European Defence Fund: Proposals now open for new 2026 calls

On February 11, the official opening of some 2026 calls for proposals from the European Defence Fund took place.

The Fund supports companies from all Member States in developing defense projects that provide innovative and interoperable technologies and equipment, aiming to reduce the fragmentation of investments in the sector and strengthen European industrial competitiveness. The program has a budget of approximately €7.3 billion for the period 2021-2027 and covers 34 thematic categories aligned with the priorities set out in the Common Security and Defense Policy framework and the Capability Development Plan, as well as, where appropriate, regional priorities and the priorities of international organizations, such as NATO. For 2026, the overall budget amounts to €1 billion for defense research and development.

Proposals can be submitted for the following calls:

EDF-2026-DA, whose calls are:

EDF-2026-DA-GROUND-MRL: Multiple rocket launcher;
EDF-2026-DA-ENERENV-AWC-STEP: Unmanned platform for the collection and disposal of ammunition waste;
EDF-2026-DA-AIR-SPS: Self-protection systems;
EDF-2026-DA-PROTMOB-DMM: Secure Digital Military Mobility System;
EDF-2026-DA-SENS-CEW-STEP: Improved cognitive EW system with intelligent signal analysis RESM CESM;
EDF-2026-DA-GROUND-MBT: Future Main Battle Tank Platform Systems;
EDF-2026-DA-AIR-STFS: Intelligent technologies for next-generation combat systems;
EDF-2026-DA-MATCOMP-SMT-STEP: Smart and multifunctional fabrics;
EDF-2026-DA-SPACE-PRS-STEP: Integration of Galileo PRS receivers into weapons systems and NAVWAR operations centers in military C2s;
EDF-2026-DA-ENERENV-HPES-STEP: High-performance energy systems;
EDF-2026-DA-NAVAL-EMSAS: Upgraded medium-sized semi-autonomous surface vessels;
EDF-2026-DA-EXP-DIGIT-MDOC-STEP: Cloud services for multi-domain military operations;
EDF-2026-DA-ACC-AIRDEF-EATMI: High-end endoatmospheric interception.

EDF-2026-LS, whose calls are:

EDF-2026-LS-DA-DIS-OTHR: New capabilities in beyond-the-horizon detection;
EDF-2026-LS-DA-SME-NT: Non-thematic development actions by SMEs;
EDF-2026-LS-RA-CHALLENGE-DIGIT-AISAP-STEP: “Artificial Intelligence-Based Tactical Situational Awareness Using Swarms of Small Robots and Drones: Participation in a Technological Challenge”;
EDF-2026-LS-RA-CHALLENGE-DIGIT-AISAO: “Artificial Intelligence-Based Tactical Situational Awareness Using Swarms of Small Robots and Drones: Hosting a Technological Challenge”
EDF-2026-LS-RA-SI-ENERENV-NTFE: New turbofan engine.

EDF-2026-RA, whose calls are:

EDF-2026-RA-MCBRN-DST: CBRN Decontamination Systems and Technologies;
EDF-2026-RA-PROTMOB-FMLA: Future light multi-role aircraft;
EDF-2026-RA-SI-UWW-CSBI-STEP: Layered protection of critical seabed infrastructure;
EDF-2026-RA-SIMTRAIN-MSAI: Model- and simulation-supported AI framework for military decision-making and training;
EDF-2026-RA-SENS-MSDT: Demonstration and testing of multi-domain sensors;
EDF-2026-RA-CYBER-QSTN: Secured Quantum Tactical Networks;
EDF-2026-RA-AIR-A4R: Autonomous and automatic air-to-air refueling;
EDF-2026-RA-UWW-FUWN: Development and validation of flow-related underwater noise prediction models.

The deadline for all the calls in question is set for September 29, 2026.

For more information: info@iniziativa.cc

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Success Cases

Sabina Public Water

PPP operation (pursuant to Legislative Decree 50/2016) concerning the "Implementation and management of a Smart metering system for the automation of the reading and management processes of Sabina Public Water meters and the implementation of a management of data driven water resource management processes”

Sector: Digitalisation
Date: 2023

SEA SpA Hilton – Sorrento Palace

Renovation of 19 accommodation facilities in order to improve the competitiveness of the luxury segment (4 and 5 stars) of the tourist offer system of the Sorrento peninsula, the main tourist destination in Campania.

Contract: Development Contract
Project cost: €47.899.483,80
Non-refundable contribution: €15.011.599,00
Concessionary Financing: €19.423.370,00
Date: April 2020

Business Process Reengineering

Business Process Reengineering intervention aimed at the upgrade and technological development of the company's IT assets; support in the design of the company performance monitoring system and in the optimization of organizational processes

Sector: Textile Company
Turnover: €36.081.512
Date: 2022

BO Industries Srl

New production unit for the production, processing and marketing of butter

Contract: Industrial Development Contract
Project cost: €14.927.461,83
Non-refundable contribution: €6.275.400,00
Date: 2023

“NGR-25”

NEXT GREEN REVOLUTION

Contract: Innovation Agreement
Project cost: €9.140.577,74
Contribution to spending: €4.495.275,01
Date: November 2022

100% Transfer

Iniziativa, as financial advisor, assisted Medinok in the sale of 100% of its capital to Telebit and in the reinvestment of a minority stake in the latter's capital.

