EIC, Defence & Equity
First EIC defence equity call closes with nine applications
The EIC STEP Scale Up Defence call offered direct equity of up to €30 million per company; results are expected in early 2027.
Key facts
- Call
- EIC STEP Scale Up Defence
- Closed
- 28 October 2026
- Applications
- 9 from 7 countries
- Instrument
- Direct equity, up to €30 million per company
- Budget
- €100 million
- Results
- Expected early 2027
The first EIC STEP Scale Up Defence call closed on 28 October with nine applications from seven countries.
It is the first EU funding instrument to offer direct equity, up to €30 million per company, to firms whose technologies serve primarily defence purposes, from air and missile defence to drones and counter-drone systems.
The call has a €100 million budget and results are expected in early 2027. Dual-use innovators can apply through the EIC Accelerator and the general STEP Scale Up call.
Why it matters
Defence is now an equity market for the EIC, not just a grant topic. Companies with dual-use technologies do not need a dedicated defence call: the EIC Accelerator and the general STEP Scale Up call remain open routes, and a well-prepared investment case matters as much as the technology.
Official source
European Innovation Council — always check eligibility, budgets and deadlines on the official page before applying.