DEFENCE AND SECURITY
Innovating together for resilient, secure and capable defence and security systems
We support defence and security innovators in securing funding to develop, and scale-up technologies and capabilities that strengthen the resilience, security of supply and strategic autonomy in Europe.
Strengthening Europe’s defence and security capabilities through public funding
As defence and security technologies move from research environments into operational use, success increasingly depends on the ability to combine technical excellence, strategic alignment, funding strategy and multi-stakeholder collaboration. Public funding and collaborative programmes play a critical role in enabling this transition and in strengthening Europe’s long-term security capabilities.
Our highlights
€224 m
our customers
73%
26
Who do we work with?
We have already secured €224 million in funding for our customers through the current European Defence Fund (EDF) framework programme, across a wide range of technological areas. Spinverse has supported consortia in their EDF projects over a large spectrum of topics (e.g. robotics, drones, weapon systems, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, naval systems, land capabilities etc.).
Since 2020, we have worked successfully in the defence sector, starting with the EDIDP programme (the predecessor of EDF). As a result, we have built good relationships and have ongoing dialogue with many large dual-use and defence companies (including OEMs and primes), mid-sized companies, SMEs, start-ups, Ministries of Defence, European stakeholders and research organisations.
We are involved in defence and security projects ranging from R&D all the way to procurement.
How can we help you?
We clarify your opportunity and business case, build a technically credible and commercially sound project and identify the right partners for the project. We prepare competitive funding proposals aligned with relevant EU and national funding calls and help secure the funding required to move from idea to industrial deployment. In case of a successfully funded project, we can guide your Grant Agreement Preparation (GAP) process and provide coordination support to the consortium to keep timelines, compliance and results on track.
With our track record and experience on these projects, we provide insights on the EDF work programme and its context, we use our experience from the ongoing projects to ensure practical work plans and budgets to improve the quality of the proposals and ensure efficient implementation after selection. We dedicate our time and resources to allow our customers to focus on what really matters.
Our expertise within defence and security
We provide end-to-end support for defence and security innovation, from concept development to commercialisation. Our services help organisations secure funding for R&D, industrial expansion, and joint procurement through EU programmes such as European Defence Fund (EDF) and European Defence Industry Programme (EDIP). We design and manage incubator, accelerator and ecosystem programmes to connect clients with startups, SMEs and research partners.
Our technology scouting and solution discovery services facilitate innovation competitions and collaborative projects to solve complex challenges. We also offer project coordination, training, and investment support for startups, ensuring impactful results in real-world environments.
Scoping, instrument selection and partnership building
We help you define project goals, identify the most suitable EU or national funding instruments, and connect with the right partners and stakeholders to maximise your innovation potential.
Proposal preparation support
We support our customers in preparing their proposals for all programmes (EU and national) ranging from EDF, EDIP, EDIRPA, Horizon Europe, NSPA etc. This includes writing the proposal, guiding and performing sanity checks of requested annexes, building budgets etc.
Industrial capacity expansion funding support
We support European defence companies in preparing proposals for the European Defence Industry Programme (EDIP), which from 2026 offers funding to ramp up defence industrial manufacturing capacities. EDIP’s Industrial Reinforcement Actions will support the optimisation, expansion, modernisation, including automation, upgrading or repurposing of existing, or the establishment of new, production capacity of defence products, components and corresponding raw materials, including on the basis of the procurement or acquisition of the requisite machine tools and any other necessary input.
Joint procurement programme support
We help Ministries of Defence (MoDs) and European national Armed Forces prepare strong and coherent proposals for European joint procurement programmes. Our support includes help with proposal preparation, budgeting, and coordination between national stakeholders.
The European Union previously supported joint procurement through the EU Defence Industry Reinforcement through Common Procurement Act (EDIRPA) programme. As this programme has now ended, similar opportunities are available with the new EDIP framework under common procurement actions. The funding is not intended to cover any part of the purchase cost of defence equipment. Instead, it is designed to cover part of the management and coordination costs of large multinational procurement programmes. These activities can be substantial in major projects and may reach tens of millions of euros. Through EDIP, European MoDs and armed forces have a new opportunity to secure funding for this essential programme level work.
We guide organisations through the entire process. This includes understanding eligibility, shaping the procurement concept, preparing the proposal text, and ensuring that all requirements set by the European Union are met.
European and national R&D and tenders
Spinverse has been supporting consortia with their EDF projects since its creation in 2021 (and EDIDP before that). For dual-use innovations, Horizon Europe can also offer funding opportunities to our customers. We have also helped customers prepare their proposals for the NATO Support and Procurement Agency.
Spinverse can be involved in all stages of the project depending on the needs of the consortium (preparation of the complete proposal, writing only a selection of chapters, performing only a quality check etc.).
Incubator, accelerator and ecosystem programme support
Many defence and security companies now create their own ecosystem programmes to work with startups, SMEs, research partners and public organisations. These programmes help companies find new technologies, accelerate innovation, and build trusted partnerships.
We help companies and other organisations set up and operate their own incubator and accelerator programmes, as well as other types of innovation ecosystems. Our support covers every stage of the process. We assist with programme planning, goal setting, partner selection, and the development of an effective operating model. We also provide help with daily management, communication, scouting for startups and building long-term collaboration models. This allows you to focus on your core activities.
