🏆 DIREKTION Launches the 2nd DIREKTION Awards

The DIREKTION project is pleased to announce the launch of the 2nd edition of the DIREKTION Awards, an open call designed to identify, reward and promote near-to-deployment innovative solutions addressing key Disaster Resilient Society (DRS) capability gaps for emergency responders.

Building on the success of the first edition, the 2nd DIREKTION Awards place a strong emphasis on accelerating innovation uptake and supporting the transition of validated solutions towards operational deployment across Europe. The call targets mature and demonstrable solutions with a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) between 5 and 7, capable of responding to real operational needs of firefighters, civil protection authorities, emergency medical services and other response organisations.

👥 Who can apply?

The call is open to solution providers established in EU Member States and Horizon Europe Associated Countries, including:

• Start-ups and SMEs

• Large companies

• Research and Technology Organisations (RTOs)

• Universities

• Non-profit organisations

Applications may be submitted by single entities or consortia.

🧩 What type of solutions?

Proposed solutions must address current priority capability gaps identified by the DIREKTION consortium, in coherence with the International Forum to Advance First Responder Innovation (IFAFRI) capability gap framework.

Relevant application areas include, but are not limited to:

• Situational awareness and decision support

• Communications and interoperability

• Robotics, drones and remote operations

• Wildfire response and EV battery fires

• Responder health, safety and decontamination

• Training, exercises and immersive technologies (VR / AR / MR)

Solutions are expected to demonstrate clear operational relevance, user involvement and potential for deployment at European scale.

🏆What do the winners receive?

A total of 10 solutions will be selected and awarded €10,000 each.

Awarded solutions will benefit from:

🌍 European-level visibility

🎤 Pitching and showcasing opportunities at INTERSCHUTZ 2026 (Hannover, Germany)

🏛 Visibility during the CERIS Disaster Resilience Days

📣 Promotion through DIREKTION communication channels

📅 Application timeline

• Applications open: 6 January 2026

• Submission deadline: 6 March 2026 – 12:00 CET

• Winners notified: April 2026

• Awards ceremony & pitches: June 2026

📝 How to apply

Applicants are invited to carefully consult the Guide for Applicants and submit their application electronically via the DIREKTION website.

https://www.direktion-network.org/awards2026