AGILE: a new EU funding programme for rapid defence innovation

The European Union is preparing to launch AGILE, a new programme for agile and rapid defence innovation. The €115 million programme is expected to launch in early 2027 with a focus on accelerating emerging and disruptive defence technologies from development to deployment. Spinverse’s experienced defence team is ready to support if you want to learn more about this new funding opportunity designed for smaller innovators. 

Designed to provide targeted financial support to innovative small and medium-sized enterprises, start-ups and scale-ups, the AGILE programme aims to shorten the path from promising technology to operational defence capability. 

The European Parliament approved the programme in October 2026. Following formal adoption by the Council, the regulation will be signed by the Presidents of the European Parliament and the Council and published in the Official Journal. AGILE is expected to enter into operation at the beginning of 2027.

From innovation to deployment in months

AGILE responds to the need for faster and more cost-efficient defence innovation cycles. It will support emerging and disruptive defence products and technologies, including the adaptation of civilian technologies for defence applications.

The programme is intended to complement the EU’s existing defence industrial instruments, many of which focus on larger and longer-term projects.

A central feature is a planned four-month time-to-grant. Supported products and technologies are expected to reach defence forces within one to three years. Member States will participate in defining mission-driven challenges so that funded solutions address concrete capability needs.

Key features of AGILE

Focus on smaller innovators: support is designed specifically for SMEs, start-ups and scale-ups developing disruptive defence products and technologies.

Fast-track funding: the programme is intended to provide a four-month time-to-grant.

Testing and experimentation: companies will gain faster access to facilities needed to validate and demonstrate their solutions.

Industry matchmaking: dedicated links between smaller companies and defence primes will seek to improve market uptake.

Simplified procurement: the instrument aims to facilitate the procurement of AGILE-supported products.

Strategic resilience: activities will emphasise security of supply and reduced dependencies on non-associated third countries.

Who should follow the programme?

AGILE is relevant to innovative SMEs, start-ups and scale-ups working on technologies with potential defence applications. Areas highlighted in the programme background include artificial intelligence, quantum computing, robotics, cyber capabilities and space systems. Companies adapting dual-use or civilian technologies for defence applications may also find relevant opportunities.

Detailed participation conditions, challenge topics and application requirements will become clearer when the first calls for proposals are published. Prospective applicants should therefore begin assessing the strategic fit of their technology, their legal eligibility and their ability to demonstrate a credible route from development through testing to operational use.

How Spinverse can help

Spinverse has a very experienced team dedicated to defence technology funding and we can support you in identifying the right European funding programme and prepare competitive proposals with you. For organisations considering AGILE, support can include: 

• assessing programme fit and eligibility
• clarifying legal eligibility and participation conditions
• developing the project concept and funding strategy
• building suitable partnerships and engaging relevant ecosystem actors
• preparing and coordinating the proposal
• supporting discussions with investors, accelerators and other financing partners where appropriate.

As the programme moves towards implementation, early preparation can help companies sharpen their value proposition, identify capability needs their solutions address and plan the evidence required for testing and deployment.

What next?

The programme is expected to enter into operation at the beginning of 2027, when the first calls for proposals are anticipated. Further information on topics, budgets, eligibility and application procedures will be available once the programme documentation is published, and we are following the development of this programme closely.

Are you planning to accelerate your defence technology innovation with AGILE funding? Get in touch with our funding experts today to discuss your eligibility!