Budget

EUR 50.000 maximum. Applicants must provide at least 20% co-financing from private financial sources, debt or own financial resources. In-kind contributions are not accepted.

Key dates and deadline

Start - 30/06/2026 End - 30/09/2026

Details

Objectives The Programme aims to support SMEs in: the technological maturation of their drone solutions, the structuring of their innovation strategy, improvement and adaptation of their business models, processes and products to address civil, digital, social and environmental needs. Support Offered Selected SMEs will benefit from: Individual assessment and roadmap definition. Mentorship throughout the Programme. Tailored technical, regulatory, business and testing services as explained in Annex 3. Access to training and internationalisation support. Possibility to participate in the Innovation Drone Alliance. Equity-free funding of up to €35,000 per SME. Some activities are mandatory, while others are optional depending on the SME’s needs. Each selected SME will implement an Innovation Plan, which will serve as the main reference for participation in the Programme.

Eligibility

Be an SME according to EU rules (Recommendation 2003/361/EC), which means the following: - Be independent or compliant with EU definitions of autonomous partner or linked enterprises. - Employ fewer than 250 persons and - have an annual turnover ≤ €50 million, or an annual balance sheet total ≤ €43 million. To ensure you have the correct status, Applicants are asked to fill in the SME self-assessment from the European Commission and upload the result on the Application Form. Have at least one drone product at TRL 6 or higher and commit to upgrading the TRL by at least one level during participation in the Programme (a proof of TRL will be required during the application process). Be legal entities established and operating in: - An EU Member State, or - A country participating in the EU Single Market Programme/COSME Strand Submit a full application in English, including all required proofs as detailed in Section 3.2 of the Guide for Applicants. SMEs will remain eligible throughout the Programme even if they temporarily exceed SME financial thresholds during project implementation.

Additional information

How to apply?

https://ecdi-euroclusters.eu/opencalls/,2.html