Deadline: 30-Jun-2026
The Strategic Research and Innovation Centres in Defence Technology and Security programme supports the creation of up to four large-scale collaborative centres led by Danish universities. The initiative aims to strengthen Denmark’s defence technology, research capacity, innovation ecosystem, and national security preparedness.
The programme provides at least DKK 585 million in funding for collaborative research, infrastructure, and innovation activities involving universities, industry, public authorities, and defence stakeholders.
Programme Overview
The programme supports the establishment and operation of major collaborative centres focused on defence technology and security innovation in Denmark.
The centres are expected to:
- Strengthen Denmark’s defence and security capabilities
- Support operational needs of the armed forces
- Improve national supply security and resilience
- Build on existing Danish research strengths
- Accelerate innovation through strategic partnerships
Each centre will operate through long-term strategic roadmaps linking national priorities with coordinated research and innovation projects.
Key Focus Areas
Projects may address technologies and systems related to:
- Defence technology innovation
- National and supply security
- Military operational capabilities
- Advanced research and development
- Strategic technology systems
- Security resilience and preparedness
- Research infrastructure and innovation ecosystems
- Cross-sector collaboration in defence and security
Programme Structure
The initiative will fund:
- Up to four strategic research and innovation centres
- Coordinated project portfolios under each centre
- Long-term collaborative research and innovation activities
Centres are expected to organize activities through structured roadmaps and strategic implementation plans.
Funding Details
- Total programme allocation: At least DKK 585 million
- Funding coverage: Up to 90% of eligible costs
- Remaining funding: Provided through partner co-financing
Eligible Costs
Funding may support:
- Salaries and personnel costs
- Equipment and technology infrastructure
- Research facilities and laboratories
- External services and expertise
- Innovation and project implementation activities
- Operational and project-related expenses
Who Can Apply?
Applications must be submitted by:
- A Danish university acting as the lead applicant and administrative host
Applications must involve a broad consortium including:
- Universities and research institutions
- Industry and private-sector partners
- GTS institutes
- Defence-related organizations
- Relevant public authorities
- National and international collaborators
Consortium Requirements
Proposals must demonstrate:
- Strong multi-actor collaboration
- Clear governance and coordination structures
- Alignment with strategic defence and security priorities
- Long-term research and innovation capacity building
Two-Phase Application Process
Phase 1: Expression of Interest
Applicants submit:
- A strategic roadmap
- Proposed centre structure
- Initial activity plans and partnerships
Phase 2: Full Application
Selected applicants from Phase 1 are invited to submit:
- Detailed project and governance plans
- Budget and implementation framework
- Full research and innovation strategy
Evaluation Criteria
Applications are assessed equally on:
Quality of the Idea
- Innovation potential
- Strategic relevance
- Scientific and technological strength
Expected Impact
- Contribution to defence and security capabilities
- National and societal value
- Long-term research and innovation outcomes
Quality of Execution
- Consortium strength and management
- Feasibility and implementation planning
- Resource allocation and coordination capacity
Programme Objectives
The programme aims to:
- Strengthen Danish defence technology leadership
- Build national research and innovation capacity
- Improve collaboration between academia, industry, and government
- Support strategic security preparedness
- Enhance technological resilience and supply security
Why This Programme Matters
The initiative strengthens Denmark’s long-term defence and innovation ecosystem through coordinated investment in research, infrastructure, and collaboration.
It helps:
- Advance strategic defence technologies
- Build stronger public-private research partnerships
- Improve national security resilience
- Increase innovation capacity in critical technologies
- Position Denmark as a leader in defence-related research and development
Conclusion
The Strategic Research and Innovation Centres in Defence Technology and Security programme provides large-scale funding to establish collaborative research centres led by Danish universities. With at least DKK 585 million available, the initiative supports long-term innovation, strategic defence technologies, and national security research through strong multi-sector partnerships.
For more information, visit Innovations for Denmark.