Estonian Ministry of Defense invites entrepreneurs to develop new products
Estonian companies can apply for product development support from the Estonian Ministry of Defense up to 200,000 euros per project, the deadline for submitting applications is 31.01.2021.
Ministry of Defense allocates more than half a million euros for the development of innovative products with high export potential through a competition for defense industry development projects.
The theme of the 2021 development project competition is without limitation, but in particular, smart new solutions are expected to compete, for example in artificial intelligence applications, cryptography, data analysis and automation, development of drone control capabilities and applications of 5G technology.
According to Eneli Saabas, Head of the Defense Industry Division of the Ministry of Defense, the aim of the competition is to contribute to the development of a strong, high value-added and export-capable Estonian defense industry.
“Many of today’s Estonian defense industry success stories and new companies have grown out of the development project program, which, with the support of the state, have gone from a mere idea to real export transactions, growing both the domestic defense industry and contributing to the economy,” said Saabas.
Saabas noted that the special feature of the competition lies in the possibility to develop and test the product in cooperation with the Defense Forces, including the Defense Forces Academy.
“The military expertise and knowledge of the Defense Forces provide the company with the necessary feedback during product development and greater confidence that the product meets the needs of potential end users and is applicable in the field of defense,” said Saabas.
The budget of the competition is up to 600,000 euros. The support of the Ministry of Defense for one development project can be 25-45 percent of the total cost, depending on the size of the applicant company.
The competition is taking place for the eighth year in a row. In previous years, the Ministry of Defense has allocated a total of 2.35 million euros for the development of outstanding defense industry projects.
The application must be submitted by 31 January 2021 at the latest.
Information about the competition: https://www.kaitseministeerium.ee/en/eesmargid-tegevused/teadus-ja-arendustegevus/kaitsetoostuse-arendusprojektide-konkurss-2020
