Europe has the world's longest combined coastline and some of its busiest shipping lanes. Protecting, monitoring, and operating in this maritime domain requires technology that most of Europe currently imports. If you build maritime or underwater technology, the EU has grants specifically for you.
Why maritime tech is a priority
Subsea cables carry 95% of intercontinental data. Offshore energy provides growing shares of European electricity. Shipping lanes are critical trade arteries. Marine ecosystems need monitoring and protection. All of this requires underwater sensors, autonomous vessels, communications systems, and robotics that Europe largely imports today.
The programmes
European Defence Fund: funds maritime autonomy (unmanned surface and underwater vehicles), mine countermeasures, underwater communications, anti-submarine capabilities, and naval surveillance systems. 100% funded. Maritime is one of the strongest EDF themes.
Horizon Europe Cluster 6: funds ocean observation, marine biodiversity monitoring, and blue economy innovation. Your environmental monitoring technology fits here.
EMFAF (European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund): funds marine innovation including autonomous survey vehicles, sustainable aquaculture technology, and ocean monitoring systems.
EIC Accelerator: funds scaling of maritime products. Good for companies with proven underwater technology approaching market.
What gets funded
- Autonomous vessels: USVs and UUVs for survey, monitoring, inspection
- Underwater communications: acoustic, optical, and hybrid links
- Sonar and acoustic sensors: detection, classification, mapping
- Marine robotics: inspection, maintenance, intervention systems
- Subsea infrastructure monitoring: cable, pipeline, and foundation inspection
Maritime technology is inherently dual-use. A survey drone that maps the seabed for wind farm construction uses the same technology as one that detects mines. Check which programmes match your maritime technology.
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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