Unterstützende Maßnahme für die Cybersicherheit

For whom ?

Micro, small and medium-sized enterprises that have a place of business in the Brussels-Capital Region, that are active in certain sectors of activity, and whose project corresponds to the conditions of the services.

For what ?

Among the 12 areas to be covered by the consultancy assignment : digitalisation, IT security (except for missions related to the development of a website or an e-commerce platform)

With what benefits ?

Rate of the bonus :         

• 40% of the amount of the external consultancy assignment (according to criteria)
• 50% of the amount (according to criteria)
• 60% of the amount (according to criteria)

Maximum Consultancy Grant : €10,000 per calendar year.

Minimum intervention per application/mission : € 500.

Maximum number of grants : 5 missions subsidized per calendar year.

Find all useful information on the website of the Brussels Regional Public Service BRUSSELS ECONOMY AND EMPLOYMENT.

For whom ?

Micro, small and medium-sized enterprises that have a place of business in the Brussels-Capital Region, that are active in certain sectors of activity, and whose project corresponds to the conditions of the services.

For what ?

The consultancy assignment must in particular :

Concern :

• the creation or redesign of a website or e-commerce platform,
• the launch, positioning or repositioning of your online sales or
• an audit and/or optimisation of your website or e-commerce platform.
• Outsourcing to develop or optimise a website or e-commerce platform must be exceptional and aimed at solving a one-off problem. It must concern a non-permanent and non-regular activity of the company. In concrete terms, if the company sells via the Internet (VAT code 47.910), it cannot benefit from this premium.

Last for less than 6 months.

With what benefits ?

Rate of the bonus :         

• 40% of the amount of the external consultancy assignment (according to criteria)
• 50% of the amount (according to criteria)
• 60% of the amount (according to criteria)

Maximum Consultancy Grant : €5,000 per calendar year.

Minimum intervention per application/mission : € 500.

Maximum number of grants : 1 mission subsidized per calendar year.

Find all useful information on the website of the Brussels Regional Public Service BRUSSELS ECONOMY AND EMPLOYMENT.

For whom ?

Companies that meet the following conditions:

• Micro, small or medium-sized enterprises
• Active in certain sectors of activity
• A place of business is located in the Brussels-Capital Region

For what ?

You may be eligible for a grant to cover part of the costs of training for any member of staff in your company, with the exception of temporary workers and students.

This training must :

• aim to improve the operation or economic development of your company
• last a maximum of 6 months
• be of an exceptional or urgent nature.

Excluded are :

• training that relates to day-to-day, routine or recurrent management.
• training that relates to an investment.
• training relating to medical practices.
• training undertaken in order to comply with training obligations.
• conferences and seminars.

The trainer must :

• have as their main activity the provision of training, as referred to in NACE code 85.
• have been working as a trainer for at least 2 years.
• be independent of the company.
• not have provided subsidised training for your company in the last two years.

With what benefits ?

Premium rate on tuition fees and fees for written learning materials :  

• Training in languages, management, marketing, technical, legal, etc. :
  • 40% (according to criteria).
  • 50% (according to criteria).
  • 60% (according to criteria).
• Training related to the circular economy :
  • 60% if medium-sized enterprise.
  • 70% if micro or small enterprise.

Maximum rate of the premium, all state aids combined, for the same expenses :

• Micro or small enterprise: 70%.
• Medium-sized company: 60%.

Maximum intervention of the training premium:

• Micro or small enterprise: 10,000 €/calendar year.
• Medium-sized enterprise: €15,000/calendar year.

Minimum intervention per training course/application : € 500.

Maximum number of grants : 5 training courses subsidised per calendar year.

Find all useful information on the website of the Brussels Regional Public Service BRUSSELS ECONOMY AND EMPLOYMENT.

For whom ?

Each package is aimed at SMEs and social enterprises that want to take steps towards better cybersecurity.

For what ?

Cybersecurity improvement projects subsidise the purchase of external advice and guidance from service providers recognised by VLAIO. 

With what benefits ?

The VLAIO subsidy covers 50% of the cost of the project.