Sector: Telecommunications Services & Facility Management
Deal: Undisclosed
Date: 2022

FAST TRACKS

Fast radio technologies for uninterrupted train to trackside communications

Program: Horizon - SME Instrument
Project cost: €2.370.625,00
Contribution: €1.659.437,50
Date: July 2017

Model 231 from 2001

Support for the preparation of the company's Organization, Management and Control Model, drawn up pursuant to Legislative Decree 231 of 2001.

Sector: Wholesale trade of street sweeping machines
Turnover: €27.197.845
Date: 2023

A.Abete Srl

Iniziativa, as financial advisor, assisted A.Abete in the subscription of the Campania Bond.

Sector: Aerospace
Deal: 3.500.000
Date: 2024

Airtime

Iniziativa, as a financial advisor, assisted the Airtime Partecipazione group in the listing process on Euronext Paris.

Sector: Telecommunications Services
Deal: Undisclosed
Date: 2021

iGUESS-MED

Innovative Greenhouse Support System in the Mediterranean Region: efficient fertigation and pest management through IoT based climate control

Program: BEFORE
Project cost: €1.733.000,00
Contribution: €1.597.700,00
Date: April 2020

Integrated Services Consortium

Restoration and conservative renovation project aimed at repurposing the building known as the "Former Caretaker's House and Greenhouses" located within the Villa Floridiana park in Naples.

Date: 2024

Management control

Support for the implementation of industrial accounting and management control

Sector: Flexible Packaging Production
Date: 2026

Santa Maria Terni Hospital

Technical assistance for the economic-financial and management evaluation relating to a project financing proposal pursuant to art. 183, paragraph 15, of Legislative Decree 50/2016 for the "Construction and management of the new Terni hospital"

Sector: Healthcare company PPP
Date: 2021

Solacem F2i

Sale of the majority stake to F2i; Iniziativa acted as financial advisor to the sellers.

Sector: Infrastructure
Deal: Undisclosed
Date: 2026

Witapp

Development and implementation of an innovative system for managing pharmaceutical warehouses, departments, and operating rooms, and streamlining healthcare logistics to support the management of the drug and disposable medical device cycle for the Lecce Local Health Authority.

Date: 2025

Eurospin Tirrenica

Design and construction of public buildings in Follonica with ninety-year concession of surface rights

Date: 2022-2025/XNUMX/XNUMX

Municipality of Ragusa

Technical support for the development and verification of the economic and financial rebalancing conditions of the concession stipulated with Porto Turistico Marina di Ragusa SpA

Date: 2020-2025/XNUMX/XNUMX

Unidata

Implementation and management of a smart metering system to automate the reading and management processes of Sabina Public Water meters and the implementation of a data-driven water resource management process management system.

Date: 2023-2024/XNUMX/XNUMX

San Michele SRL Nursing Home

The company has acquired additional diagnostic equipment to expand the services offered.

Contract: Credito Mezzogiorno - Article 1, paragraphs 98 to 108, of Law No. 208 of 28 December 2015, and subsequent amendments
Project cost: €1.570.000,00
Contribution: €392.500,00

Leonardo Smart

Contract: Campania startUp 2020
Project cost: €212.500,00
Non-refundable contribution: €148.750,00
Date: December 2023

CLICK

Circular models Leveraging Investments in Cultural heritage adaptive reuse

Program: Horizon
Project cost: €4.957.033,00
Contribution: €4.957.033,00
Date: October 2017

Be.CULTOUR

Beyond CULtural TOURism: human-centred innovations for sustainable and circular cultural tourism

Program: Horizon
Project cost: €4.097.203,75
Contribution: €3.993.328,75
Date: February 2021

City of Lucca

Supporting the RUP in evaluating and managing PPP proposals submitted by private operators, ensuring full regulatory compliance and transparency. The goal is to promote innovative solutions and improve the efficiency of public spending, including through training and ongoing support for internal staff.

Date: 2024-2025/XNUMX/XNUMX

ARACNE

Advocating the role of Silk Art and Cultural Heritage at National and European scales

Program: Horizon
Project cost: €2.999.634,50
Contribution: €2.999.634,50
Date: March 2023

Management control

Development of the Investment Plan and the economic-financial plan for the opening of Mignon brand sales points of the company business in the main Italian cities and railway stations

Sector: Bars and other establishments
Turnover: €3.918.453
Date: 2018

Sustainability reports

Support in the preparation of the corporate sustainability report and definition of the ESG strategy and indicators for monitoring sustainable variables

Sector: Production of Plastic Materials
Date: 2023

TILES

The first platform for shared entertainment

Program: Horizon - SME Instrument
Project cost: €1.651.720,00
Contribution: €1.156.204,00
Date: October 2015

Model 231 from 2001

Update of the company's Organization, Management and Control Model, drawn up pursuant to Legislative Decree 231 of 2001

Sector: Company subject to the management and coordination of Invitalia National Agency for Attracting Investments and Business Development SpA
Turnover: €11.444.972,00
Date: 2020

EMINA Srl

Construction of a new Diagnostic and Oncology Center and for the implementation of three Industrial Research and Organizational Innovation programs

Contract: Industrial Development Contract
Project cost: €61.085.745
Non-refundable contribution: €19.304.847
Concessionary Financing: €21.000.000
Date: August 2021

€1.9 billion Production investments supported | €435 billion Investments in Research & Innovation subsidized | 200 active customers with hundreds of completed transactions | 100 Project Financing/PPP Operations Supported | €1.9 billion Production investments supported | €435 billion Investments in Research & Innovation subsidized | 200 active customers with hundreds of completed transactions | 100 Project Financing/PPP Operations Supported |