The Ministry of Defense Calls on Technical Universities to Apply for European Grants to Develop Engineering Competencies
The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine has drawn the attention of technical universities to opportunities for European grant funding aimed at developing engineering and technological competencies. The ministry emphasizes that strengthening technical education directly impacts the human resources and technological potential of the Ukrainian defense industry.
The ZBROYA project, in collaboration with the Ukraine Reform Support Fund, analyzed more than 30 current research grant competitions with deadlines falling by the end of 2026. Some of the programs provide not only funding for individual research projects but also support the long-term development of university teams, laboratories, and international partnerships.
Among the available opportunities are the MSCA Doctoral Networks 2026, ERC Starting Grant, Skills Hubs of Excellence in Semiconductors, the Hop-on Facility program under Horizon Europe, and the COST Open Call. These initiatives provide Ukrainian universities with the opportunity to participate in international research networks, develop their own research teams, and gain access to new expertise and technologies.
Particular emphasis is placed on training engineers, designers, and specialists in electronics, software, communications, and energy systems — professionals who are critical to modern defense manufacturing.
The Ministry of Defense notes that the development of university research and laboratory infrastructure will create additional opportunities for Ukrainian manufacturers — in particular, access to stronger R&D teams, testing facilities, international expertise, and new technological developments. European grants could become one of the mechanisms for establishing sustainable collaboration between universities, the scientific community, and the defense industry.
Source: Ministry of Defense of Ukraine
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