European Calls for Cascading Funding. September 2026

The most interesting calls for proposals selected in September.

Dual-Use Drone Innovation Program - ECDI

Description: The program aims to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in:

· the technological advancement of its drone solutions,

· structuring your innovation strategy,

· improving and adapting their business models, processes, and products to address civil, digital, social, and environmental needs.

Participation Requirements and Consortia: SMEs

Maximum amount that can be requested per proposal: €35,000, mentorship, and other benefits

Deadline: September 30, 2026

Website: https://ecdi-euroclusters.eu/opencalls/,2.html

Small grants for grassroots programming projects as part of EU Code Week

Description: The goal of this call for proposals is to identify and support projects that can advance the mission of EU Code Week to promote coding, computational thinking, and digital skills across Europe. The aim is to identify projects that can achieve a large-scale impact and meet the key performance indicators of EU Code Week during the project’s implementation period. Key objectives include:

· Support the organization of a wide range of impactful activities in the areas of programming, computational thinking, digital skills, and STEM;

· Increase the number of activities registered on the EU Code Week platform;

· Reach a large number of participants through local, regional, national, or cross-border activities;

· Increase the participation of girls and young women in programming, digital skills, and STEM;

· Support career-oriented events that introduce students to educational and professional opportunities in the fields of STEM and the digital sector;

· Support visits to universities and other activities that strengthen ties between high schools, students, and institutions of higher education;

· Support activities and approaches that can be replicated or scaled up beyond the scope of the project.

Eligibility Requirements and Consortia: Schools and educational institutions; libraries and similar institutional entities; nongovernmental organizations; private organizations and programming clubs; associations specializing in programming and computational thinking.

Maximum amount per proposal: 19,836 €

Deadline: October 16, 2026

Website: https://codeweek.eu/blog/eu-code-week-grants-2026/

Perform Europe

Description: Perform Europe will continue to focus on exploring, together with the performing arts sector, how cross-border tours can be fairer, more environmentally friendly, and more inclusive.

Keywords: performing arts, theater, dance, performance art, circus, outdoor arts, puppetry, interdisciplinarity, agents of change, inclusion, diversity, the fight against climate change, sustainability, equity, cross-border mobility, innovation

Eligibility Requirements and Consortia: Any organization or professional working in the field of the performing arts and having its legal headquarters in one of the Creative Europe countries (27 EU Member States plus 14 participating non-EU countries). Proposals must be submitted by consortia. Each consortium must consist of at least three partners from at least three “Creative Europe” countries. Each proposal must include at least one performing arts production (excluding live music and opera) to be presented in at least three different “Creative Europe” countries.

Maximum amount requested per proposal: Applicants may request grants in three categories:

· 15,000 EUR – small grant

· 25,000 EUR – medium-sized grant

· 55,000 EUR – large grant

Deadline: October 22, 2026

Website: https://performeurope.eu/open-call/

TRANSPORT

Description: Strengthening Cybersecurity Resilience and Innovation in the Transportation Sector: Designed for organizations in the transportation sector to enhance cybersecurity resilience through the TRUNSPORT Cyber Support Hub (CSH), as part of a nine-month structured program that includes mentoring, training, and hands-on access to cybersecurity services. Selected beneficiaries will have access to threat and risk assessment tools, vulnerability testing, real-time risk monitoring, and cybersecurity training. The call for applications is aimed at road, rail, air, and maritime transport operators and focuses on improving preparedness and compliance with the NIS2 Directive.

Eligibility Requirements and Consortia: Applications may be submitted by either a single beneficiary or multiple beneficiaries:

· Transportation system operators

· Technology and digital services providers

· Transportation infrastructure managers

· Transportation service providers

· Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups in the intelligent transportation systems (ITS) sector

· Transportation and Cybersecurity Sectors

· Related public-sector organizations

· Universities and research organizations

· NGO

Maximum amount requested per proposal: 60,000 EUR per project. The grant covers up to 50% of the project costs.

Deadline: October 30, 2026

Website: https://trunsport.eu/open-calls/

Investment Preparation Program

Eureka has an initiative designed to support European SMEs interested in attracting private investors. Among the activities it offers, it facilitates access to investment programs managed by large companies (corporate venturing).

This announcement provides information on the sessions that will take place in September and October, the companies participating in the program that are offering collaboration opportunities, and the registration links for each event.

More information: https://www.eurekanetwork.org/programmes-and-calls/investment-readiness/

MICIU: Certificate for High-Intensity SMEs

In addition, the application period for theCertificate of SME with High R&D&I Investment, issued by the Ministry of Science, Innovation, and Universities, remains open until September 30.

What is it used for?

It allows companies to certify their status as SMEs with high R&D&I investment and to submit applications to the Regional Office of Economy and Finance fordeferral or installment payments—with a waiver of the security requirement—for certain loan repayment installments.

Which loans does this affect?

Installments due for repayment betweenJanuary 1, 2026, and December 31, 2027, corresponding to loans granted on:

• Challenges-Collaboration 2019.
• Public-Private Partnerships 2021, 2022, and 2023.
• Projects Under the Strategic Priorities for 2021 and 2022.

Please note: This may be of interest to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that have outstanding loans from these funding rounds and need to defer or pay upcoming repayment installments in installments.