Open topic on supporting disruptive technological innovations for civil security

The funding program "Open topic on supporting disruptive technological innovations for civil security" of the EU targets small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), public institutions, non-profit and educational organizations, as well as international research institutions. The aim is to develop, validate, and demonstrate disruptive technologies in the field of civil security from low TRL levels (<4) up to practical solutions. Projects must be submitted online from May 6, 2026; the application deadline is November 5, 2026. A prerequisite for application is the active involvement of at least two security practitioners and one research and technology organization. Earth observation projects must utilize Copernicus or Galileo/EGNOS data. With a funding rate of 100%, personnel costs, material expenses, and subcontractor services are covered. The maximum funding amount is €1.5 million per project.

Evaluation criteria include the degree of innovation, potential for result utilization, and quality of implementation. An interdisciplinary approach involving research partners as well as experienced practitioners from security authorities strengthens operational capability and risk mitigation in real scenarios. The selection process is single-stage via a single-call application, which is evaluated by independent experts after the approval procedure and, upon fulfillment of all funding criteria, recommended for approval. Fundable projects promise accelerated introduction of new security solutions, thorough testing in realistic environments, and close networking between science, industry, and authorities. Thus, the call promotes bridging the gap between basic research and operational practice—for more resilient civil security throughout Europe.