The Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) and the National Defense Institute (IDN) have announced the launch of the “Defense+Science: Call Exploratory Projects 2025.” Applications for this funding opportunity will be accepted from December 30, 2025, until 5:00 p.m. Lisbon time on February 24, 2026, through the myFCT platform. The call offers a total budget of €1.2 million from the State Budget, with a maximum funding of €50,000 per project.
The Defense+Science Program is designed to enhance scientific and technological development and innovation in areas critical to national defense. Its objectives include fostering collaboration within the Armed Forces’ Scientific and Technological System, stimulating the defense economy, and supporting multidisciplinary projects that address societal challenges related to security and defense. Funded projects are expected to strengthen the operational capabilities of the Armed Forces while consolidating scientific knowledge in Portugal.
Eligible proposals must align with one of three priority thematic areas: Applied Technologies in Defense, Organizational Engineering and Human Behavior in a Military Context, and Major Societal Challenges in the Field of Security and Defense. Each project must include at least one non-business entity from the research and innovation system and one entity supervised by the Ministry of National Defense.
Projects will have a duration of up to 18 months, with the possibility of a six-month extension in justified cases. The Defense+Science initiative is part of a broader set of FCT programs in partnership with various ministries, reinforcing the integration of science, technology, and strategic sectors for national development. Additional details on application conditions and guidelines are available on the official Call page.
