Objective of the call
The objective of this action is to strengthen cooperation between the civilian and defence spheres through the development and deployment of dual-use cybersecurity technologies, applications and infrastructures.
Dual-use technologies are essential to enhance resilience of critical infrastructures, protect data, address cybercrime and counter hybrid threats. The action aims to foster cross-fertilisation and spill-over effects between civil and defence sectors, building synergies with initiatives under the Digital Europe Programme, Horizon Europe and the European Defence Fund.
The focus is on delivering operational systems, working prototypes and ready-to-market solutions relevant for both civilian and defence contexts.
Scope of activities
The action supports the development and deployment of dual-use cybersecurity technologies with relevance in both civilian and defence environments.
Projects should enhance operational cooperation and demonstrate concrete systems, tools or infrastructures.
Domains of interest include:
- Quantum-safe cryptography
Development of encryption methods resistant to quantum computing attacks to secure communications and protect critical civilian and military infrastructures.
- Zero Trust Architectures (ZTA)
Implementation of ZTA frameworks to prevent unauthorised access and enhance endpoint security in both civilian sectors (e.g. healthcare, finance) and defence systems.
- AI-driven threat detection and response
Deployment of AI-based tools for real-time threat detection, mitigation and predictive risk assessment. Solutions should support anomaly detection, adaptive defence and actionable intelligence analysis.
Deployment must comply with GDPR and AI Act requirements.
- Cyber ranges and digital twins for cybersecurity
Use of simulation environments and digital twin technologies to test cyberattack scenarios and identify vulnerabilities in civilian and military systems.
- Advanced SOAR tools
Development of Security Orchestration, Automation and Response platforms to streamline incident response across sectors.
Other cybersecurity domains with clear dual-use relevance are also eligible.
Demonstration areas may include:
- Protection of critical infrastructures (energy, transport, healthcare, communications, undersea infrastructure)
- Secure quantum-safe communication systems
- Hybrid threat management (e.g. GPS spoofing, ransomware combined with disinformation, cable sabotage)
- Extension of SOC/CSIRT capabilities compatible with defence requirements
- Digital fraud and digital violence prevention for public safety
Upon request by the ECCC, project consortia will participate in clustering activities to strengthen synergies between civilian and defence communities.
Eligible applicants
Stakeholders in either Cybersecurity Civilian and Defence Sphere, aiming at fostering joint collaborations targeting the delivery of concrete systems, tools and technologies, such as:
- Industrial players
- Defence Ministries and Agencies
- SMEs and start-ups
- relevant actors that play a role in the European Cybersecurity Civilian and Defence Spheres
Multi-country consortia composition is not mandatory for this topic but will positively contribute to the impact of the action.
Organisations based in EU Member States, EFTA/EEA, or Associated Countries (more info on eligible countries will be published soon)
Funding conditions
Type of action:
Simple grant
Funding rate:
50%
Indicative budget
€10 million
Deadline for submission
Q3 2026