Boost Your Security Innovation: CITADEL Project Opens First Call to Accelerate Digital Security Solutions

Security Delta (HSD), as an Ambassador Cluster, is part of the European CITADEL project, and in this context we are pleased to announce the launch of the first call for projects, dedicated to innovative SMEs in the security sector.

In a context of increased threats on the European economy, society and infrastructures from various sources -including cyber threats, hybrid threats, and risks linked to climate change-, the CITADEL project aims to enhance innovation, networking, and the adoption of advanced digital technologies within the European security ecosystem.

The project’s main objectives are:

• Supporting SMEs in adopting advanced digital technologies to increase security and resilience
• Building long-term strategic European partnerships within the security ecosystem
• Strengthening the resilience of critical infrastructures by addressing both physical and digital vulnerabilities
• Supporting SMEs as key innovators and scaling innovative security solutions
• Leveraging the digital and green transitions for integrated, sustainable solutions
• Accelerating transnational and cross-sector collaboration through cluster-coordinated activities

The first funding call under the project

The call is addressed to companies that have already developed a prototype for the security sector and that integrate digital technologies such as:

• AI & Data Analytics
• IoT & Edge
• Photonics & Optics
• Cybersecurity
• Communication Technology
• Interoperability
• Emergency Response Technologies

Key information:

• Funding of up to €60,000 per project
• Up to 17 projects selected
• Submission deadline: 5 May 2026
• Application platform here

Who can apply?

The call is dedicated to collaborative projects submitted by a consortium formed by 2 autonomous entities (with no capital or personal links between them):

• Legal entities from EU Member States or from countries eligible under the Single Market Programme (list available here)
• At least one of the two entities must be an SME from the digital sector, according to the European Commission definition (Recommendation 2003/361/EC)
• They must have already developed a prototype (minimum TRL 5)
• They must aim to reach TRL 6–7 or higher within a 9-month project
• They must integrate digital or advanced technologies from the fields mentioned above

Proposals must address at least one stage of the security value chain: risk assessment, prevention, detection, response, recovery, or business continuity.

Partnerships with SMEs from other European countries are encouraged. (To identify potential partners, we encourage you to register on the matchmaking platform and participate in the event on 5 March.)

Info Day & Matchmaking 7 April 2026

To support application preparation and consortium building, an online European-level event will take place on 7 April 2026 11:00 – 18:00 CET

Agenda:

• 11:00–12:00 CET – Webinar with details about the call, eligibility, and evaluation
• 13:00–18:00 CET – Pre-scheduled B2B meetings

Register now to meet future partners and learn more about the application and evaluation process.

More information about CITADEL Open Call 1 requirements here!

CITADEL is led by a consortium of six specialized European clusters, bringing together expertise in digital technologies and the security value chain: Systematic Paris-Region (FR, Coordinator), Aktantis (FR), SAFE Cluster (FR), L3CE (LT), Cluj IT Cluster (RO), Tampere Region Safety and Security Cluster (FI).

Photo: Istock.com/metamorworks