Find all useful information on the website of the Flemish Government Agency for Innovation & Enterprise VLAIO.

For whom ?

Flemish SMEs or practitioners of liberal professions.

For what ?

For purchasing services that improve the quality of your business. Specifically, training and consultancy services that help you with your company's cybersecurity plan.

With what benefits ?

For cybersecurity, small enterprises get a higher intervention of 45%. Medium-sized enterprises: 35%. Up to a maximum of €7,500 per year.

Find all useful information on the website of the Flemish Government Agency for Innovation & Enterprise VLAIO.

What?

With this programme, VLAIO wants to encourage starters to push back frontiers and to aim at strong growth trajectories.

For whom?

• Small Companies: Defined by the European SME definition.
• Independent: Must be independent of any other company.
• Young Companies: Less than two years old.
• Flanders-based: Must be located in the Flemish Region.
• Innovative Project: Must have a pioneering role in their sector or market.

Budget & Scope: 

Subsidy: €50,000. 

Eligibility: Companies must meet specific criteria. See eligibility criteria on the VLAIO official page.

How to Apply & Useful link:

Application procedure available on VLAIO's website.

What?

The R&D Feasibility Study subsidy supports companies and organisations in Flanders to assess the viability of innovative projects. It serves as a preparatory step before embarking on larger R&D initiatives, helping applicants evaluate technical, economic, and operational aspects of their proposed innovations. This programme is particularly beneficial for projects that may later seek further support through VLAIO's development or research project subsidies. 

For Whom?

Eligible applicants include:

• Companies: Both SMEs and large enterprises.
• Non-profit organisations: Engaged in economic activities.
• Public organisations: With economic activities.

Applicants must have an operational establishment in the Flemish Region and demonstrate sufficient financial capacity to cover project costs not subsidised by VLAIO. 

Budget & Scope

• Subsidy Amount: 40% of the approved project budget.
• Additional Support: An extra 10% (totaling 50%) for SMEs.
• Maximum Support: €50,000 per partner.
• Project Duration: Between 3 and 12 months.
• Eligible Costs: Personnel, overhead, operating expenses, third-party services, and direct investment costs related to the feasibility study. 

How to Apply

1. Prepare Application Documents: Complete the project description and budget templates provided by VLAIO.
2. Submit Electronically: Applications must be submitted online via VLAIO's platform, using a federal token or electronic identity card for authentication.
3. Language: Applications can be submitted in Dutch or English.
4. Evaluation: VLAIO assesses applications based on criteria such as innovation potential, feasibility, and valorisation for Flanders. 

Useful Links

R&D feasibility study overview

What?

The Research Project subsidy supports companies in Flanders to develop new knowledge through high-risk research activities that can lead to innovative products, processes, or services. The aim is to strengthen the company's competitive position and contribute positively to the Flemish economy.

For Whom?

Eligible applicants include:

• Companies (both SMEs and large enterprises) with operational activities in the Flemish Region.
• Non-profit and public organisations performing economic activities in Flanders.

Applicants must not be classified as "undertakings in difficulty" at the time of application.

Budget & Scope

Funding Rates:

• 50% for research activities.
• 25% for development activities.

Additional bonuses:

• 10% for medium-sized enterprises.
• 20% for small enterprises.
• Up to 15% for effective collaborations, especially in interregional or international contexts.

Maximum Funding: Up to 60% of the accepted project budget.

Useful link:

Research Project | Flanders innovation & entrepreneurship

What?

ICON is a project type supporting demand-driven, collaborative research where research organisations and at least three independent Flemish companies develop new knowledge with practical applications. These projects are conducted within strategic research centres, spearhead clusters, or thematic policy initiatives.

For Whom?

Eligible participants include:

• Research organisations: Universities, research institutes, etc.
• Companies: Both SMEs and large enterprises with operations in Flanders.

Each consortium must comprise at least three independent Flemish companies.

Budget & Scope

Project Duration: 2 to 4 years.

Funding Rates:

• Research organisations: Up to 100% of eligible costs.
• Companies: Between 25% and 60%, depending on company size and collaboration specifics.

