The state and the EU are providing €25 million to fund innovative defense technologies for security, resilience and European independence.
In light of the changed security situation, North Rhine-Westphalia, together with the European Union, is launching the new funding competition Defence.Tech.NRW. The aim is to strengthen technological sovereignty and reduce strategic dependencies. A total of €25 million in EU funds is available for the development of operational prototypes in the field of civil and military defense technologies.
Funding is provided to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that develop innovative solutions in collaboration with universities, research institutions, or other companies. The focus is particularly on dual-use technologies that can be used for both civilian and military purposes.
Economy Minister Mona Neubaur emphasizes that security today is largely determined by technological innovation. Defense capability encompasses not only military strength, but also secure networks, resilient infrastructure, and functioning supply systems. The program's goal is to accelerate innovation in strategically important areas and safeguard Europe's independent ability to act.
The funding focuses on key technologies in the so-called STEP sector (Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform). These include, among others, autonomous systems on land, in the air, and at sea; hypersonic and space technologies; laser and electromagnetic applications; drone and air defense systems; cybersecurity; protection of critical infrastructure; and technologies for civil protection. The further development of individual components of critical technologies is also eligible for funding, provided a clear civilian or military application is identifiable.
Applicants must demonstrate that their projects will contribute to closing technological gaps, strengthening European value creation networks, or reducing the EU's strategic dependencies.
The program is part of the ERDF/JTF program NRW 2021–2027, which provides a total of 1.9 billion euros in EU funding for innovation, sustainability, competitiveness and structural change in North Rhine-Westphalia.
Source: www.aerospace.nrw
