National · Finland · Ministry of Defence of Finland / Finnish Defence Forces Logistics Command

Finnish Defence Forces Research Programme (PVTO)

Innovation procurementDefenceProcurementFunding

Envelope: EUR 24 million (PVTO2025 procurement value including options; EUR 6 million contracted for 2025)

About the programme

A recurring Defence Forces research programme (PVTO2021, PVTO2025) authorised by the Minister of Defence and contracted by the Defence Forces Logistics Command.

PVTO2025 comprises three umbrella projects divided into research projects, procured one project at a time on the Design to Cost principle: feasibility studies in 2025 with possible additional studies in 2026-2027.
It builds concepts and strategic planning knowledge with Finland's scientific community and industry.

Why it matters

PVTO is contract research, not grants: companies that win a slot get paid defence R&D work and a direct channel into Defence Forces capability planning. Position for the individual project tenders rather than waiting for an open call.

Calls & cycles

PVTO2025 project-by-project procurementRolling

Continuously open

Projects are procured individually via Finnish public procurement during 2025-2027; no open application round.

National / DenmarkOpen call

Acceleration Fund (Accelerationsfonden)

Danish Ministry of Defence / Danish Ministry of Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organisation (FMI/DALO)

The single largest pot of near-term Danish defence procurement money, with an explicit invitation for industry to propose what to buy. Speed to fielding is the main selection criterion.

Innovation procurementDefence

See programme

National / GermanyOpen call

Agentur für Innovation in der Cybersicherheit (Cyberagentur)

German Federal Government (BMVg and BMI)

One of very few German vehicles paying companies directly for security and defence-relevant research, with multi-million-euro phased contracts. Procurement-law process means longer lead times; watch the partnering events.

Innovation procurementSecurityDefenceDeep tech

See programme

National / PolandOpen call

ARP Financing for the Defence Sector (Agencja Rozwoju Przemysłu)

Industrial Development Agency (Agencja Rozwoju Przemysłu S.A.), Polish state development agency

A flexible state lender willing to bank defence-industry companies that commercial banks often avoid, useful for contract financing and liquidity in scaling defence production. No fixed calls: financing is negotiated case by case.

LoansDefenceDual-use

Working-capital loans from PLN 0.8 million (up to PLN 8.6 million with InvestEU guarantee for SMEs); larger investment and restructuring loans negotiated individuallySee programme