Budget Distribution:

• Research part: Minimum 30% of the total budget.
• Business part: Minimum 50% of the total budget.

How to Apply

• Identify a Call
• Form a Consortium
• Prepare Application
• Submit Application

Useful Link

ICON: subsidies voor coöperatief onderzoek | VLAIO

For whom ?

You can benefit from this voucher if :

• You are a "natural person", "legal person" or an ASBL with an economic vocation (subject to VAT, employing at least 1 person under an employment contract, whose activity is the supply of goods or services and with less than 50% public funding (excluding employment aid))
• You are an SME, i.e. a company employing fewer than 250 people and with an annual turnover of less than €50 million or a balance sheet total not exceeding €43 million.
• You carry out an economic activity, registered with the Crossroads Bank of Enterprises (CBE).
• Your main place of business is located in Wallonia.
• Your activity does not fall within a sector excluded on the basis of the de minimis regulation (i.e. fishing, aquaculture, primary production of agricultural products).

You must use a certified service provider.

For what ?

The "Digital Recovery - Diagnosis" voucher allows you to work with a consultant to establish an initial audit of your company's situation. The eligible costs are :

• carrying out a digital maturity diagnosis (max. 1 day): examining the current situation and analysing needs in terms of e-commerce and digital positioning;
• carrying out a cybersecurity diagnosis (max. 1 day): examining the current situation and analysing needs in terms of securing tools and protecting data.

With what benefits ?

The Walloon Region finances the service up to 90% of the costs excluding VAT.

The rest of the costs and the VAT are to be paid by the company.

The cost of the services is subject to a daily ceiling set at 950 euros per day excluding VAT

Find all useful information on the website Chèques-Entreprise.

For whom ?

You can benefit from this cheque if :

• You are a "natural person", "legal person" or an ASBL with an economic vocation (subject to VAT, employing at least 1 person under an employment contract, whose activity is the supply of goods or services and with less than 50% public funding (excluding employment aid)).
• You are an SME, i.e. a company with fewer than 250 employees and an annual turnover of less than €50 million or a balance sheet total not exceeding €43 million.
• You carry out an economic activity, registered with the Crossroads Bank of Enterprises (CBE).
• Your main place of business is located in Wallonia.
• Your activity does not fall within a sector excluded on the basis of the de minimis regulation (i.e. fishing, aquaculture, primary production of agricultural products).

You must use a certified service provider.

For what ?

The "Digital Recovery - Diagnosis" voucher allows you to work with a consultant to establish an initial audit of your company's situation. The eligible costs are :

• carrying out a digital maturity diagnosis (max. 1 day): examining the current situation and analysing needs in terms of e-commerce and digital positioning;
• carrying out a cybersecurity diagnosis (max. 1 day): examining the current situation and analysing needs in terms of securing tools and protecting data.

With what benefits ?

The Walloon Region finances the service up to 90% of the costs excluding VAT.

The rest of the costs and the VAT are to be paid by the company.

Public intervention is subject to a daily ceiling set at 950 euros per day of service and allows for a maximum of 6 days of service.

• In the context of the design of an initial strategy, the maximum is set at 3 days.
• In the context of strengthening an existing strategy, the maximum is set at 2 days.

The project may cover a maximum of 2 of the 3 areas of intervention, namely:

• a digital positioning strategy.
• an e-commerce project.
• a cybersecurity policy.

Find all useful information on the website Chèques-Entreprise.

For whom ?

You can benefit from this voucher if :

• You are an SME, i.e. a company with fewer than 250 employees and an annual turnover of less than €50 million or a balance sheet total not exceeding €43 million.
• Your activity does not fall within a sector:
  • Excluded on the basis of the de minimis regulation (i.e. fishing, aquaculture, primary production of agricultural products).
  • Excluded on the basis of the following NACE codes: 61.10 - 61.20 - 61.30 - 62.01 - 62.02 - 62.03 and 62.09

You must use a certified service provider.

For what ?

