Ministry of Defence supports Ukrainian universities in securing European grants to develop engineering competencies
Ukrainian technical universities have access to dozens of European research grant calls. Some of these calls focus not only on implementing individual projects but also on the long-term development of human capital and institutional capacity.
The Ministry of Defence is highlighting opportunities for technical universities to secure European grants to develop engineering and technological competencies.
The development of Ukraine’s defence industry directly depends on the availability of qualified engineers, researchers, and technology specialists. That is why strengthening the capabilities of technical universities, developing their laboratory infrastructure, and integrating them into international research networks remain important areas of focus.
Which grant programmes could benefit universities
The ZBROYA project, in cooperation with the Foundation for Support of Reforms in Ukraine (FSR), analysed more than 30 current research grant calls with deadlines through the end of 2026.
Available opportunities include MSCA Doctoral Networks 2026, which supports international doctoral programmes involving universities, research institutions, and businesses.
The ERC Starting Grant enables researchers to build their own research teams and develop promising research and technology areas.
Of particular interest to technical universities are opportunities in microelectronics, photonics, and semiconductor technologies, including the Skills Hubs of Excellence in Semiconductors programme.
The Hop-on Facility enables Ukrainian institutions to join already funded Horizon Europe projects without having to form an international consortium from scratch.
Another instrument, the COST Open Call, opens up opportunities for participation in international research networks, academic mobility, and the exchange of expertise.
Why this matters for the development of technical education in Ukraine
For Ukraine’s defence industry, participation by universities in such programmes is primarily an investment in the industry’s human capital and technological potential.
This involves training engineers, designers, and specialists in electronics, software, communications, energy systems, and other fields critical to modern defence production.
Strengthening university research and infrastructure also creates new opportunities for Ukrainian manufacturers — access to stronger R&D teams, laboratory and testing facilities, international expertise, and new technological developments.
European grant programmes can become one of the tools for building sustainable cooperation among technical universities, the research community, and the defence industry.
The Ministry of Defence of Ukraine supports the development of this ecosystem and is systematically working to strengthen the defence industry’s human capital and its technological and production potential.
