EU programmes · European Defence Agency (EDA)
HEDI is an EU-level defence innovation platform established within EDA in May 2022 as a key deliverable of the EU Strategic Compass for Security and Defence. It operates across four integrated services — technology scouting (Defence Frontier Insights), structured innovation development (Innovators Forge), real-world operational experimentation (OPEX), and ecosystem-building (EDIN/EDID) — to accelerate the transition of emerging technologies into deployable military capabilities. It engages innovators ranging from start-ups and SMEs to prime contractors, working in close cooperation with EU Member States, associated countries, the European Commission (notably EUDIS), and NATO innovation initiatives. HEDI has no dedicated ring-fenced budget of its own and draws on EDA resources and complementary EU funding streams.
HEDI offers defence-tech companies and SMEs a structured, multi-stage pathway from idea to operational validation — including funded proof-of-concept activities, innovation prizes, and live field experimentation campaigns (OPEX) with military end-users — that can materially de-risk and accelerate route-to-market. Its 'Innovators Forge' and procurement innovation workstream create direct links between innovators and Member State capability requirements, improving the odds of eventual public procurement uptake. Companies engaging with HEDI also gain visibility within the broader EU defence innovation ecosystem (EUDIS, EDF, NATO DIANA), making it a strategic entry point for the European defence market.
European Commission (DG DEFIS), with EUSPA and the EIF
Space is treated as dual-use across EU funding; CASSINI gives space-defence start-ups an equity pipeline and visibility instruments that stack with EDF and EUDIS applications.
European Investment Fund with the European Commission, under InvestEU
Not a programme you apply to as a company, but it determines which European VCs have fresh defence-mandated capital; track its fund commitments to know who can actually write you a cheque.
European Investment Bank Group
Debt, not grants: the EIB now finances defence companies that banks still avoid, and venture debt from its one-stop shop can extend runway without dilution once you have revenue or strong contracts.