Civil Drones Innovative Programme

The Civil Drones Innovative Programme is a European initiative supporting SMEs developing innovative technologies for civil and dual-use drones, implemented under the European Cluster for Drone Innovation (ECDI) project.

Objectives

The Programme aims to support SMEs in:

1. the technological maturation of their drone solutions,
2. the structuring of their innovation strategy,
3. access to civil and defence-related markets.

Support Offered

Selected SMEs will benefit from:

1. individual assessment and roadmap definition,
2. mentorship throughout the Programme,
3. tailored technical, regulatory, business and testing services,
4. access to training and internationalisation support,
5. possibility to participate in the Innovation Drone Alliance,
6. equity-free funding of up to €50,000, linked to the Innovation Plan.

Some activities are mandatory, while others are optional depending on the SME’s needs.

Each selected SME will implement an Innovation Plan, which will serve as the main reference for participation in the Programme.

Submission Process

Applications must be submitted electronically via the Online Platform.

The Open Call is organised in two cut-off dates.

Eligible applications not selected in the 1st cut-off and below the minimum threshold may:

1. be resubmitted to the 2nd cut-off, provided that the application is updated and improved based on feedback received.

Eligible applications not selected in the 1st cut-off and above the minimum threshold may choose between:

1. being placed on the reserve list and re-integrated in the assessment after the 2nd cut-off, or
2. being resubmitted to the 2nd cut-off, provided that the application is updated and improved based on feedback received.

Application Form

Applicants must complete the online application form and upload all required information and mandatory supporting documents as specified on the submission platform.

Incomplete applications may be rejected.

Each SME may submit one application per cut-off date.

Applicants may be contacted for clarification during the evaluation process. Failure to respond within the specified timeframe may result in rejection.

Evaluation and Selection

Eligible applications will be evaluated by independent experts based on the following criteria:

1. Excellence and Innovation – 30 points
2. Impact – 30 points
3. Quality and Implementation – 40 points

To be considered for selection, applications must:

1. achieve a minimum overall score of 50/100, and
2. score at least 50% of the maximum points in each evaluation criterion.

Applications will be ranked after each cut-off.

All applicants will be informed of the evaluation results.

Unsuccessful applicants will receive feedback.

Eligibility Conditions

Applicants must be manufacturing SMEs operating in the drone sector and seeking to upgrade their product technologically and develop or strengthen dual-use applications.

Applicants must:

1. qualify as an SME under EU Recommendation 2003/361/EC,
2. be independent or compliant with EU definitions of partner/linked enterprises,
3. employ fewer than 250 persons and have:
4. an annual turnover ≤ €50 million, or
5. an annual balance sheet total ≤ €43 million,
6. have at least one drone product at TRL 6 or higher and commit to increasing the TRL by at least one level during the Programme.

Applications focused solely on market access without product development are not eligible.

Service providers, non-manufacturing companies, or SMEs without an eligible product (below TRL 6) are not eligible.

Start-ups without full financial history may be eligible if SME criteria are met.

Applicants must not be bankrupt, under liquidation, considered an enterprise in difficulty, or subject to EU funding exclusion.

Applicants must complete the EU SME self-assessment and upload the result with their application.

Eligible Countries

Applicants must be established in:

1. an EU Member State, or
2. a country participating in the EU Single Market Programme / COSME Strand.

Number of SMEs to be Supported

The Programme aims to support around 25 SMEs:

1. approximately 13 SMEs at the 1st cut-off,
2. approximately 12 SMEs at the 2nd cut-off.

The consortium reserves the right not to award all available funds.

Further Information

1. Guide for Applicants
2. ECDI website
3. ECDI LinkedIn

Contact: [email protected] and [email protected]