Deadline: 05-Nov-2026
The European Commission under Horizon Europe is funding €2,000,000 to support Public Procurement of Innovative Solutions (PPI) in civil security technologies across Europe. The call focuses on scaling near-market innovations such as post-quantum cryptography, pilot deployments, and interoperable security systems to strengthen EU civil security services.
The programme supports real-world testing, procurement, and deployment of innovative solutions that improve efficiency, adaptability, and resilience in civil security operations while ensuring market readiness and long-term sustainability.
Overview of the PPI Civil Security Initiative
This Horizon Europe initiative supports the procurement and scaling of innovative civil security technologies that are:
- Already demonstrated at pilot or small scale
- Close to market readiness
- Not yet widely deployed in the EU market
It aims to bridge the gap between innovation and large-scale public sector adoption.
The programme is aligned with:
- Horizon Europe objectives
- EU civil security priorities
- European technological sovereignty goals
Funding Details
Key funding information:
- Total budget: €2,000,000
- Programme type: Public Procurement of Innovative Solutions (PPI)
- Geographic scope: EU Member States and associated countries (and beyond)
Focus Areas
The initiative targets civil security innovations including:
Cybersecurity and Quantum Security
- Post-quantum cryptography solutions
- Quantum threat mitigation technologies
- Advanced cybersecurity systems
Civil Security Technologies
- Emergency response systems
- Public safety infrastructure tools
- Surveillance and situational awareness technologies
Innovation Scaling and Deployment
- Transition from pilot to large-scale deployment
- Market readiness validation
- Real-world operational testing
System Integration and Interoperability
- Compatibility with existing security systems
- Cross-border operational integration
- Adaptability to diverse environments
Sustainability and Efficiency
- Environmentally sustainable security solutions
- Operational efficiency improvements
- Cost-effective public procurement models
Objectives of the Programme
The PPI initiative aims to:
- Accelerate deployment of innovative security technologies
- Improve effectiveness of civil security services
- Enhance system interoperability across Europe
- Support scalability of near-market solutions
- Strengthen EU technological sovereignty
- Reduce time from innovation to deployment
What the Programme Supports
The initiative funds:
- Pilot projects
- Real-world testing environments
- Procurement of innovative solutions
- Market validation activities
- Cross-border deployment frameworks
It specifically targets technologies that:
- Have been partially demonstrated
- Show commercial potential
- Are ready for scaling but not mass adoption yet
Procurement Approach
Market Consultation Phase
The programme includes:
- Engagement with industry stakeholders
- Input from end-users and public authorities
- Identification of procurement gaps
Functional Tender Design
Procurement specifications are:
- Based on real-world problems (not technical prescriptions)
- Designed around performance outcomes
- Focused on operational needs
Evaluation Criteria
Solutions are assessed based on:
- Technical quality
- Market readiness
- Long-term value for money
- Sustainability and efficiency
- Interoperability and adaptability
Verification Methods
Market readiness is confirmed through:
- Certification processes
- Conformity testing
- Quality labelling
Intellectual Property and Participation
Key principles include:
- Clear Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) arrangements
- Fair exploitation of results
- Open EU-wide competition
- Transparent procurement procedures
Eligibility Criteria
Eligible participants include:
- Any legal entity worldwide
- EU and non-EU organisations
- International organisations
Requirements:
- Registration in the Participant Register
- Valid Participant Identification Code (PIC)
- Compliance with Horizon Europe rules
Expected Outcomes
The initiative is expected to deliver:
- Faster deployment of civil security innovations
- Improved public safety systems
- Stronger cybersecurity resilience
- Better integration of emerging technologies
- Enhanced operational efficiency in security services
- Greater EU-wide security coordination
Why This Programme Matters
Modern civil security challenges include:
- Cyber threats and quantum computing risks
- Cross-border security vulnerabilities
- Rapid technological change
- Need for interoperable systems
This programme addresses these by:
- Moving innovations from pilot to deployment
- Strengthening EU security infrastructure
- Reducing fragmentation in procurement
- Encouraging scalable, market-ready solutions
Conclusion
The Horizon Europe Public Procurement of Innovative Solutions (PPI) call for civil security technologies supports the scaling and deployment of near-market innovations such as post-quantum cryptography and advanced security systems. With €2 million in funding, the programme accelerates the adoption of innovative solutions that enhance EU civil security, improve system interoperability, and strengthen resilience against emerging threats.
For more information, visit EC.