The "cybersecurity cheque" help you define and support the implementation of a cybersecurity policy in your company through costs relating to:

• carrying out an audit/diagnosis of the company's cybersecurity situation up to the preparation of specifications or a label based on existing cybersecurity processes
• support services aimed at monitoring the implementation of a cybersecurity policy to meet the needs identified in the context of the cybersecurity audit or diagnosis.

With what benefits ?

Wallonia finances the service up to 75% of the costs excluding VAT.

The rest of the costs and the VAT are to be paid by the company.

Find all useful information on the website Chèques-Entreprise.

For whom ?

You can benefit from this cheque if :

• You are a "natural person" or "legal person" carrying out an economic activity, registered with the Banque-Carrefour des Entreprises (BCE) and whose main place of business is located in Wallonia. As a company, you must be an SME, i.e. a company that employs fewer than 250 people and has an annual turnover of less than 50 million euros or a balance sheet total not exceeding 43 million euros.
• Your activity does not fall within a sector:
  • Excluded on the basis of the de minimis regulation (i.e. fishing, aquaculture, primary production of agricultural products).
  • Excluded on the basis of the following NACE codes: 61.10 - 61.20 - 61.30 - 62.01 - 62.02 - 62.03 and 62.09

You must use a certified service provider.

For what ?

The "digital maturity voucher" includes all services relating to :

• carrying out an audit or diagnosis of the company's needs in terms of developing its digital maturity.
• support services aimed at monitoring the implementation of an action plan to meet the needs identified in the audit or diagnosis of digital maturity.

With what benefits ?

The Walloon Region finances the service up to 75% of the costs excluding VAT.

The rest of the costs and the VAT are to be paid by the company.

Find all useful information on the website Chèques-Entreprise.

For whom ?

• employees or temporary workers of an SME which has a maximum of 250 employees and has its main place of business in French-speaking Wallonia
• self-employed persons on a principal, complementary basis (for at least 6 months);
• assisting spouses;
• have a turnover of maximum 50 million euros OR a balance sheet of less than 43 million euros;
• be an autonomous company;
• be trained in its sector of activity;

have a declared and up-to-date address in the Crossroads Bank of Enterprises.

The following are excluded: people on a Training-Integration Plan (PFI - during a training period), students, apprentices and trainees in companies.

Note that the SME must have a maximum of 250 employees

For what ?

The training cheque allows companies to benefit from financial aid to train their workers in one of the approved training centers.

With what benefits ?

Wallonia covers part of the costs of general training for workers.

The training courses taken take place during the normal working day. One day of training is worth a maximum of 7 hours per worker, with the exception of immersion language training, for which a maximum of 10 hours of training can be counted per worker.

One cheque can be used to finance one hour of training per worker with a training operator approved by the Walloon Region.

A cheque has a face value of 30 euros and finances one hour of training. The employer pays 15 euros and the Walloon Region 15 euros.

The number of vouchers that the company can obtain per year varies according to its size (number of full-time equivalents according to the NSSO

Find all useful information on the website of the Public Service of Wallonia EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING.

The EU Funding and Tenders portal Online Manual  

The EU funding for beginners page of the EU Commission  

Eligibility  

The application process in DEP and Horizon Europe  

Types of funding   

Financial regulation applicable to the general budget of the European Union  

What?
An EU funding programme (2021–2027) to accelerate the deployment and uptake of advanced digital technologies across Europe. 

For whom?
Legal entities (public authorities, private companies, research bodies) based in EU Member States and Horizon Europe-associated countries.

Budget & scope:

• Total envelope: €8.1 billion
• Cybersecurity strand: €1.65 billion dedicated to:
  • Building advanced cybersecurity capabilities
  • Promoting best-practice sharing
  • Deploying state-of-the-art cybersecurity solutions
• Other strands: Supercomputing; AI, data & cloud; Skills; Digital transformation & Innovation Hubs.

Digital Europe Programme – 2025 ECCC cybersecurity call 

The foreseen actions aim to create a more secure, sovereign, and resilient digital Europe. The call Cyber 09 focuses on critical areas of cybersecurity deployment. More details on the ECCC website here. 

