Deadline Date: September 16, 2026
The European Commission is requesting grant applications to support pilot and demonstration projects developing innovative steel technologies for civil and defence applications under the Research Fund for Coal and Steel framework.
The focus areas, of this programme include new, sustainable and low-carbon steelmaking and finishing processes, advanced steel grades and applications, and dual-use developments targeting both civil and defence markets within the steel sector. Proposals must address at least one of these objectives and align with the relevant provisions of the governing framework. The total funding available under this topic is €25,000,000.
This topic concerns RFCS Pilot and Demonstration Projects (PDPs), which are intended to bridge the gap between research and innovation through applied industrial-scale development activities. Proposals may be submitted as either pilot or demonstration projects.
Projects are expected to start at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 3-4 and achieve TRL 5-8 by the end of the project. They must demonstrate validated or demonstrated technologies in relevant environments and clearly show progress toward industrial application.
Each proposal must include an exploitation strategy describing how results may be integrated into industrial applications, along with a preliminary assessment of economic viability. Targeted improvements compared to existing installations or ETS benchmarks must be clearly quantified using energy system and material balance assessments, including emissions.
Proposals addressing dual-use applications must clearly demonstrate the connection between civil and defence-related research and innovation activities. Projects must also comply with security requirements and avoid including EU classified information.
In line with the European steel and metals action plan, this programme supports strengthening the EU’s strategic autonomy, industrial resilience, and defence-related steel production capacity. Participation is limited to legal entities established in EU Member States, and all participants must not be controlled by non-EU countries or entities.
Eligible applicants include legal entities such as public or private bodies, undertakings, research organisations, and educational establishments carrying out or supporting research and technological development activities.
Applicants must be established in eligible countries, including European Union Member States, overseas countries and territories associated with the European Union, and non-EU countries associated with the Research Fund for Coal and Steel.
For more information, visit European Commission.
