Research and innovation subsidies for defence industry
In cooperation with the Ministry of Defence, the Technology Agency of the Czech Republic has published the preliminary parameters of the second public call under the PRODEF programme focused on applied research and innovation in the defence industry, sub-programme 2 – National Calls for Proposals in Defence Research.
The call will support applied research and innovation projects in modern emerging and disruptive technologies that can be used for the needs of the Armed Forces of the Czech Republic, as well as projects that are aligned with the state’s security interests.
The project proposal must focus on at least one of the following priority research areas of the Ministry of Defence:
- digital command, control and data-driven decision-making,
- unmanned platforms and autonomous systems,
- armed forces protection against unmanned systems,
- energy management and alternative mobility for military systems,
- information resilience of the armed forces,
- effective cooperation between the soldier and technological systems, and technologically enhanced perception and decision-making by the soldier.
The call is planned to be announced on 3 June 2026. Project proposals may be submitted from 4 June to 22 July 2026; large enterprises may also participate. The expected funds for allocation are CZK 900 million, with the maximum subsidy amount per project set at CZK 50 million. The maximum aid intensity may reach up to 70% of eligible expenses.
The project output must be, for instance: a prototype, functional sample, proven technology, pilot plant, software, utility model or industrial design. At the same time, the project should be aimed at future participation in international activities – in this connection, it is necessary to meet the mandatory result category “Other results – Participation in international activities”.
Projects must be completed no later than February 2030.