Find full details on the EU Funding & Tenders Portal

How to apply & useful links:

1. Read about the Digital Europe Programme on the EU official website
2. Consult the Regulation (EU) 2021/694 establishing the Digital Europe Programme
3. Follow the Funding & tenders portal, and especially the Funding & tender opportunities Online Manual 
4. NCC-BE Guidelines for Belgian applicants: NCC-BE Guidelines:Applying for cybersecurity funding under the Digital Europe Programme

What?
The EU’s flagship €95.5 billion research & innovation programme (2021–2027), targeting global challenges, policy priorities and societal needs. It supports the creation and better diffusion of excellent knowledge and technologies.  

For whom?
All legal entities, in particular universities and research centres, but also SMEs, large industry, public bodies from EU/associated countries. 

Budget & scope:

Pillar II / Cluster 3 Civil Security for Society: includes cybersecurity-related Research & Innovation Actions (RIA), Innovation Actions (IA) and Coordination & Support Actions (CSA).

How to apply & links:

1. The Horizon Europe Work Programme 2025 is available on the official website here
2. Browse the currently available funding under HE on the EU Funding and Tenders Portal
3. Learn about Lump Sum Funding in Horizon Europe: How does it work? How to write a proposal?
4. Contact the relevant Belgian National Contact Point (NCP) for tailored guidance:
   • Belgian Federal National Contact Point
   • Bruxelles/Brussel
   • Vlaanderen
   • Wallonie
   • NCP FNRS

What?

Dedicated to reinforcing ‘the effectiveness of cohesion policy’, cooperation among regional policy organisations from across Europe.

For Whom?

The programme is open to:

• Public authorities at local, regional, and national levels
• Managing authorities and intermediate bodies responsible for regional development policies
• Agencies, research institutes, thematic and non-profit organisations involved in regional policy-making

Eligible participants come from 36 countries, including the 27 EU Member States. 

Budget & Scope

Total Budget: €394 million allocated from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

Project Duration: Each project spans four years—three years dedicated to core activities and one year for follow-up and monitoring.

Co-financing Rates:

• Up to 80% for public entities and most partners.
• 70% for private non-profit organisations.

How to Apply

As of now, all funds for the 2021–2027 programming period have been committed, and no new calls are planned. 

For future opportunities, interested organisations should:

1. Develop a Project Idea: Ensure it aligns with Interreg Europe's objectives and thematic priorities.
2. Check Eligibility: Use the self-assessment tools provided by Interreg Europe to verify project relevance.
3. Find Partners: Collaborate with organisations from different eligible countries.
4. Prepare Application: Gather necessary documents and prepare for submission during open calls.

Useful link:

https://www.interregeurope.eu/look-for-funding 

What?

Largest public network for international cooperation in R&D&I

For whom?

Innovative SMEs developing new products, services or processes—particularly cybersecurity companies looking to co-develop solutions with international partners.

Research organisations and universities collaborating on cybersecurity R&D projects.

Public authorities and policy bodies seeking to strengthen regional cybersecurity ecosystems through pilot projects and proof-of-concept studies.

Technology clusters and innovation agencies facilitating cybersecurity innovation at a regional level.

Budget & scope:

Around 680 organisations funded each year, with a success rate of 29% of applications.

Project duration typically 3 years of R&D activities plus 1 year for follow-up and monitoring.

How to apply & links:

• EUREKA Network Home: https://eurekanetwork.org/
• Open Calls for Projects: https://eurekanetwork.org/opencalls

List of National Funding Bodies: https://eurekanetwork.org/about-us/national-funding-bodies/

What?

• Eurostars is a European innovation program: established by EUREKA in collaboration with the European Commission.
• It supports research-intensive SMEs: involved in market-oriented projects that are bottom-up, meaning they are driven by the SMEs themselves.
• It promotes international collaborations among SMEs. 

For whom?

• Research-intensive SMEs: that are heavily involved in R&D (investing at least 10% of their turnover or jobs in R&D).
• SMEs that are market-oriented: and have significant potential for growth.
• Consortia of at least two partners: from two different Eurostars member countries. 

