Open Call: Driving Innovation Uptake of Disaster Risk Solutions Program

The European Commission has launched a Horizon Europe Innovation Action to accelerate the adoption and scaling of high-TRL disaster risk solutions across Europe. The programme supports real-world deployment of technologies that improve disaster prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery across multiple hazard types, including climate-related risks.

The initiative has a total budget of €6 million and focuses on large-scale validation, interoperability with EU civil protection systems, and overcoming barriers to deployment.

About the Programme

This funding opportunity aims to move proven disaster resilience technologies from development to widespread real-world use across Europe.

It supports:

• Scaling of high-TRL (near-market) disaster risk solutions
• Integration into civil protection systems
• Improved disaster preparedness and response
• Cross-sector collaboration
• Evidence-based policy and decision-making

Key Objectives

The programme focuses on:

• Accelerating adoption of disaster risk technologies
• Strengthening disaster resilience across sectors
• Supporting large-scale real-world demonstrations
• Enhancing interoperability across systems
• Improving visibility of EU civil security research

Disaster Risk Areas Covered

Funded solutions may address:

• Climate-related disasters (floods, storms, heatwaves)
• Multi-hazard and cascading risk events
• Emergency response and recovery systems
• Disaster prevention and early warning systems
• Risk assessment and decision-support tools

Technology Focus Areas

Projects are encouraged to use advanced technologies such as:

• AI-driven analytics for risk prediction
• Digital twins (including Destination Earth)
• Internet of Things (IoT) monitoring systems
• Real-time situational awareness tools
• Digital disaster management platforms
• Automated decision-support systems

Expected Outcomes

Projects should deliver:

• Proven large-scale deployment of solutions
• Improved disaster response efficiency
• Better integration into national and EU systems
• Reduced barriers to technology adoption
• Strong evidence for policy and operational use

Key Implementation Requirements

Projects must:

• Demonstrate real-world pilots or large-scale demonstrations
• Ensure interoperability with existing civil protection systems
• Address technical, regulatory, financial, and social barriers
• Support usability for first responders and citizens
• Include governance and coordination frameworks

EU Policy Alignment

Projects should align with:

• Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM)
• EU disaster resilience and preparedness strategies
• Knowledge for Action in Prevention & Preparedness (KAPP)
• European civil security research priorities

Stakeholder Engagement

The programme encourages collaboration between:

• Public authorities and civil protection agencies
• Private sector technology providers
• Research institutions
• Emergency responders
• Local authorities and communities
• Vulnerable population support groups

Funding Details

• Programme type: Horizon Europe Innovation Action
• Total budget: €6 million
• Focus: High-TRL deployment and scaling of solutions

Eligible Applicants

Eligible entities include:

• Universities and research institutions
• Technology companies and SMEs
• Public authorities and emergency services
• Civil protection agencies
• International organisations
• Legal entities from EU and eligible third countries

How to Apply

Applicants should:

1. Select an existing high-TRL disaster risk solution
2. Design a large-scale deployment or pilot project
3. Ensure integration with civil protection systems
4. Address adoption barriers (technical, financial, regulatory)
5. Build multi-stakeholder partnerships
6. Register in the Horizon Europe Participant Register
7. Obtain a PIC (Participant Identification Code)
8. Submit a full proposal under Innovation Action rules

Strong proposals typically include:

• Real-world deployment evidence
• Strong interoperability design
• Clear scalability plan
• Multi-sector collaboration
• Measurable resilience outcomes

Tips for Applicants

To improve success chances:

• Focus on deployment, not early-stage research
• Include large-scale demonstration sites
• Demonstrate integration with UCPM systems
• Address real operational constraints (cost, regulation, usability)
• Use AI, digital twins, and IoT where relevant
• Provide strong communication and dissemination plans

Avoid proposals that are purely conceptual or lack real-world implementation pathways.

FAQ

What is the goal of the programme?

To accelerate adoption of proven disaster risk technologies across Europe.

How much funding is available?

A total of €6 million is available under this call.

What types of technologies are supported?

AI systems, digital twins, IoT solutions, and disaster management platforms.

Who can apply?

Public and private organisations, research institutions, and international entities under Horizon Europe eligibility rules.

What is the main requirement?

Large-scale real-world demonstration and deployment of high-TRL solutions.

Is EU system integration required?

Yes. Alignment with civil protection systems such as UCPM is essential.

Conclusion

The Horizon Europe Disaster Risk Solutions programme supports the large-scale deployment of proven technologies to strengthen disaster resilience across Europe. By focusing on real-world integration, interoperability, and scalable innovation, the initiative aims to improve preparedness, response, and recovery capabilities across multiple hazard scenarios while reducing barriers to adoption.