Company profile
01Technology-based companies with legal personality and solutions applicable to Defence or dual-use.
How it works
From first interest to eventual application and participation in the programme.
Recipients
Essential framing information for participation in the Programme.
Eligibility scope
02Companies from EU Member States or eligible countries, at different stages, with demonstrated technical and organisational capacity.
Establishment, ownership and control
03Evidence of legal establishment, eligible ownership structure and decision-making autonomy may be required.
Minimum technology maturity
04Proposed solutions must present TRL 4 or above (technology validated in a laboratory or equivalent environment).
The journey
A simple path, with formal applications prepared to open later.
- TRL min. 4
Selection
Roadshow + Open Call. Applications by technological maturity and dual-use potential.
Assessment process for received applications and selection and admission of companies, according to the criteria set in this Regulation and in the Call Notice.
- Execution
Defense Builder
Market Entry Dossier: certifications, NATO/EDF supply chains, IP, business model.
First capability-building phase, aimed at supporting companies in consolidating their Defence market-entry strategy. During this phase, each company develops a Market Entry Dossier, bringing together the key elements needed to define its positioning strategy.
- Certification Map
- Supply Chain Map
- Business Model
- Due Diligence
- Down-selection
Gate Review
External jury. 8–10 companies advance to Phase 2. DIANA/NATO model.
Formal mid-term assessment milestone. It is intended to evaluate each participating company's progress, considering the development of the Market Entry Dossier, the technical feasibility of the solution, alignment with identified value chains, progress shown during Phase I, and readiness to advance to the next phase.
- Results
Defense Scale + Deal Day
LOIs, Investment Readiness, Legal Track. Ends with Defense Deal Day.
This phase is designed to support selected companies in consolidating business development opportunities and preparing for interaction with strategic partners, funding entities and potential clients.
During this phase, participating companies have access to specialised mentoring sessions and one-to-one support.
The Programme culminates in a private event designed to foster contact between participating companies and relevant Defence Ecosystem entities, including qualified potential buyers and investors.
As a result of the journey developed throughout the Programme, participating companies and attending stakeholders may explore establishing Letters of Intent (LoI) or Memoranda of Understanding (MoU).
- TRACK A) Pilot & Contracts
- TRACK B) Investment Readiness
- TRACK C) Legal & Export
Evaluation criteria
Applications are assessed using broad criteria defined by the Organisation, focusing on consistency and overall fit.
Selection Committee
Applications are reviewed by a Selection Committee appointed by the Organisation.
Support from external experts
When needed, the Organisation may involve external experts to support the technical review.
Assessment criteria
Assessment follows a general criteria grid and may consider:
- Innovation and relevance of the solution
- Maturity and implementation feasibility
- Team execution capacity
- Impact potential and alignment with the programme
Ranking and admission
After assessment, applications are ranked and admissions follow that prioritisation.
Start with the expression of interest
It is the first step to follow the programme and applications.