The defence industry development project competition, announced by the Ministry of Defence, offers monetary support for creating national defence-related products and services targeted towards foreign markets.
The total sum of support is up to EUR 400,000, which will be divided between at least two development projects. Support from the Ministry of Defence for one development project is generally 25 per cent of the project’s eligible costs for aid; although, depending on the project’s potential and the size of the company, the amount can be increased to 45 per cent.
The competition is directed towards already operating companies as well as new domestic companies looking to contribute to security by developing innovative and technology intensive products and services for export markets.
Applications submitted to the development support competition will be assessed by a defence industry development committee, comprised of representatives from agencies directing Estonia’s economic development, in addition to the Ministry of Defence. Taking into consideration the contents of the project, the committee will also include outside experts.
When it comes to assessing applications, what is important is the international competitiveness of the project and how well a company has thought out and justified its possibilities on a foreign market.
A product or service submitted to the competition must be defence and security-related; also being taken into consideration are project feasibility, the capability of the company, and the other financers of the development project.
The Ministry of Defence will conclude a development support contract with competition winners, which will include the opportunity to test and develop products and services in cooperation with the Defence Forces.
This is the fourth year that the Ministry of Defence has organised a similar competition, with the goal being to raise the development level of Estonian defence industry products and international competitiveness.
Applications must be submitted to the Ministry of Defence by 22 August at 14.00, at the latest, to the address [email protected].
Additional information on applying, along with the terms and conditions
