EIC STEP Scale Up Defence call opens today

As announced on 17 June 2026, today the EIC opens the EIC STEP Scale Up Defence call. 

Companies in the EU Member States, in countries from the European Economic Area that are associated to Horizon Europe and in Ukraine can receive up to €30 million in direct equity financing to accelerate the scale-up of their industrial capabilities on, among others, air and missile defence, drones and counter drones, and other critical defence technologies. This is the first time any EU funding programme will ever invest direct equity in defence companies. The EIC will co-invest in major funding rounds typically ranging from €50 million to €150 million or more, with total round sizes expected to be at least three to five times the requested EIC investment. 

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Background information

EIC STEP Scale Up Defence call

Media announcement