Germany is the largest contributor to the European Defence Fund and home to more dual-use deep-tech companies than any other EU member state. German companies are among the most active and successful participants in EU-funded dual-use projects. Here is every funding route available to you.
EU programmes (accessible from Germany)
| Programme | Funding | German NCP / Contact |
|---|---|---|
| European Defence Fund | Up to €5M (100%) | BMVg / DLR Projektträger |
| Horizon Europe | €500K to €4M (70-100%) | DLR NCPs by cluster |
| EIC Accelerator | €2.5M grant | NKS EIC at DLR |
| Digital Europe | 50-75% | DLR / BMWK |
| EU Chips Act | Various | BMWK |
German national programmes
Cyberagentur (Halle/Saale): Germany's cybersecurity innovation agency. Runs challenge-based calls for disruptive technology. Direct connection to Bundeswehr requirements. Fast decision cycles compared to EU calls.
DTEC.Bw: the Bundeswehr's digitisation centre. Funds applied research, provides military testbeds, and connects civilian startups with procurement officers. Particularly strong in AI, autonomous systems, and communications.
BMVg Innovation Hub: the Ministry of Defence innovation office. Runs pitch events, accelerators, and matchmaking between civilian companies and military end-users.
ZIM (Zentrales Innovationsprogramm Mittelstand): not defence-specific but funds collaborative R&D between SMEs and research institutes (Fraunhofer, DLR, Helmholtz). Excellent for developing dual-use technology with a research partner.
Germany's strongest sectors for dual-use
- Munich: AI, quantum, aerospace, semiconductors
- Berlin: cybersecurity, AI, autonomous systems
- Hamburg: maritime, aerospace, logistics
- Dresden: semiconductors, sensors, photonics
- Stuttgart: automotive (autonomous vehicles), materials, quantum
How to start
Contact your sector-specific NCP at DLR for Horizon Europe guidance. For EDF, reach out to the BMVg innovation office. For national funding, start with ZIM if you have a research partner, or Cyberagentur if you're in cybersecurity. Check your eligibility across all programmes to find the best combination for your technology.
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