are a key element of satellites enabling them to receive and transmit data. They are relevant for all types of space applications such as navigation, Earth observation, science and defence. It is important to explore novel approaches that can reduce development, manufacturing, launch and deployment costs for such large antennas, as well as approaches that can allow in-orbit manufacturing, disassembly, re-use and recycling of parts from defunct satellites, overall contributing to a higher sustainability of space infrastructure. Emerging technologies and concepts linked to the deployment and assembly/disassembly of such structures in orbit, as well as the re-use of parts are key for the future.

EIT Culture & Creativity – Main Innovation Projects 2025

Opened

Code: 35885 | Identifier Code: EIT CC - BP2024-2025 | Programme name: 2939 | Sub-program: European Institute of Innovation & Technology (EIT) | Start submission calls: 11/02/2025 | End submission calls: 11/04/2025

The overall goal of the Innovation Programme is to develop a balanced portfolio of projects addressing key challenges in the EIT CC’s five priority areas: Fashion, Cultural Heritage, Architecture, Gaming and Audio-Visual Media.
The Regular Open Call for Main Innovation Projects supports one-year initiatives designed to advance technologies from TRL 6 to TRL 9, ensuring a smooth transition to market. Projects will focus on refining prototypes, branding, market research, and scaling distribution channels.

EIT Culture & Creativity – Short Innovation Projects – Segment 2: Collaborative projects

Opened

Code: 35882 | Identifier Code: EIT CC - BP2024-2025 | Programme name: 2939 | Sub-program: European Institute of Innovation & Technology (EIT) | Start submission calls: 11/02/2025 | End submission calls: 11/04/2025

The aim of the EIT Culture & Creativity’s 2025 Innovation Programme is to foster a balanced portfolio of projects that address key challenges in EIT Culture & Creativity’s five priority areas: Fashion, Cultural Heritage, Architecture, Gaming, and Audio-Visual Media.
This call will focus specifically on short innovation projects – projects with a duration of no more than 6 months – that can drive tangible, impactful results within a limited timeframe.

EIT Culture & Creativity – Education Call: Continuous Professional Development (CPD) Courses 2025

Opened

Code: 35880 | Identifier Code: EIT CC - BP2024-2025 | Programme name: 2939 | Sub-program: European Institute of Innovation & Technology (EIT) | Start submission calls: 11/02/2025 | End submission calls: 11/04/2025

The EIT Culture & Creativity Call for continuous professional development (CPD) courses 2025 emphasises the development of courses designed to equip students and professionals within the Cultural and Creative Sector Industries with vital skills in creativity, sustainability, digital technologies, entrepreneurship, and sectorspecific innovation.

PartArt4OW First Call

Opened

Code: 35878 | Identifier Code: PartArt4OW | Programme name: 20613 | Start submission calls: 03/02/2025 | End submission calls: 03/04/2025

The PartArt4OW Open Call is intended to support the implementation of participatory art initiatives (PAIs) addressing the following challenge: “Engage local communities for protecting and restoring marine and freshwater ecosystems and biodiversity”.

The overall goal of the supported PAI will be to:

• increase citizens’ ocean literacy;
• increase awareness on the challenges and pressures faced by the ocean and inland waters;
• mobilise citizens and stakeholders for the protection and restoration of oceans and inland waters.

NGI Zero Commons Fund (2025-04Z)

Opened

Code: 35875 | Identifier Code: NGI0 Commons Fund | Programme name: 20613 | Start submission calls: 01/02/2025 | End submission calls: 01/04/2025

The goal of this new fund is to help deliver, mature and scale new internet commons across the whole technology spectrum, from libre silicon to middleware, from P2P infrastructure to convenient end user applications.

PoliRuralPlus Mobilise Call

Opened

Code: 35862 | Identifier Code: PoliRuralPlus | Programme name: 20613 | Start submission calls: 31/01/2025 | End submission calls: 31/03/2025

The PoliRuralPlus project, under the Horizon Europe framework, extends an invitation to submit proposals that advance rural-urban interactions across the European Union. Within the PoliRuralPlus project, a series of four open calls are anticipated. The primary objective of these calls is to extend the impact of the PoliRuralPlus initiative in enhancing rural attractiveness, fostering rural-urban integration and leveraging technological innovations for sustainable rural development. The main objective of the Mobilise call is to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) for community-driven innovation focused on enhancing rural-urban interactions.

Full Scale Exercises

Opened

Code: 35859 | Identifier Code: UCPM-2025-KAPP-EX | Programme name: 2921 | Start submission calls: 04/02/2025 | End submission calls: 15/05/2025

The overall objective of the Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM) is to strengthen the cooperation among Member States in the field of civil protection to facilitate coordination to improve the effectiveness of system for preventing, preparing for, and responding to disasters. Any country in the world overwhelmed by a disaster can call on the UCPM for support. By pooling the civil protection capabilities of the Member States, the UCPM can ensure better protection primarily of people, but also of the natural and cultural environment and of property, thereby contributing to more resilient societies.

The overall objective is to improve civil protection preparedness and response to all kinds of disasters inside the Member States/Participating States of the Mechanism by providing a testing environment and a learning opportunity for all actors involved in civil protection assistance interventions: a full-scale exercise.

Prevention and Preparedness Projects

Opened

Code: 35849 | Identifier Code: UCPM-2025-KAPP-PVPP | Programme name: 2921 | Start submission calls: 04/02/2025 | End submission calls: 29/04/2025

The overall objective of the Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM) is to strengthen the cooperation among Member States in the field of civil protection to facilitate coordination to improve the effectiveness of system for preventing, preparing for, and responding to disasters. Any country in the world overwhelmed by a disaster can call on the UCPM for support. By pooling the civil protection capabilities of the Member States, the UCPM can ensure better protection primarily of people, but also of the natural and cultural environment and of property, thereby contributing to more resilient societies.

The general objective of the projects within the topic ”Prevention and Preparedness Projects” is to enhance collaboration and cooperation on these phases of the DRM cycle among Member States and between the UCPM and third countries. These projects should seek to strengthen efforts in preventing disasters while improving the overall preparedness of the UCPM, its stakeholders, and the wider population. Through initiatives that address both ongoing challenges and emerging systemic issues, these projects should aim to build resilience and foster a more coordinated response framework.