EIC opens doors to dual-use innovations and launches new defence call

EIC dual-use funding: Accelerator now open to dual-use innovations

One of the most significant changes is the expansion of the EIC Accelerator. While this funding instrument was previously only open to innovations with civilian applications, companies developing dual-use technologies can now also apply. This includes innovations that can be used for both commercial and defence purposes.

Example in practice

A startup develops an AI-powered drone system for inspecting wind farms and high-voltage power lines. The same technology can also be used for military reconnaissance missions or border surveillance. Under the amended rules, this company can now apply for funding through the EIC Accelerator.

STEP Scale Up also supports dual-use scale-ups

The EIC STEP Scale Up has also been amended. This instrument supports innovative companies that have moved beyond the startup phase and are looking for capital to scale internationally. The EIC can provide equity investments of between €10 million and €30 million, helping to accelerate large private investment rounds.

Opening the scheme to dual-use companies creates new opportunities for scale-ups operating in strategic technology areas such as AI, quantum technologies, semiconductors, cybersecurity and space.

Example in practice

A scale-up produces advanced chips for quantum computers. The technology is used in healthcare and scientific research but can also be applied to secure military communications. Thanks to the expanded eligibility criteria, the company can now apply for STEP Scale Up funding to expand its production capacity in Europe.

New €100 million Defence Scale Up call

In addition to expanding the existing instruments, the EIC is introducing an entirely new funding opportunity: the EIC STEP Defence Scale Up call, with a budget of €100 million.

The call targets companies developing defence technologies and supports the scaling up of strategic innovations in areas including drones, counter-drone solutions, air and missile defence, autonomous systems and other critical defence technologies. The EIC can provide direct equity investments of up to €30 million.

Example in practice

A company develops an autonomous system that detects and neutralises hostile drones to protect military installations. Because the technology has been developed exclusively for defence applications, it does not fall within the dual-use framework, but it is eligible under the new Defence Scale Up call.

What does this mean for innovative companies?

With these changes, the European Commission recognises that many breakthrough technologies can no longer be classified as exclusively civilian or military, but increasingly combine both types of application. The EIC programme is therefore becoming better aligned with the reality of innovative companies working on strategic technologies.

For Dutch and European companies, the expansion of EIC dual-use funding creates new opportunities. Organisations active in areas such as artificial intelligence, drones, robotics, cybersecurity, quantum technologies, space, advanced materials or semiconductors should assess whether their innovations may qualify for EIC funding under the expanded eligibility criteria.

Want to know if your innovation is eligible?

The amended rules create opportunities for companies that previously fell outside the EIC’s target group. While the expansion will undoubtedly encourage more innovative startups and SMEs to explore their chances under the EIC Accelerator, it remains a highly competitive funding scheme in which only the strongest proposals have a realistic chance of success.

PNO Innovation’s specialists are happy to put their extensive experience in this field to work and help you develop a strong, competitive application. Want to learn more? Contact us using the form below or call us on +31 (0)88 838 13 81.