On 28 and 29 May 2024, the European Commission will host an Information Day and a Networking Event for potential applicants to the European Defence Fund (EDF) 2024 calls for proposals. The event will also feature investor sessions.
On Day 1, the Directorate-General for Defence Industry and Space (DG DEFIS) will present the calls and explain how to participate. Day 2 will be devoted to a brokerage and matchmaking event, including pitching and focus sessions.
This event will be available in a hybrid format, allowing attendees to join in person in Brussels or virtually.
While there is no cost to participate, registration is required. Registering also provides access to online matchmaking services beyond the event. The deadline for submitting pitching requests is 15 May and the registration deadline is 22 May 2024 (cf. details under "How to participate?" below).
The EDF provides €8 billion over 2021-2027 for defence research and development in all operational and technological domains (land, sea, air, space, cyber, information, energy, materials, CBRN, etc.) through annual work programmes. The EDF Work Programme 2024 was published on 15 March.
On Day 1, DG DEFIS will present the EDF 2024 calls for proposals and explain in detail the submission process.
On Day 2, the event will also offer a unique international networking experience to forge winning defence research and development consortia. You will have the opportunity to pitch your ideas and expertise and to schedule one-to-one meetings with other participants in order to extend your international network and create strategic partnerships.
Focus sessions will be organised in the afternoon of Day 2 in parallel to the one-to-one matchmaking. SMEs looking for equity funding will be able to meet investors. A networking session will be organised for entities interested in the EDF 2024 technological challenge on Human Language Technologies. Tutorials will offer hand-on information on specific aspects of proposal preparation (Ownership and control assessment; Financial aspects and detailed budget tables).
Any entity interested in the EDF calls for proposals and more generally in meeting other European defence actors, including:
- Industry: Large enterprises, midcaps and SMEs
- Research and technology organisations
- Universities
- Business associations
- Investors
- Public sector / National authorities
- International organisations
Please note that while entities established outside the European Union and Norway can participate in EDF actions under certain conditions, they cannot be funded by the EDF. Further information on eligibility for EDF funding is provided on this page.
You can register here.
Your registration will be confirmed by the organisers. Once approved, you'll receive an automated email to access the platform. From then, you're able to commence networking and prepare for your involvement in the event.
Proposals for pitch presentations must be submitted by 15 May 2024, close business.
The deadline for registering to attend the event in person is 22 May 2024. No on-site registrations will be accepted after this date, and online registrations received subsequently may not be processed in time for participation. Registration will continue post-event to encourage ongoing online networking.
A few days prior to the event, you will be provided with logistical details or connection information.
Registration for online networking will be available until 31 October 2024.
