Startups and small businesses are eligible to apply. 

The European Defence Fund (EDF) is calling on small companies to get involved in its ‘MaJoR’ programme, which focuses on modernising defence systems and improving the durability of future platforms. 

While MaJoR is not new, the project is now drawing on cascade funding – also known as ‘Financial Support to Third Parties’ – to attract smaller players and their innovative technologies and expertise, according to the EDF on 28 January.  

The first ‘sub-call’ of cascade funding under this project is available until 25 March, with up to 30 innovators sought, acting as “technological solution providers” to address specific innovation challenges across the three domains.   

Each successful company will receive a sum of EUR60,000 in non-dilutive funding, with a total of EUR1.8 million budgeted covering five areas of interest. 

These include: 

• Hybrid structures for defence platforms 

• Innovative joining technologies and processes 

• Structural health monitoring, health, and usage monitoring systems 

• Non-destructive testing for bonded joints 

• Digitalisation, AI, and decision support tools 

Besides funding, successful applicants will be invited to participate in a six-month business development support programme, the EDF continues. 

This is thought to be key to helping companies acclimatise to the sector’s unique demands. 

The authority says that the cascade funding approach streamlines the funding application process for small companies, improving their access to EDF funds. 

It also says that these companies will be able to benefit from the expertise of wider industry stakeholders. 

Startup or small companies, including newcomers to defence, are eligible to apply, provided they are established in the EU, Norway, or Ukraine. The EDF particularly encourages Ukrainian companies to apply. 

Successful applicants will need to provide a sample of their technology and prepare to develop their solutions further.