Budget & scope:

• Projects can be submitted in any sector, but they must be clearly market-oriented.
• The EU and participating member states co-fund the projects: through Horizon Europe.
• Funding rules vary from country to country, and national funding bodies determine which organizations can receive funding, which project activities are funded, and the funding rates.
• Most Eureka countries fund 50% of each applicant's project costs: up to €0.5 million subsidy.
• Some countries may fund a greater or smaller portion of projects: and the maximum funding amount may change. 

How to apply & links:

• Contact your relevant Belgian funding body (Brussels, Flanders or Wallonia): to find out what financial documents are required for your application.
• Submit your proposal to the relevant Belgian funding body. 

Check the latest call for projects on the Eureka Network website.

What?
EU facility supporting digital connectivity projects of common interest, including secure networks and cross-border digital services.

For whom?
Public authorities, private operators, and project consortia in EU Member States.

Budget & scope:

Grants for deployment of broadband, 5G corridors, and cybersecurity of digital infrastructures.

How to apply & links:

View available calls under CEF Digital on the Funding & Tenders portal.

Expert evaluators: 

Sign up as an expert to evaluate project proposals submitted under the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) Digital calls: The European Commission is looking for new experts to assess the project proposals submitted under the CEF Digital calls. More details here and also on the EU Funding and Tenders page.

What?
EU fellowship and exchange programme for doctoral and postdoctoral researchers.

About MSCA 

For whom?
Universities, research organisations, SMEs and individual researchers across Europe.

Budget & scope:

• Individual Fellowships (post-doc mobility)
• Doctoral Networks (PhD training consortia)
• Staff Exchanges (cross-sector mobility)
• COFUND (co-funding regional/national programmes)

How to apply & links:

• Details on the MSCA section of the EU Funding & Tenders portal here.
• Opportunities to work as an MSCA expert (assess proposals, monitor projects).

Experts are needed for:  

• Assessing applications for EU funding (including prizes and tenders),
• Monitoring of EU funded projects and contracts,
• Giving your advice on specific issues. 

Experts act in their individual capacity to assist the EU services with the implementation of EU funding & tenders managed through the Portal. 

Do you have an extensive professional experience & proven domain-knowledge? More details on the EU Funding and tenders portal. 

What?
DIANA is a NATO body that works directly with leading entrepreneurs, from early-stage start-ups to more mature companies, to solve critical problems in defence and security through deep technologies (i.e., transformational technologies that solve important challenges through the convergence of breakthrough science and engineering).

Non-dilutive financing and access to a network of accelerator sites and test centres for dual-use deep-tech solutions.

Innovators that are accepted into DIANA gain access to a network of more than nine Accelerator sites and 63 Test Centres in innovation hubs across the Alliance, 14 of which are located in Belgium, and receive non-dilutive financing (i.e., investment capital that does not require them to give up equity or ownership in their company).

They also gain access to a network of top-tier trusted investors, business mentorship and education from DIANA’s expert staff, state-of-the-art testing opportunities, and the possibility for development and adoption contracts with Allies for proposed dual-use technologies.

Fully operational in 2025, it has the capacity to interact with hundreds of innovators each year across an even wider network of Accelerator sites and Test Centres throughout the Alliance.

More details on the competitive Challenge Programmes.

For whom?
Entrepreneurs and companies (start-ups to scale-ups) across NATO Allies.

Key dates:
Launched 19 June 2023; full operational capacity in 2025.

How to apply & useful link: 
https://www.nato-diana.org/s/

What?

The Fund is the world’s first multi-sovereign venture capital fund.   

Many start-ups working on deep tech struggle to attract sufficient investment because of lengthy time-to-market timelines and the high capital intensity of their research. The NATO Innovation Fund tackles this problem by leveraging its unique position as a patient investor with a 15-year run-time better suited to the extended time horizons necessary for deep-tech start-ups.

It focuses on early-stage investments (i.e., pre-seed through Series A and follow-on), providing risk capital directly into these start-ups, while also having the ability to invest in other top-tier deep-tech venture capital funds that align with the Fund’s three strategic objectives: 

• to seek out cutting-edge technological solutions that solve the Alliance’s defence and security challenges; 
• to bolster deep-tech innovation ecosystems across the Alliance; and  
• to support the commercial success of its deep-tech start-up portfolio.  

