New Defence & Resilience Funding
Driven by Eastern Threat

In response to the new geopolitical reality, Denmark and the EU’s innovation and R&D funds have allocated substantial new funding to support research, innovation, and the development of defence and emergency preparedness technologies.

The security order that defined Europe for decades is rapidly unravelling. Russia’s war in Ukraine, acts of sabotage against vital infrastructure, and covert operations across the continent have shattered assumptions of stability. As American support grows more uncertain and threats move closer to home, Denmark and its neighbours are responding with unprecedented investments in defence, resilience, and preparedness.

Defence Tech Denmark

One major initiative, Defence Tech Denmark, has earmarked DKK 200 million in collaboration with the Danish Industry Foundation, the Innovation Fund, and EIFO (Export and Investment Fund of Denmark). The goal is to bring together capital and expertise to foster a new generation of Danish defence technology companies positioning Denmark as a strong contributor to Europe’s defence innovation ecosystem.

Defence Tech Denmark launches new initiatives to accelerate innovation in the Danish defence sector. 

Each year, startups and SMEs will be selected for specialized acceleration and transformation programmes. These programmes kick off on 15 January and run for seven to nine months, offering tailored industry guidance, access to networks of key partners, and support with regulatory and certification processes.

In addition, the Innobooster and Innofounder Defence Themes provide funding opportunities with Innobooster grants ranging from DKK 200,000-5 million per project.
 
Deadline is on 17 December for the last Innobooster round in 2025.
When you apply to either Innobooster or Innofounder you can choose to automatically also apply to the Defence Tech Denmark Acceleration and transformation programmes.

Do you have Dual-Use Potential?

Defence Tech Denmark also aims to highlight the significant dual-use potential of many innovative technologies being developed in Denmark. Numerous solutions designed for civilian applications could also play a vital role in strengthening our national and European defence capabilities. Examples include advancements in cybersecurity, sustainable/resilient energy systems, and maritime sensor technologies, etc. all of which can contribute to both societal resilience and military readiness.

So, if you have an idea or technology that could strengthen Denmark’s defence or security capabilities, reach out to Nordic Innovators. We can help you quickly assess whether your project qualifies for funding and support under the Defence Tech Denmark initiatives.

EU Mobilises Over €800 Billion for Defence Innovation

As part of the ReArm Europe plan, the EU is allocating over €800 billion from its industrial, research, and cohesion programmes to rebuild Europe’s defence production capacity and strengthen cross-border innovation. A key element of this renewed focus is the European Innovation Council (EIC), which the European Commission has now confirmed will begin investing in dual-use and defence-related start-ups under Horizon Europe, marking a historic broadening of its mandate beyond purely civilian technologies.

At the same time, the European Defence Fund (EDF) remains a cornerstone of the EU’s defence R&D ecosystem, providing €7.3 billion in co-funded grants between 2021 and 2027 for collaborative projects that strengthen Europe’s industrial base and technological sovereignty.

Complementing these efforts, NATO’s Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) offers grant opportunities and accelerator programmes for startups and researchers developing breakthrough dual-use technologies, giving them access to NATO test centres, mentors, and potential investors.

Together, these initiatives create unprecedented opportunities for innovators, SMEs, and research institutions to contribute directly to Europe’s collective security and resilience.

How Nordic Innovators can help your project

At Nordic Innovators, we work closely with companies and research teams developing dual-use or defence technologies in Denmark and across the EU to navigate funding instruments such as the EDF, EIC, and NATO DIANA. Our team has extensive experience in crafting winning proposals for these defence funding programmes, helping clients translate technical excellence into successful grant applications and funded projects.

CONTACT US if you are exploring funding opportunities or want to assess your project’s eligibility!