EU research and innovation funding expands to defence and dual-use technologies
The Commission has expanded the scope of EU research and innovation funding to include defence and dual-use technologies, following the adoption of an amendment to the European Innovation Council (EIC) Work Programme 2026. The change, introduced as part of the Defence Mini-Omnibus package, enables start-ups and SMEs developing technologies with both civilian and defence applications, such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, advanced materials and robotics, to access grants of up to EUR 2.5 million and equity investments of up to EUR 30 million through the EIC Accelerator and STEP Scale Up programmes.
In parallel, the Commission has launched a new EUR 100 million EIC STEP Defence Scale Up call, providing direct equity financing of up to EUR 30 million for companies developing critical defence technologies, including air and missile defence systems, drones and counter-drone capabilities. The initiative marks the first time an EU funding programme will make direct equity investments in defence companies and reflects the EU’s broader objective of strengthening its defence industrial base, technological leadership and strategic autonomy.
For more information, see the Commission’s PR.