How can defence companies access EU funding for R&D?

EU funding can open the door to new defence capabilities, international partnerships and business growth – but how do companies actually get access to it?

At Arctic Lion Defence Summit, Markus Ranne, Chief Advisor at Business Finland and Finland’s National Focal Point for the European Defence Fund (EDF), will take a practical look at the funding opportunities available through the European Defence Fund. The session will cover what types of collaborative defence R&D projects can receive EDF funding, how companies can join international consortia, and what to consider when preparing an EDF application.

For companies looking to grow beyond national markets, the session offers a practical perspective on how European defence R&D funding can support new capabilities, international partnerships and commercial growth. Markus Ranne brings extensive experience in international innovation and technology programmes. Before focusing on defence innovation at Business Finland, he led the organisation’s New Space Economy programme and worked in various roles at Business Finland, Finpro and the European Space Agency.

More programme announcements and confirmed speakers will be revealed soon.