Demand-led innovation in security

Overview

Supports pre-commercial procurement (PCP) actions to develop and validate innovative civil security technology solutions for EU practitioners. Targets consortia of public procurers, practitioners, and industry, particularly SMEs and startups, to address shared security needs through demand-led innovation.

Who Can Apply

Consortia must include at least 3 practitioners and 3 public procurers from at least 3 different EU Member States or Associated Countries. At least two public procurers must be independent legal entities, with one based in a Member State. Private procurers or NGOs providing public-interest services may also participate.

Funding Details

Maximum grant amount: €7,833,000. Funding supports PCP activities, including prototype development and validation. Financial support to third parties (e.g., citizens) is permitted up to €100,000 per third party for adoption incentives.

What Is Funded

Pre-commercial procurement (PCP) of R&D services for innovative civil security solutions. Activities include:

• Open market consultations in at least 3 EU Member States.
• Competitive development of prototypes (minimum 2 from different providers) validated in real operational environments.
• Post-PCP strategies for deployment, joint procurement, or regulatory incentives.
• Cooperation with policymakers to strengthen national frameworks for PCP and innovation procurement.

Technology / Maturity Requirements

Solutions must be at Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 7–9, focusing on prototype validation and pilot deployment in operational settings.

Key Dates

• Open date: 2027-05-04
• Deadline: 2027-11-03T23:00:00Z

Application Process (High-Level)

Single-stage submission via the Funding & Tenders Portal. Proposals must include:

• State-of-the-art analysis and market landscape.
• Evidence of practitioner demand and procurement commitment.
• Plans for post-PCP uptake, including potential follow-up procurement or deployment.

Post-Award Obligations

• Validation of prototypes in real operational environments.
• Reporting on evaluation results, technical specifications, and standardisation needs.
• Dissemination of outcomes to EU public buyers and civil security communities.
• Compliance with EU public procurement principles and PCP guidelines.

Geographic Scope & Language

Eligible countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Norway, Iceland, United Kingdom, Switzerland. Application language: English.

Notes

• Fast-track PCP (2 phases instead of 3) is allowed if procurers commit to buying or deploying solutions post-PCP.
• Proposals must demonstrate sustainability beyond the project lifespan, including engagement with stakeholders and exploitation strategies.
• Subcontracted work must be performed in at least 3 Member States unless approved otherwise.