Your robot navigates autonomously in a warehouse. Or inspects pipelines in hazardous environments. Or operates in agricultural fields without human supervision. The EU will fund you up to €5M to adapt that same autonomy for critical infrastructure applications. No equity. You keep all IP. Here's how.
Why the EU needs your robots
Critical infrastructure needs autonomous systems for tasks that are dangerous, remote, or repetitive. CBRN inspection in contaminated areas. Infrastructure maintenance in inaccessible locations. Logistics in disaster zones. Border surveillance over vast terrain. The technology for all of these already exists in civilian robotics companies. It just needs adaptation.
What counts as adaptation
The EU isn't asking you to build a new robot. They want you to add capabilities to your existing platform:
- Ruggedisation: making your system work in extreme temperatures, dust, rain
- Communication upgrades: operating with intermittent or no connectivity
- Autonomy extensions: longer mission duration, multi-robot coordination
- Integration: working alongside existing infrastructure systems
- Certification: meeting EU safety and security standards for critical environments
The funding
EDF SME-led projects: up to €5M at 100% funding. Horizon Europe robotics calls: up to €4M. EIC Accelerator: €2.5M grant component. All non-dilutive. Your IP stays yours. The adaptation work you do also improves your civilian product, so you benefit twice.
Who qualifies
EU-registered SME with an autonomous system at TRL 4+. Companies from warehouse automation, agricultural robotics, industrial inspection, and delivery logistics have all entered EU-funded dual-use robotics projects. No prior critical infrastructure experience needed. Newcomer SMEs receive bonus evaluation points.
Next calls open April 2026. Check your eligibility now.
Check if your technology qualifies
Free eligibility check. We analyse your profile against open EU dual-use funding opportunities and get back to you within 48 hours.
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