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Horizon Europe programme
Official call identifier: HORIZON-CL3-2026-02-CS-ECCC-01
Objective of the call
This topic aims to strengthen the security of software and hardware systems across their full lifecycle, addressing vulnerabilities arising from increasingly complex and globalised supply chains. It focuses on developing advanced tools, methods and processes to ensure secure, trustworthy and resilient digital infrastructures.
The call contributes to safeguarding the EU’s strategic assets, technological autonomy and cybersecurity resilience by supporting security-by-design approaches, trusted hardware architectures and robust software supply chain protection.
Scope of activities
Proposals must select one main focus area, with the possibility to address both:
Hardware security (trusted chips):
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Development of tamper-resistant chip and processor architectures
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Integration of cryptographic co-processors, including post-quantum cryptography
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Improvement of supply chain transparency and traceability mechanisms
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Security-by-design approaches for hardware testing and lifecycle integration
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Detection of hardware trojans and backdoors, and countermeasures against physical attacks
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Development of self-healing firmware with anomaly detection and recovery mechanisms
Software supply chain security:
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Development of tools for real-time vulnerability detection and automatic patching
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Integration of AI-driven and formal verification security testing methods
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Enhancement of secure software development lifecycle (SDLC) frameworks
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Secure code provenance and dependency management
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Mechanisms for secure software updates and resilience against cyber threats
Some activities may involve classified background or produce security-sensitive results. Participation is limited to legal entities established in EU Member States and Associated Countries. Entities controlled by non-eligible countries are not allowed to participate.
Eligible applicants
- Innovative SMEs, startups and enterprises aiming to scale and strengthen competitiveness
- Public-sector organisations driving transformation and societal impact
- Research and academic institutions commercialising knowledge
- Non-profit organisations delivering purpose-driven innovation
- Organisations based in EU Member States or Associated Countries (described in General Annex A, General Annex B, General Annex C)
- Minimum 3 independent partners from 3 eligible countries
Specific consortium we are looking for:
- Organisations with expertise in cybersecurity, semiconductor design, software engineering, AI-driven security testing, and formal verification
- Participants should cover capabilities in hardware design, firmware development, secure software lifecycle management, and supply chain security, including certification and standardisation expertise.
Eligible costs
Eligible costs will take the form of a lump sum contribution under the Horizon Europe Lump Sum Model Grant Agreement. Activities may include:
- Research and development of cryptographic primitives and protocols
- Software development and implementation
- Formal verification and tool development
- Integration into software workflows
- Open-source library development
- Testing, validation and performance evaluation
- Security and compliance activities
Funding conditions
Type of action:
Research and Innovation Actions (RIA)
Funding rate:
Up to 100% of total eligible costs
EU contribution per project:
Around EUR 3,000,000 - 4,000,000
Number of funded projects:
Up to 5 projects
Project duration:
Typically 36 months
Deadline for submission
15 September 2026