EN 
it
The second application window for ECDI – Civil Drones Innovative Programme is now open, the European initiative dedicated to SMEs developing innovative technologies for civil drones and dual-use applications.
The programme was created to support companies at a crucial stage of their growth: not only developing technological solutions, but making them more mature, structured and ready to face increasingly demanding markets from an operational, regulatory and industrial standpoint.
The deadline for the second cut-off is set for 15 June 2026, at 17:00 CET.
Why the call is relevant to the civil drone sector
The civil drone supply chain is going through a significant transition. UAV applications are today increasingly close to the concrete needs of businesses, public entities, industrial operators and institutions: from environmental monitoring to emergency management, from inspections to logistics, from precision agriculture to data collection and enhancement.
These are areas that Dronitaly follows and promotes throughout its journey, focusing not only on technology, but on its real deployment in different application scenarios.
In this context, a European measure dedicated to the maturation of drone solutions represents an important signal for the entire sector: strengthening SMEs means contributing to the growth of a more competitive, more integrated and more market-ready ecosystem.
What is the ECDI programme
The Civil Drones Innovative Programme is promoted within the European Cluster for Drone Innovation – ECDI and targets SMEs engaged in the development of innovative technologies for civil drones and dual-use applications.
The objective of the programme is to guide selected companies in three main directions: the technological maturation of drone solutions, the definition of a more structured innovation strategy and access to civil and defence-related markets.
This is therefore a pathway that goes beyond financial support, combining funding, specialised expertise and targeted services to help companies consolidate their product and positioning.
Contribution up to 50,000 euros and specialist services
Selected SMEs will be able to access a support package that includes assessment activities, mentorship, specialist services and training. In particular, the programme provides:
- individual assessment and definition of a roadmap;
- mentorship throughout the journey;
- technical, regulatory, business and testing services;
- access to training activities;
- support for internationalisation;
- opportunity to participate in the Innovation Drone Alliance;
- equity-free funding up to 50,000 euros, linked to the Innovation Plan.
Each selected company must develop an Innovation Plan, which will serve as a reference for the activities planned during the programme. This step is significant because it connects the support received to concrete technological development, validation and market growth objectives.
Who can apply
The call targets manufacturing SMEs active in the drone sector, interested in updating their product technologically and developing or strengthening dual-use applications.
Among the main requirements is the availability of at least one drone product at TRL 6 or higher, with a commitment to increase its technological maturity level by at least one stage during the journey.
Companies established in a European Union Member State or in a country participating in the Single Market Programme – COSME Strand are eligible to apply.
Applications based exclusively on market access activities without product development are not eligible, nor are purely service-based companies or those without an eligible product.
From advanced technology to the market
For many SMEs in the sector, the challenge is no longer just developing an innovative technology. The decisive step is making it adoptable, reliable in real scenarios, consistent with regulatory requirements, integrable into end-user processes and recognisable within the European market.
The value of the ECDI programme lies precisely in the combination of financial support and specialist guidance. The more solutions mature, the more civil drones can establish themselves as operational tools serving the environment, security, industry, logistics, agriculture and public services.
How to apply
The second application window will remain open until 15 June 2026 at 17:00 CET. Applications must be submitted online through the platform indicated by the programme.
Interested companies are invited to consult the official documentation, verify eligibility requirements and prepare their application including all required information and documents.
