Uus RUPi meede toob Kaitsetehnoloogia arenduseks 5 miljonit

The Estonian Business and Innovation Agency (EIS) will open a new funding round on May 8, offering 5 million euros to support applied research in the field of defense. The support is aimed at Estonian companies developing new technologies that strengthen national defense and security.

The Applied Research Programme (RUP) supports high-risk applied research and experimental development, offering companies both financial aid and expert advice in technology and business. Grants will range from 250,000 to 500,000 euros per project. The application process has two phases: the pre-evaluation deadline is June 7, and the final application deadline is July 7.

According to Minister of Economic Affairs and Information Technology Erkki Keldo, national defense and economic competitiveness are both government priorities, and developing the Estonian defense industry connects these goals. He highlighted that Estonian companies are already working on technologies ranging from drones and unmanned vehicles to secure communication and cybersecurity systems.

Mart Toots, head of the applied research department at EIS, emphasized that next-generation defense technology development is risky and time-consuming. Public sector support helps mitigate these risks, speeds up development, and facilitates better engagement with partners, including internationally. With RUP support, technologies can reach a stage where they are ready for industrial production or real-world deployment.

Since launching in 2021, RUP has supported dual-use and defense-related technologies. Early beneficiaries include Rantelon, which develops drone detection and countermeasure systems; Cybexer Technologies, focusing on cyber training platforms; and Frankenburg Technologies, working on cost-effective anti-drone weapon systems.

EIS board member Sigrid Harjo noted that RUP is not the only option for companies in the defense sector. In addition to development support, EIS provides funding through the SmartCap defense fund and facilitates participation in high-level visits and international trade fairs. Over four years, the applied research team at EIS has advised more than 1,000 development ideas, with around 200 resulting in successful projects.

The defense-focused RUP call targets ten specific areas:

1. Drone technologies and cost-efficient manufacturing
2. Urban electronic warfare protection systems
3. Combat system development
4. Situational awareness solutions
5. Development of explosives, munitions, and armaments
6. Deception tools (e.g. decoys, electronic fakes)
7. Tactical rations and soldier gear (including medical)
8. Internal security solutions
9. Unmanned vehicles
10. Cybersecurity and software (e.g. simulation platforms, communications)

If you have an idea that could strengthen Estonia’s or its allies’ defense capabilities, now is the time to act. Contact the RUP team at EIS to book a consultation and get more information.