SAFRAN S.A. is an international aerospace technology group based in Paris and has initiated the Safran Explore Smart Material program.
The aim of the initiative is to promote the international networking of the technology group with innovative start-ups and small and medium-sized enterprises in the field of smart materials.
This challenge will be disseminated throughout Europe via the Enterprise Europe Network and other partners. The aim of the program is to initiate proof-of-concept projects that can serve as an entry point for long-term collaboration and transfer into concrete use cases.
The most important facts about the format "in a nutshell"
- Goal: Identification of innovative solutions
- Target group: SMEs, start-ups from Europe
- Application directly via the Safran platform
- Evaluation by Safran experts including individual feedback
- Invitation to the SAFRAN Explore Days on December 2 and 3, 2026 in Paris
- Top 20 companies are selected for pitches
- Selection of 5-10 "Laureates" for in-depth collaboration
What exactly is it about?
SAFRAN S.A. is currently looking for validated technological solutions with a maturity level of at least TRL 3 in the following areas
- Intelligent materials - multifunctionality, performance and sustainability
Goal: Research and development of advanced, multifunctional and sustainable materials to meet the extreme requirements of aerospace and industrial applications.
- Intelligence for materials and processes - towards advanced design and testing
Goal: Unlocking the potential of artificial intelligence in the selection, design and testing of tomorrow's material solutions.
- Advanced solution for electrical systems in extreme environments
Goal: Development of innovative material systems and manufacturing approaches to realize high-performance, PFAS-free, multifunctional solutions for electrical applications with high temperatures, high voltages and magnetic fields.
- Circular economy and recycling - closing the loop for critical materials
Objective: Development of economically viable solutions for the circular economy, recycling and recovery of critical and strategic materials.
- Testing, maintenance and reliability - ensuring material performance
Objective: To develop innovative testing methods to ensure the quality, reliability and maintenance of complex materials and components.
These areas are divided into a total of 48 specific sub-topics.
The program and the technical challenges will be presented in live webinars. There will also be an opportunity to ask questions and receive advice on how to apply. There are several dates to choose from:
May 21, 2026 - 10:00 a.m. CET
May 26, 2026 - 9:00 a.m. CET
May 26, 2026 - 17:00 CET
June 3, 2026 - 12:00 CET
Application procedure and information
The online application is open until June 5, 2026 and can only be submitted via the following website. SAFRAN EXPLORE
Start-ups as well as small and medium-sized enterprises are eligible to participate. Large companies, research institutions and pure dealers are excluded from participation.
Please inform us in any case if you are planning to apply. The Enterprise Europe Network is an integral part of the initiative, and applications initiated through our involvement (promotion, direct approach) must be marked as such.
