European UnionPublic Institution, Other
Advancing autonomous systems and robotics for high-risk disaster response, strengthening disaster resilience in conflict-afflicted crisis zones
Horizon Europe Cluster 3 Civil Security for Society
Funding Amount
Up to €5.0M
Deadline
12/11/2025
Eligible Organization Types
Public Institution, Other
Trusted by
What is the Advancing autonomous systems and robotics for high-risk disaster response, strengthening disaster resilience in conflict-afflicted crisis zones Call?
Grant Description
Development of advanced multi-function autonomous systems capable of operating in conflict-driven disaster scenarios, addressing challenges such as unstable structures and obstructed urban environments; systems support search and rescue, hazard assessment, supply transport, and provide enhanced situational awareness. Projects include user-centred design, real-world testing, and capacity building to train first responders for safe and effective deployment.
Required Results for Successful Funding
Expected Outcomes
• Multi-Function Autonomous Systems for High-Risk Scenarios that navigate unstable structures and heavily obstructed urban environments.
• Autonomous platforms supporting search and rescue, hazard assessment and supply transport in areas inaccessible or too dangerous for human responders.
• Enhanced remote sensing and situational awareness technologies enabling first responders and decision-makers to assess disaster zones remotely and safely.
• Autonomous navigation and search capabilities optimized for low-visibility or smoky conditions common in conflict-related incidents.
• User-centred and real-world testing in simulated conflict zone and urban disaster environments.
• Capacity-building programs and specialized training guidelines enabling first responders and civil protection agencies to operate and maintain autonomous systems effectively in conflict scenarios.
• Autonomous platforms supporting search and rescue, hazard assessment and supply transport in areas inaccessible or too dangerous for human responders.
• Enhanced remote sensing and situational awareness technologies enabling first responders and decision-makers to assess disaster zones remotely and safely.
• Autonomous navigation and search capabilities optimized for low-visibility or smoky conditions common in conflict-related incidents.
• User-centred and real-world testing in simulated conflict zone and urban disaster environments.
• Capacity-building programs and specialized training guidelines enabling first responders and civil protection agencies to operate and maintain autonomous systems effectively in conflict scenarios.
Funded areas
Scope Requirements
• Focus on conflict-driven disasters (e.g. war zones with unstable structures and heavily obstructed urban areas) and large-scale, multi-dimensional crises exemplified by the war in Ukraine.
• Deliver multi-function autonomous platforms capable of supporting civilian tasks: search and rescue, hazard assessment, supply transport in environments too dangerous for human responders.
• Develop sensor-based technologies to improve remote situational awareness for first responders and decision-makers.
• Implement robust autonomous navigation and search in low-visibility or smoky conditions typical of bombings, fires and conflict-related incidents.
• Apply user-centred design and conduct real-world testing in environments replicating conflict zones and urban disasters.
• Include capacity-building and training guidelines, materials and programs to ensure effective operation and maintenance of autonomous systems by first responders and civil protection agencies.
• Encourage inclusion of researchers and innovators affected by conflict, in particular those previously active in Ukraine or unable to return.
• Deliver multi-function autonomous platforms capable of supporting civilian tasks: search and rescue, hazard assessment, supply transport in environments too dangerous for human responders.
• Develop sensor-based technologies to improve remote situational awareness for first responders and decision-makers.
• Implement robust autonomous navigation and search in low-visibility or smoky conditions typical of bombings, fires and conflict-related incidents.
• Apply user-centred design and conduct real-world testing in environments replicating conflict zones and urban disasters.
• Include capacity-building and training guidelines, materials and programs to ensure effective operation and maintenance of autonomous systems by first responders and civil protection agencies.
• Encourage inclusion of researchers and innovators affected by conflict, in particular those previously active in Ukraine or unable to return.
Additional Conditions for Applicants
Special Conditions
• Consortium must include at least three first responder organisations/agencies as beneficiaries from at least three different EU Member States or Associated Countries, including at least one entity from Ukraine.
• “First responders” are limited to agencies directly engaged in field operations (e.g. paramedics, emergency medical technicians, police officers, firefighters); professional associations, training centres and foundations are excluded.
• Mandatory participation of at least one Ukrainian entity in the consortium.
• Projects using satellite-based Earth observation or positioning data must use Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS services (additional data/services permitted).
• Applicants must complete the Annex “Information about security practitioners” using the template provided in the submission IT tool.
• Admissibility, eligibility, financial/operational capacity, exclusion, evaluation criteria, scoring, thresholds, submission and grant-set-up conditions as detailed in Horizon Europe General Annexes A–G, the specific Work Programme sections (Part B, 6. Civil Security for Society), the HE Programme Guide, and the Submission System documentation.
• “First responders” are limited to agencies directly engaged in field operations (e.g. paramedics, emergency medical technicians, police officers, firefighters); professional associations, training centres and foundations are excluded.
• Mandatory participation of at least one Ukrainian entity in the consortium.
• Projects using satellite-based Earth observation or positioning data must use Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS services (additional data/services permitted).
• Applicants must complete the Annex “Information about security practitioners” using the template provided in the submission IT tool.
• Admissibility, eligibility, financial/operational capacity, exclusion, evaluation criteria, scoring, thresholds, submission and grant-set-up conditions as detailed in Horizon Europe General Annexes A–G, the specific Work Programme sections (Part B, 6. Civil Security for Society), the HE Programme Guide, and the Submission System documentation.
Important dates
Open from: 12/06/2025
Deadline:12/11/2025
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