The Fund aims to invest EUR €1 billion in early-stage start-ups developing emerging and disruptive technologies and other venture capital funds developing dual-use emerging and disruptive technologies (deep tech). The Fund began the initial investments in 2023.

For whom?

Pre-seed to Series A start-ups and aligned VC funds.

How to apply & link:

https://www.nif.fund/

Contact:

https://www.nif.fund/connect

What?
EU body coordinating cybersecurity R&D and innovation, in partnership with National Coordination Centres (NCCs).

For whom?
Project consortia of public authorities, research institutes and industry across Member States.

Budget & scope:

• Joint investment in strategic cybersecurity projects to strengthen technological sovereignty.

How to apply & links:

• Visit the official ECCC page for open calls and work programmes

Current funding opportunitiesunder ECCC on the Funding & Tenders portal.

What?

• EDF: collaborative defence R&D
• EUDIS: dedicated support for SMEs and mid-caps under the EU Defence Innovation Scheme

The European Defence Fund incentivises and supports collaborative, cross-border research and development in the area of defence. The Fund will increase the EU’s technological edge and develop the capabilities that are key for the strategic autonomy and resilience of the Union and its Member States and the protection of its citizens. The Fund is totalling an amount close to 8 Bn EUR for 2021-2027. 

European Defence Fund National Focal Points (NFP) – NFPs support the implementation of the European Defence Fund: working closely with DG DEFIS they reach out to stakeholders, notably applicants and potential applicants, provide information and advice to potential applicants and beneficiaries of the EDF programme and assist in building partnerships, throughout the EDF life cycle.

For whom?
Defence consortia (Member States, industry, research organisations); SMEs under EUDIS.

Budget & scope:

• EDF 2021–2027 total: ~€8 billion
• EDF 2025 Work Programme: €1.065 billion for collaborative R&D projects (all military domains, including cyber)
• EUDIS envelope: ~€2 billion until 2027 for SME/mid-cap innovation grants

The European Commission has adopted the 2025 (its fifth) annual Work Programme under the European Defence Fund (EDF), allocating €1.065 billion to collaborative defence research and development (R&D) projects. It supports the development of critical defence technologies and capabilities in all military domains, including cyber, in line with the EU capability priorities agreed by Member States. 

The Work Programme also includes dedicated measures to support SMEs and mid-caps under the EU Defence Innovation Scheme (EUDIS). 

Factsheet EDF EU Defence Innovation Scheme (EUDIS)

Download the EDF WP 2025 here.

How to apply & links:

• European Defence Fund (EDF) official page
• EDF & EUDIS calls on the EU Funding & Tenders portal.
• National Focal Points Network (NFPs): guidance for prospective applicants.

European Defence Fund National Focal Points (NFP) – NFPs support the implementation of the European Defence Fund: working closely with DG DEFIS they reach out to stakeholders, notably applicants and potential applicants, provide information and advice to potential applicants and beneficiaries of the EDF programme and assist in building partnerships, throughout the EDF life cycle.

What?
EDA-managed platform to stimulate and support defence innovation, coordinating EU-level and national activities.

The Hub aims at strengthening the European Defence Agency’s existing innovation activities but also initiate new ones, in close cooperation with Member States and EU stakeholders.

HEDI acts as a platform to stimulate, facilitate and support cooperation on defence innovation among Member States while ensuring synergies with related European Commission activities, notably the EU defence innovation scheme, and coherence of output with NATO innovation initiatives.

HEDI operates at the intersection of EDA’s already existing innovation activities, serving as a catalyst and amplifier.

The existing Innovation Framework in EDA contains the necessary tools to support collaborative defence innovation and is based on three pillars:

- identification of innovative ideas and innovators;  

- implementation of these ideas;  

- outreach to increase the awareness of the solutions produced and their application to the defence domain. HEDI’s activities is focused on the agreed EU priorities for capability development (Capability Development Plan), defence research (Overarching Strategic Research Agenda) as well as industrial capabilities (Key Strategic Activities).

