European Commission Launches First Call to Accelerate European Defence Innovation and Matchmaking

17^th of March 2025, Brussels.

The European Commission  has launched the first open calls for two ambitious initiatives  to support European startups, scaleups, SMEs and small mid-caps – the European Defence Innovation Scheme (EUDIS) Business Accelerator and Matchmaking. Two complementary initiatives designed to strengthen Europe’s defence innovation ecosystem.

Civitta is proudly a part of this initiative alongside Starburst, WSL, le support des techno-entrepreneurs en Wallonie, and VTT. Civitta is leading the EUDIS Matchmaking programme, ensuring that start-ups, SMEs, mid-sized companies, investors, and defence end-users connect and collaborate effectively to drive innovation in defence.

 “Defence is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by emerging technologies and the rise of new players. To support this shift, we are launching the EUDIS Business Accelerator programme and EUDIS Matchmaking. The Business Accelerator will equip start-ups and scale-ups with the skills, expertise, and connections to defence. Matchmaking will bring together the European defence innovation ecosystem, facilitating access to capital for defence technology founders and fostering partnerships. Our goal is clear: making Europe a powerhouse for defence innovation and a driver of talent and investment.” – Timo Pesonen, Director-General of DG Defence Industry and Space, European Commission

The EUDIS Business Accelerator will offer tailored support to European start-ups & scale-ups over an 8-month programme featuring six dedicated bootcamps across defence industrial ecosystems in Europe. The companies will gain valuable insights into defence end-users’ needs, strengthen their business development and go-to-market strategies. They will receive dedicated training and coaching by industry experts, exclusive networking opportunities, engagement with investors and defence stakeholders. Selected companies will  receive a €65,000 seed-financing voucher. Applications are now open until April 27th. In addition to inviting  defence startups and scale-ups from EU and Norway, we are also encouraging key stakeholders from the European defence ecosystem to apply as coaches and trainers to support the companies.

The EUDIS Matchmaking will offer a unique opportunity for start-ups, SMEs, small mid-caps, investors, defence end-users and corporates to connect, collaborate, and drive innovation in the defence sector. This targeted initiative is aimed to support defence innovators that are either already operating in the defence sector or developing civilian applications with potential defence use cases. Through tailored matchmaking opportunities, participants will gain enhanced access to capital, accelerate their market entry and growth, and foster strategic partnerships. The initiative will feature four onsite and three online Matchmaking events, as well as community building activities. Participants will be assigned with a dedicated community manager who will provide personalised support, facilitate tailored networking opportunities, and offer strategic guidance to ensure maximum benefit from the programme. The call will be open on a continue basis, but we encourage early applications to maximise the opportunities offered by the programme.

Interested companies and defence stakeholders can apply and find more information about the open call at EUDIS website or the dedicated websites – EUDIS Business Accelerator Website  and EUDIS Matchmaking Website.