Based on Paragraph 17 of Cabinet Regulation No. 560 of 4 September 2018, “Procedures for the Implementation of State Research Programme Projects”, the Latvian Council of Science announces an open call for project applications under the State Research Programme “Defence Innovation Research Programme” for 2026–2029.
The State Research Programme “Defence Innovation Research Programme” for 2026–2029 has been approved in accordance with Cabinet Order No. 659 of 20 October 2026, “On the State Research Programme ‘Defence Innovation Research Programme’ for 2026–2029”.
The aim of the programme is to strengthen Latvia’s scientific and technological capacity in the field of defence by promoting the development of new technologies, product prototypes and practical solutions for the needs of the National Armed Forces. The programme is expected to support at least 12 research projects.
The programme is intended to support applied research and technology development in areas important for the development of the capabilities of the National Armed Forces: artificial intelligence and cyber defence technologies, autonomous systems, navigation and counter-drone solutions, quantum technologies, space-based communication and surveillance solutions, military medicine, strengthening the physical and psychological resilience of personnel, as well as military mobility:
To implement the task specified in Paragraph 6 of the Cabinet Order, it is planned to finance up to 14 projects:
- For the implementation of 3 (three) projects under the task specified in Paragraph 6 of the Cabinet Order – the field of artificial intelligence (hereinafter – AI) and cyber defence – state budget funding shall not exceed EUR 1,500,000.00 (one million five hundred thousand euros and 00 cents) in total, with maximum funding of up to EUR 500,000.00 (five hundred thousand euros and 00 cents) per project.
- For the implementation of 2 (two) projects under the task specified in Paragraph 6 of the Cabinet Order – the field of autonomous systems and defence against unmanned systems – state budget funding shall not exceed EUR 1,000,000.00 (one million euros and 00 cents) in total, with maximum funding of up to EUR 500,000.00 (five hundred thousand euros and 00 cents) per project.
- For the implementation of 1 (one) project under the task specified in Paragraph 6 of the Cabinet Order – the field of quantum technologies – state budget funding shall not exceed EUR 1,000,000.00 (one million euros and 00 cents).
- For the implementation of 2 (two) projects under the task specified in Paragraph 6 of the Cabinet Order – space-based communication and surveillance solutions – state budget funding shall not exceed EUR 1,000,000.00 (one million euros and 00 cents) in total, with maximum funding of up to EUR 500,000.00 (five hundred thousand euros and 00 cents) per project.
- For the implementation of 2 (two) projects under the task specified in Paragraph 6 of the Cabinet Order – military medicine for improving soldiers’ performance and survival – state budget funding shall not exceed EUR 400,000.00 (four hundred thousand euros and 00 cents) in total, with maximum funding of up to EUR 200,000.00 (two hundred thousand euros and 00 cents) per project.
- For the implementation of 2 (two) projects under the task specified in Paragraph 6 of the Cabinet Order – personnel performance, cognitive resilience and psychological protection – state budget funding shall not exceed EUR 300,000.00 (three hundred thousand euros and 00 cents) in total, with maximum funding of up to EUR 150,000.00 (one hundred fifty thousand euros and 00 cents) per project.
- For the implementation of 2 (two) projects under the task specified in Paragraph 6 of the Cabinet Order – the field of military mobility – state budget funding shall not exceed EUR 380,000.00 (three hundred eighty thousand euros and 00 cents) in total, with maximum funding of up to EUR 190,000.00 (one hundred ninety thousand euros and 00 cents) per project.
The project implementation period is 31 months, starting from the date on which the project implementation agreement enters into force.
The deadline for submitting project applications is 19 November 2026 at 17:00.
More information for project implementers is available here.
