European Cluster for Drone Innovation - Innovative program for civilian drones

05.02.2026

The "European Cluster for Drone Innovation" is a European project to accelerate innovation in the field of drone development. The project has recently launched a funding program to support the development of innovative technologies for civil and dual-use drones.

The funding program supports SMEs in the technological development of their solutions, the better structuring of their innovation strategy and their access to civil and defense-related markets. It offers the following services:

• Individual support (mentoring, customized services and training)
• Financial support of up to 50,000 euros and
• Access to a European ecosystem of experts and partners

Selected SMEs implement an innovation plan.

Applications are open to small and medium-sized manufacturing companies that are active in the drone sector and want to improve their products technologically and develop or expand dual-use applications. There are two submission deadlines: 16 March and 15 June 2026. A total of 25 SMEs will be supported in this program.

Further information on the program

You can read all the details about the program here.

If you have any questions or need support, please contact the SME advisory service of our partner Bavarian Research Alliance Natalia Garcia Mozo