European Defence Fund – BattleVerse: up to €60,000 for SMEs with simulation and AI software

In plain words

Up to €60,000 (a lump sum covering up to 100% of staff costs) for an SME or start-up that tests its own technology in defence simulation software over 6 months: large language models for mission planning, operations simulation, or AI for swarms of autonomous vehicles (drones). You can apply alone or with up to 2 partners. The budget is small (€1.2 million), so competition will be tough.

Who can apply

SMEs and start-ups (fewer than 250 staff, turnover up to €50 million) established in and controlled from the EU, Norway or Ukraine, alone or in a team of up to 3 organisations. Research bodies and universities only as complementary partners where no suitable SME exists. The company must be incorporated and have a VAT number before the deadline.

What it pays for

A 6-month experiment in one of three topics: 1) large language models (LLMs) for strategic decisions and mission planning, 2) multi-physics simulation for naval, submarine, electronic-warfare and land/air operations, 3) distributed AI for coordinated swarms of autonomous vehicles. A lump sum covering up to 100% of direct staff costs (up to €60,000 per organisation, up to €180,000 per experiment); subcontracting is not covered. Includes up to 2 hours of one-to-one coaching.

What must be true for you

Tick what applies. Saved on this device only.

• An SME or start-up established in and controlled from the EU, Norway or Ukraine; a mandatory Ownership Control Declaration.
• A team of 1–3 organisations with at least one SME/start-up; each organisation can be in only one selected proposal.
• A proposal in English, up to 15 pages, using the call template and with no classified information.
• Minimum scores: technical excellence 3/5, impact 4/5, implementation 3/5 and a total of at least 11/15.

How to apply

1. Read the Guide for Applicants and the FAQ on the call platform.
2. Pick a topic and, if needed, find up to 2 partners.
3. Fill in the proposal template and the Ownership Control Declaration.
4. Create an account and submit the proposal (PDF up to 20 MB) on the EMS platform battleverse.ems-carsa.com by 16 Nov 2026, 17:00 Brussels time.
5. If selected, sign the sub-grant agreement and receive 30% up front; the remaining 70% comes after completion and approval of the deliverables.

Where to apply: BattleVerse EMS platform – battleverse.ems-carsa.com/call/detail/1

Deadline

Deadline: 16 November 2026, 17:00 Brussels time (18:00 Greek time).

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