Apply Now: Dual-Use Cybersecurity Technologies Grant

Deadline: 14-Jan-2027

The Dual-Use Cybersecurity Technologies Grant supports collaborative pilot projects developing cybersecurity technologies, applications, and tools that can be used in both civilian and defence contexts across the European Union and European Economic Area (EEA). The grant is designed to strengthen cooperation between civilian and defence sectors while supporting the development and deployment of advanced cybersecurity solutions. Supported projects may develop working prototypes, ready-to-market products, and operational infrastructures addressing cybersecurity challenges relevant to both civilian and defence applications. The call provides a total budget of €10 million, with individual project grants ranging from €3 million to €5 million. The application deadline is 14 January 2027.

About the Dual-Use Cybersecurity Technologies Grant

Dual-use technologies are increasingly important for responding to cybersecurity threats, protecting critical infrastructure, securing data, and strengthening broader cyber defence capabilities. The grant aims to foster operational cooperation between the civil and defence spheres by supporting projects that can demonstrate practical applications of cybersecurity technologies in both contexts. The programme focuses on solutions that can contribute to: - Cybersecurity resilience. - Critical infrastructure protection. - Secure communications. - Cyber defence. - Hybrid threat management. - Public safety. - Digital fraud prevention. - Digital violence prevention. How Much Funding Is Available? The call has a total available budget of: - €10,000,000 Individual projects can receive grants ranging from: - €3,000,000 to €5,000,000 per project The substantial funding level reflects the programme’s focus on collaborative development and deployment of advanced dual-use cybersecurity technologies. Applicants should therefore propose projects with sufficient scale, technical ambition, and practical relevance to justify the requested level of funding. What Are Dual-Use Cybersecurity Technologies? Dual-use cybersecurity technologies are solutions that can serve both civilian and defence purposes. For example, a cybersecurity tool developed to protect civilian critical infrastructure may also have applications in defence environments. Similarly, secure communications, threat detection systems, cyber ranges, and automated security technologies can support both public and defence-related cybersecurity needs. The grant seeks to encourage this type of cross-sector innovation by connecting civilian technological capabilities with defence requirements. Key Technology Areas The call highlights several important areas of cybersecurity innovation. Quantum-Safe Cryptography Projects may focus on quantum-safe cryptography designed to address future cybersecurity risks associated with increasingly powerful quantum computing technologies. Zero Trust Architectures Zero Trust Architectures are another key area of interest. These approaches can strengthen security by requiring continuous verification and limiting implicit trust across networks and systems. AI-Driven Threat Detection and Response Projects can develop AI-driven technologies for detecting and responding to cyber threats. Such systems can support faster identification of threats and more effective cybersecurity responses across civilian and defence environments. Cyber Ranges and Digital Twins The call also supports cyber ranges incorporating digital twins for cybersecurity. These environments can provide controlled settings for developing, testing, demonstrating, and evaluating cybersecurity capabilities. Advanced SOAR Tools Advanced Security Orchestration, Automation and Response (SOAR) tools are also identified as an area of interest. These technologies can help automate cybersecurity processes and coordinate responses to security incidents. Applications and Use Cases Supported projects are expected to demonstrate and deploy cybersecurity solutions with practical relevance.

Potential application areas include:

- Critical infrastructure protection. - Secure communications. - Hybrid threat management. - Digital fraud prevention. - Digital violence prevention. - Public safety. - Cybersecurity resilience. - Civil and defence cyber operations. Applicants should demonstrate how their proposed technology can address real cybersecurity needs in both civilian and defence contexts. Civil and Defence Collaboration A central feature of the grant is the requirement for clear cooperation between civil and defence sectors. Projects must demonstrate that their development and deployment activities bring together capabilities, expertise, or operational requirements from both spheres. The collaboration should be meaningful to the proposed cybersecurity solution rather than simply being an administrative partnership.

Applicants should clearly explain:

- The civilian component of the project. - The defence component. - How the two sectors will collaborate. - How the technology can address requirements in both contexts. - How cooperation contributes to successful development and deployment. What Types of Projects Are Supported? The call supports collaborative pilot projects focused on developing and deploying dual-use cybersecurity solutions.

Supported outputs can include:

- Working prototypes. - Ready-to-market products. - Operational infrastructures. - Cybersecurity applications. - Cybersecurity tools. - Advanced technological solutions for civilian and defence use. Projects should demonstrate practical potential rather than focusing exclusively on theoretical research. Who Can Apply? Applicants must be legal entities established in eligible European countries. Eligible applicants include legal entities established in: - EU Member States, including overseas countries and territories. - EEA countries. The eligible EEA countries specifically identified are: Both public and private bodies can qualify, provided they meet the a