Open Topic on advanced protective gear optimized for CBRN-E (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, Explosives) environments and new generation of smart protective equipment for disaster responders

Overview

Funding for the development of advanced protective gear optimized for CBRN-E (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, Explosives) environments and smart protective equipment for disaster responders. Targets research institutions, manufacturers, and end-users collaborating to enhance safety, operational efficiency, and real-time situational awareness in high-risk scenarios.

Who Can Apply

Consortia comprising legal entities from EU Member States or Associated Countries. Must include at least two training centers (national/regional/local infrastructures for practitioner training) and two practitioners involved in CBRN-E tool validation/testing from at least two eligible countries.

Funding Details

• Maximum grant amount: €7,833,000
• Funding type: Lump sum
• Funding rate: Not specified (standard Horizon Europe rules apply)

What Is Funded

• Development of protective gear for CBRN-E environments, incorporating innovative materials, technologies, and user-centric design.
• Creation of smart protective equipment with features such as automated hazard detection, environmental monitoring, and real-time communication systems.
• Stakeholder/market analysis and roadmaps for uptake by industry, research communities, or authorities.
• Synergies with the European Civil Protection Pool (ECPP) and rescEU strategic reserve.
• Collaboration between research institutions, manufacturers, and end-users to ensure practical applicability.

Technology / Maturity Requirements

• Technology Readiness Level (TRL): 4–6 (validation in lab to prototype demonstration in relevant environment).

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 adhere to page limits and templates outlined in the Horizon Europe Work Programme General Annexes.

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

• Mandatory use of Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS for projects involving satellite-based data/services.
• Proposals must include a table detailing security practitioners involved in training, validation, and testing.
• Results may be subject to transfer of ownership or licensing restrictions for up to four years post-award.