Advancing autonomous systems and robotics for high-risk disaster response, strengthening disaster resilience in conflict-afflicted crisis zones (HORIZON-IA HORIZON Innovation ActionsType of MGAHORIZON Action Grant Budget-Based [HORIZON-AG]Open For SubmissionDeadline modelsingle-stageOpening date12 June 2025Deadline date12 November 2025 17:00:00 Brussels timeTopic descriptionExpected Outcome:Projects’ results are expected to contribute to some or all of the following outcomes:To develop and/or adapt a Multi-Function Autonomous Systems for High-Risk Scenarios, which can navigate the unique challenges posed by conflict-driven disasters, such as unstable structures and heavily obstructed urban environments. This system will perform or support civilian tasks like search and rescue, hazard assessment, and supply transport in areas too dangerous for human responders;Enhanced remote sensing and situational awareness, creating sensor-based technologies that improve situational awareness for first responders and decision-makers, enabling them to assess disaster zones remotely and safely;Autonomous navigation and search capabilities in dangerous environments focusing on technologies that enhance the ability of autonomous systems to perform search operations in low-visibility or smoky conditions, typical of areas impacted by bombings, fires, or other conflict-related incidents;User-centred and real-world testing in environments that replicate the conditions of conflict zones and urban disasters;Capacity building and training for autonomous system deployment providing specialised training guidelines for first responders and civil protection agencies to operate and maintain autonomous systems effectively in conflict scenarios. Scope:Conflicts such as the Russian war against Ukraine and the overall geopolitical context marked by tensions and conflicts make it more pressing than ever to ensure that responders are equipped with advanced tools that not only enhance their capabilities, but also protect their lives and increase operational efficiency in extreme environments. These crises demand a new level of preparedness and resilience, where autonomous systems using cutting-edge technologies work in unison to support swift, coordinated, and safe responses.In light of the ongoing conflicts and the complex, high-risk environments they present, this topic focuses on developing and deploying advanced autonomous systems specifically tailored for large-scale, multi-dimensional disasters and tailored to the challenges of conflict driven. These disasters, exacerbated by geopolitical conflict, severe infrastructure damage, and immediate safety threats to both civilians and responders, demand innovative and resilient solutions. The topic seeks to address the EU’s critical need for tools that protect infrastructure, services, and populations while enhancing resilience and operational readiness.Through rigorous real-world testing and capacity-building programs, responders will be trained to integrate and manage these autonomous systems effectively, preparing them for rapid deployment in high-stakes scenarios. The project will focus on delivering innovative, durable, and efficient technological solutions that allow responding effectively to crises similar in complexity and danger in environments similar to the one of the war in Ukraine. By developing tools that address the unique operational and safety challenges posed by such scenarios, this topic will reinforce the EU’s preparedness to protect both citizens and first responders, ensuring swift, coordinated responses to complex crises across Europe and beyond.Within this topic, the European Commission encourages all potential participants to create, where possible, opportunities for the affected persons and entities, in particular researchers and innovators previously active in Ukraine as well as Ukrainian researchers and innovators who are unable to return to Ukraine in the given circumstances.Show moreTopic updates12 June 2025The submission session is now available for: HORIZON-CL3-2025-01-FCT-04, HORIZON-CL3-2025-01-BM-02, HORIZON-CL3-2025-01-DRS-03, HORIZON-CL3-2025-01-SSRI-05, HORIZON-CL3-2025-01-BM-03, HORIZON-CL3-2025-01-SSRI-01, HORIZON-CL3-2025-01-SSRI-06, HORIZON-CL3-2025-01-FCT-01, HORIZON-CL3-2025-01-INFRA-02, HORIZON-CL3-2025-01-SSRI-04, HORIZON-CL3-2025-01-DRS-04, HORIZON-CL3-2025-01-SSRI-03, HORIZON-CL3-2025-01-FCT-02, HORIZON-CL3-2025-01-BM-01, HORIZON-CL3-2025-01-SSRI-02, HORIZON-CL3-2025-01-DRS-02, HORIZON-CL3-2025-01-FCT-03, HORIZON-CL3-2025-01-DRS-01, HORIZON-CL3-2025-01-INFRA-01Show moreTopic conditions and documentsGeneral conditions1. Admissibility Conditions: Proposal page limit and layoutDescribed in Annex A and Annex E of the Horizon Europe Work Programme General Annexes.Proposal page limits and layout: described in Part B of the Application Form available in the Submission System.2. Eligible CountriesDescribed in Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes.A number of non-EU/non-Associated Countries that are not automatically eligible for funding have made specific provisions for making funding available for their participants in Horizon Europe projects. See the information in the Horizon Europe Programme Guide.3. Other Eligible ConditionsThe following additional eligibility criteria apply:This topic requires the active involvement, as beneficiaries, of at least three first responders’ organisations or agencies from at least three different EU Member States or Associated Countries, including Ukraine.For these participants, applicants must fill in the table “Information about security practitioners” in the application form with all the requested information, following the template provided in the submission IT tool.The participation of at least one entity from Ukraine in the consortium is mandatory.If projects use satellite-based earth observation, positioning, navigation and/or related timing data and services, beneficiaries must make use of Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS (other data and services may additionally be used).Described in the Work Programme 2025 – 6. Civil Security for Society.4. Financial and operational capacity and exclusionDescribed in Annex C of the Work Programme General Annexes.5a. Evaluation and award: Award criteria, scoring and thresholdsDescribed in Annex D of the Work Programme General Annexes.5b. Evaluation and award: Submission and evaluation processesDescribed in Annex F of the Work Programme General Annexes and the Online Manual.5c. Evaluation and award: Indicative timeline for evaluation and grant agreementDescribed in Annex F of the Work Programme General Annexes.6. Legal and financial set-up of the grantsDescribed in Annex G of the Work Programme General Annexes.Specific conditions described in the [specific topic of the Work Programme]) — €18.0M • Deadline November 2025 • Eligibility & How to Apply

Evaluation Focus (Excellence / Impact / Quality & Efficiency)

* Technological novelty & TRL progression (target TRL 5→7 by project end).

* End-user driven design and clear operational scenarios.

* Impact on responder safety, EU resilience, and uptake beyond the consortium.

* Credible exploitation, standardisation and procurement pathways (including pre-commercial procurement where relevant).

* Quality of field validation in realistic conflict-like settings.

* Security & ethical compliance, incl. dual-use mitigation and data protection.

* Consortium composition: adequacy of mandatory first responders and Ukrainian participation will be strictly checked.

Advancing autonomous systems and robotics for high-risk disaster response, strengthening disaster resilience in conflict-afflicted crisis zones

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