Support for coordination and management of ongoing projects
Spinverse supports in managing complex EDIDP and EDF projects with all daily tasks (e.g. organising meetings, communication and dissemination, amendment preparation, periodic report preparation and sanity checks for the financial part etc.) We are already involved in FAMOUS, FAMOUS2, AI-WASP, ePERFECT and ARCHYTAS.
Equity and investment support for start‑ups
We connect startups and SMEs with investment opportunities, leveraging networks such as European Investment Bank (EIB) and InvestEU to support growth and scale-up.
Technology problem‑solving and solution discovery
We help organisations address complex technology challenges by finding, evaluating, and developing innovative solutions through our broad network of partners and experts. Our approach brings together companies, research institutions and startups to solve important industrial and societal challenges. This is achieved through carefully designed innovation competitions, open calls for solutions and collaborative projects.
We have extensive experience in designing and running technology scouting and solution discovery processes tailored to each client’s specific needs. We manage every step of the process, from defining the problem and launching international calls for proposals, to evaluating ideas, coaching finalists, and supporting the development of pilot projects. Our broad network across industries such as defence, security, energy and manufacturing gives our clients access to the latest technologies and the right partners for their needs.
We have organised and managed numerous innovation challenges and competitions in collaboration with our clients. These initiatives have enabled leading companies including SSAB, Sandvik, Siemens, Fingrid and Valmet to discover new technologies, drive digital transformation and build long-lasting partnerships with innovative solution providers
Trainings
We offer targeted training programmes for new and experienced project coordinators, equipping them with the knowledge and practical skills needed to effectively manage their responsibilities. Our training covers essential tasks, best practices, and compliance requirements, ensuring coordinators are confident and prepared to lead successful projects.
Learn more about our workshops and trainings 
Why choose us?
In total, the defence and security team has helped customers secure €360 million from different EU, NATO and national programmes (e.g. EDIDP, NSPA, EDF, EDIRPA, Business Finland Veturi and EDIP). We support diverse company-led consortia from ideation and proposal preparation through to coordinating multi-year RDI projects, including EDIDP FAMOUS and EDF projects FAMOUS2, ARCHYTAS, ePERFECT and AI-WASP.
Our team combines extensive technical expertise with defence policy knowledge and a strong understanding of industrial trends. We leverage proven tools and methodologies to ensure your project plan aligns with all funding requirements and stands out in the evaluation process.
Spinverse is renowned for delivering high-quality, competitive proposals, even under tight deadlines. With over five senior consultants who have evaluated hundreds of EU funding proposals, we provide rigorous internal quality checks using official award criteria.
Our commitment to excellence means we dedicate the necessary time, resources and expertise to every project, ensuring reliable delivery and maximising your chances of success with the European Defence Fund.
What our customers say
Read here what our customers say about working with us on defence & security initiatives.
Secure EU funding with our guidance
Funding programmes relevant for security and defence include, for example:
European Defence Fund (EDF)
Supports collaborative defence R&D projects, strengthening European defence industrial competitiveness and strategic autonomy.
Horizon Europe (security and dual-use topics)
Supports research and innovation in security, resilience and selected dual-use technologies, enabling early-stage development and collaborative innovation.
European Defence Industry Programme (EDIP)
The European Defence Industry Programme is an EU programme providing €1.5 billion to ramp up Europe's defence readiness for the period 2025-2027 with aim of enhancing the competitiveness and the responsiveness of the European defence industry.
Learn more about the programme 
National defence and security funding programmes
Support defence and security technology development, testing and validation aligned with national capability priorities and industrial strategies. Business Finland offers national funding in Finland.
Learn more about the programme
Talk to our expert
Get in touch to discuss whether the Innovation Fund is the right instrument for your project and how we can support you in building a competitive funding proposal.
Janne Kaukojärvi
Talk to our expert
Get in touch to discuss whether the Innovation Fund is the right instrument for your project and how we can support you in building a competitive funding proposal.
Talk to our expert
Get in touch to discuss whether the Innovation Fund is the right instrument for your project and how we can support you in building a competitive funding proposal.
Talk to our expert
Get in touch to discuss whether the Innovation Fund is the right instrument for your project and how we can support you in building a competitive funding proposal.
Janne Kaukojärvi
Janne Kaukojärvi
Talk to our experts
Get in touch with our defence and security expert to discuss your specific challenges and funding opportunities.
Anu Ilmonen
Cloé Balloch
FAQs
Spinverse supports a wide variety of defence and security projects, including technology development, dual-use innovation, industrial capacity expansion, and joint procurement programmes. Our services cover the full project lifecycle from concept development and consortium building to proposal preparation and project coordination. We also assist with incubators, accelerators, ecosystem development, technology scouting and open innovation challenges, ensuring our clients can secure funding and bring impactful solutions to the defence and security sector.
Defence and security projects are commonly supported through the European Defence Fund, Horizon Europe security-related calls, EDIP and national defence and security funding schemes.
Funding strategies should be considered early to ensure alignment between capability needs, technology development and funding eligibility. Being involved early enough will also ensure proper communication with Ministries of Defence for projects requiring their support..
Yes. Most defence and security projects involve complex consortia. We support partner identification, consortium structuring and coordination throughout the project lifecycle.
Yes. SMEs play an important role in defence and security innovation and are actively encouraged to participate in many EU and national funding programmes. In EDF, for development actions, they are very valuable as they create bonuses for the funding rates.