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The Enterprise Europe Network informs:
19.01.2026
The Innovative Program for Civil Drones is a European initiative that supports SMEs in the development of innovative technologies for civil and dual-use drones and is implemented within the European Cluster for Drone Innovation (ECDI) project. The program was opened on January 15, 2026 and has a budget of €1.25 million with a duration of six months.
The program aims to support SMEs in
- the technological maturation of their drone solutions
- the structuring of their innovation strategy and
- access to civil and defense-related markets.
Support offered
Selected SMEs benefit from:
- Individual assessment and roadmap definition
- Mentoring throughout the program
- Tailored technical, regulatory, business and testing services
- Access to training and internationalization support
- Opportunity to participate in the Innovation Drone Alliance
- Equity-free funding of up to €50,000, linked to the innovation plan
Some activities are mandatory, while others are optional depending on the needs of the subject matter expert. Each selected SME will implement an innovation plan that will serve as the main reference for participation in the program.
Practical information - deadlines
Applicants must be manufacturing SMEs that are active in the drone sector and wish to develop their product technologically and develop or strengthen dual-use applications. Applications that focus solely on market access without product development are not eligible. Service providers, non-manufacturing companies or SMEs without a suitable product (under TRL 6) are not eligible.
The deadlines for the calls are March 16, 2026 and June 15, 2026 respectively
Further, more detailed information and eligibility requirements are described in detail in the Funding & Tenders portal .
Source: European Commission