The EDF Partner Pool platform is a virtual marketplace powered by the Enterprise Europe Network aimed at previously validated participants to search potential partners, promote project opportunities and close consortia for the European Defence Fund 2026 Topics. It offers a unique tool for long-term matchmaking, networking and training in the context of the EDF calls.

Virtual marketplace

On this platform, only validated and eligible EDF participants can search for potential partners and showcase their expertise and capabilities in the field of defence, as well as close consortia for their project ideas. The tool enables participants to directly send messages to each other, to schedule meetings at any available time and to take part in virtual 1:1 sessions to discuss cooperation opportunities.

Webinars and events

The platform will also be used to host webinars, training activities, pitching sessions and to inform participants of relevant EDF-related activities across Europe. Please, review the Agenda and Calendar sections of this website not to miss any opportunity.

This virtual matchmaking platform will be active until the end of 2027, enabling the preparation of project proposals in the longer term.

Registration

Registration and participation on this platform is free of charge.

Participants will be admitted after a comprehensive evaluation check conducted by the organizers. The organizers  reserve the right to refuse participants. For more detailed information please visit tab Conditions of participation.

European Defence Fund

The European Defence Fund (EDF) is a European research and innovation program for funding cutting edge defence research and development which spans from 2021 until 2027.

With this program, the European Commission aims to:

• Improve cooperation and interoperability between member states;
• Reduce capability shortages within the EU; and
• Strengthen the defence-technological and industrial presence within the EU.

The EDF offers financial support at all stages of development: starting with research and ending with the development of prototypes and certification. There are different types of actions: Research and Development Actions.

The EDF Work Programme 2026 addresses 31 call topics in total, structured along seven thematic calls for proposals, three non-thematic calls for proposals, one action to focus on threats from hypersonic glide vehicles, and two actions in support of the EU Alliance for defence medical countermeasures.

Time: From 17 December 2025 to 31 December 2026

Place: online

Contact person: Eeva Nuutinen, eeva.nuutinen@businessfinland.fi

Registration and participation on this platform is free of charge.