Open Call for SMEs to Validate Advanced Security Technologies

The CITADEL Open Call 1, supported by the EU’s Single Market Programme, provides funding for pilot and demonstration projects that validate advanced security technologies in real or near‑real operational environments. The call focuses on strengthening the protection and resilience of critical infrastructures, urban areas, and territories through innovations in AI‑driven analytics, IoT‑based sensing, photonics, cybersecurity, and secure communication systems. It aims to advance solutions that enhance preparedness and response to physical, cyber, and hybrid threats while contributing to the digital and green transitions.

Eligibility criteria

• Dedicated to for‑profit SMEs established in EU Member States or countries associated with the Single Market Programme
• Projects must be implemented by a consortium of two independent entities:
  • Partner 1 (a digital‑sector SME acting as technology provider (offer side)
  • Partner 2 (a private (SME or non‑SME) or public end‑user from the security sector (demand side)
• Activities must focus on validating advanced security technologies in real or near‑real operational environments (moving from TRL 5–6 to TRL 6–7+)

Projects must address at least one stage of the security value chain (risk assessment, prevention, detection, response, recovery) and solutions should contribute to enhanced protection and resilience of critical infrastructures, urban environments, or territories.

Funding amount

• Up to €60,000 lump sum per project (max. 80% of total budget; ≥20% private co-financing)
• Total budget: €1,020,000
• Expected projects: 17
• Funding supports field validation, operational testing, performance measurement (KPIs), and integration within the security value chain to accelerate market uptake (not technology acquisition)

Please follow this link for more information on the procedural requirements for the applications.

The next deadline for application is 05 May 2026, 17:00 CET (Brussels time)