Strategic Research and Innovation Centres in Defence Technology and Security

We use artificial intelligence (AI) to translate the content on our website. This web page has been machine translated. If there are any uncertainties, please refer to the Danish text.

Investment in the establishment of up to four strategic research and innovation centres in defence technology and security. The centres will consolidate and further develop existing environments within defence and critical technologies, including dual-use perspectives, based on Danish research strengths. They will focus on areas that support the operational needs of the Armed Forces and are essential to Danish supply security.

The centres must be established as university-anchored entities, with a Danish university acting as the main applicant and administrative host. Applications must be submitted on behalf of a consortium representing a broad national collaboration among relevant stakeholders, including universities, companies, GTS institutes, the Armed Forces, and other authorities.

The centres are organised into two tracks, each with its own dedicated funding framework: 1) Establishment and operation of a research and innovation centre, including its management 2) Development and continuous prioritisation of research and innovation projects organised in a project portfolio based on the Innovation Fund Denmark’s programmes Within these two funding streams, co-financing is provided for costs such as salaries, equipment, facilities and infrastructure, other project expenses, external services, and more (see Phase 1 guidelines).

The total funding pool is at least 585 MDKK.

Important dates

May 7, 10:00 AM

Webinar regarding phase 1 application round

https://innovationsfonden.dk/da/a/strategisk-forsvarsindsats-2026-2029

No later than May 12, 2026

Expected opening for applications for phase 1 of e-grant

June 30, 12:00

Phase 1 application deadline

Mid-August

Applicants notified of phase 1 results

Mid-September

Expected start of phase 2

Early November

Expected Phase 2 application deadline

December

Expected notification of Phase 2 results

Strategic Research and Innovation Centres in Defence Technology and Security

Innovation Fund Denmark will invest at least DKK 585 million in the period 2026–2029 to establish up to four national research and innovation centres within defence technology and security. The centres must build on existing Danish strengths and develop solutions that support the operational needs of the Danish Armed Forces and national supply security. The funding rate is up to 90 pct.

The initiative is mission-driven and organised as broad partnerships between universities, research institutions, GTS institutes, companies, the Armed Forces, and relevant authorities. The focus is on high technological maturity, rapid development, testing and implementation, as well as strong links between research, application, and commercialisation.

The roadmap serves as the central management tool for the centres’ activities and must ensure the development of the selected positions of strength as well as the delivery of concrete solutions addressing operational defence and security needs. Based on the roadmap, the centres must operate an actively managed project portfolio within Innovation Fund Denmark’s existing programmes, where concrete operational needs are translated into projects with clear milestones, success criteria, and stop/go decisions.

Applications are assessed equally on three criteria: quality of the idea, impact, and quality of execution.

Application process:

Phase 1: Letter of interest including roadmap

Phase 2: Full application (by invitation only)