For whom?
Innovators, SMEs, research bodies, Member State stakeholders active in defence tech.

Budget & scope:

• Three pillars: idea identification, implementation, and outreach in line with EU Capability Development Plan.

How to apply & links:

• Download the factsheet: Hub for EU Defence Innovation (HEDI) 

More info via the EDA - HEDI website.

What?
EU-wide measures to improve access to finance, VAT simplification, IPR, networks and funding for SMEs.

For whom?
EU start-ups, scale-ups and SMEs across sectors.

Key actions:

• Start-Up and Scale-Up Initiative:
• Start-Up Nations Standard of Excellence: 

The aim is to give innovative entrepreneurs in Europe the opportunity to become world-leading companies. It brings together new and existing tools to help start-ups grow, including: better access to finance, second-chance, simplified tax.

Supports start-ups by fostering entrepreneurship and accelerating their growth into innovative SMEs. It also provides them with the conditions to scale even bigger.

Member States who signed the Start-up Nations Standard commit to:   

• establishing a clear EU-wide reference point to define key features of a start-up; 
• highlighting sustainable growth and entrepreneur-friendly environments are central to the future global successes of start-ups and scale-ups; 
• sharing best practices; 
• establishing a start-up nations hub to promote and enable exchange of best practices.  

How to apply & links:

• Overview of support for businesses in the digital world:
  https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/activities/support-businesses

Commission communication: “Europe’s Next Leaders: the Start-up and Scale-up Initiative” : text here.  

What?
One-stop shops offering digital expertise, testing facilities, financing advice, and skills training.

By providing access to technical expertise and testing, as well as the possibility to 'test before invest', EDIHs support companies to improve business/production processes, products, or services using digital technologies. They also provide innovation services, such as financing advice, training, and skills development that are central to successful digital transformation.

For whom?
Companies, public organisations, research centres seeking digital transformation support.

How to apply & links:

• Map of EDIHs in BE specialising in cyber  
• Contact points for Belgium

What?
EU flagship programme to identify, develop and scale breakthrough innovations. The EIC is designed to support game changing innovations throughout the lifecycle from early-stage research, to proof of concept, technology transfer, and the financing and scale up of start-ups and SMEs.

For whom?
Start-ups, SMEs, spin-offs, research teams across all technology areas.

The 2026 EIC Work Programmeis designed to support deep tech innovators, with the total budget of €1.4 billion:

1.  Pathfinder(€262 million)

2.  Transition(€100 million)

3.  Accelerator(€634 million)

4.  STEP(€300 million)

5.  Advanced Innovation Challenges(€6 million) 

What is new?

• The 2026 EIC work programme will test a new approach inspired by the US ARPA model.
• From 2026, the application process will be simpler (for example reducing the application forms for full proposals from 50 to 20 pages), faster (e.g. evaluations every 2 months instead of every 6 months) and more robust (e.g. involving an in-depth assessment of the technology, anticipating the due diligence needed for investments).

• The 2026 EIC work programmeincludes support to implement a number of actions set out under the EU Startup and Scaleup Strategy. 

  For further information, visitthe official European Innovation Council webpage.

  How to apply & links:

• The official EIC webpage
• EIC funding opportunities
• 2026 EIC Work Programme download link here (Main elements)

Guidance for EIC accelerator applicants can be consulted here.

What?
EIT’s ecosystem for digital technology innovation, from education to market.

For whom?
Partnerships of businesses, research and higher-education institutions.

How to apply & links:

• Open Innovation Factory details on the EIT Digital website here.

What?
The European Union Intellectual Property Office is the agency of the European Union (EU) responsible for managing the EU trademark and the registered Community design, European and international cooperation in the field of intellectual property (IP), as well as the European Observatory on Infringements of Intellectual Property Rights.

SME Fund: Grant scheme to help SMEs protect their trademarks and designs.

For whom?
EU-based small and medium enterprises.

How to apply & links:

• The EUIPO official website

SME Fund 2025 official page and the How to apply page dedicated to Belgium.