On 28-29 June 2023, the European Commission will organise an Information Day and a Networking Event for potential applicants to the European Defence Fund (EDF) 2023 calls for proposals.
The European Commission’s Directorate-General for Defence Industry and Space (DG DEFIS) invites you to an information and networking event on the EDF 2023 calls for proposals.
This event will occur on 28-29 June 2023 in a hybrid format, in-person in Brussels and online.
What will be addressed?
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 2023 was published on 30 March.
On Day 1, DG DEFIS will present the EDF 2023 calls for proposals and explain in detail the submission process.
On Day 2, the event will 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 to extend your international network and create strategic partnerships.
As a novelty this year, 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 brokerage session for entities interested in the EDF 2023 technological challenge on Human Language Technologies will be organised. Tutorials will offer hands-on information on specific aspects of proposal preparation (Ownership and control assessment, Financial aspects and detailed budget tables).
Who should participate?
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, the EDF cannot fund them. Further information on eligibility for EDF funding is provided on this page (cf. section “Eligibility”).
How to participate?
You can register by following the “Register” button at the top of this page.
The organizers will confirm your registration. Once validated, you will receive an automatic email to connect to the platform and complete your profile. From that moment, you can start networking and preparing for your participation in the event.
You will receive the logistics/connection details information a few days before the event.