AID4SME Open Call 1

The AID4SME Open Call 1 is a funding opportunity organized under the HORIZON-CL4-2024-DIGITAL-EMERGING-01-04 topic, which focuses on enhancing industrial leadership in AI, data, and robotics to improve competitiveness and support the green transition. The call specifically targets European AI and data-driven small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and start-ups, inviting them to propose solutions for AI and data challenges, particularly in resource optimization within industries that significantly impact the European Green Deal objectives.

The total budget for this funding opportunity is 2 million euros. The program is designed to support a minimum of 20 SMEs, with each typically receiving financial support that may range from 50,000 to 200,000 euros, though the specific amount per project isn't detailed. The application process is a single-stage open call, which is conducted through the F6S platform, with submissions accepted until September 11, 2025, at 17:00 Brussels time. The anticipated duration of participation for selected projects is 14 months.

The support provided through this grant includes monetary aid, with the funding categorized as Financial Support to Third Parties (FSTP), which does not typically require co-funding from applicants. The evaluation process incorporates multiple stages, including eligibility screening, external evaluations, internal assessments, and final selection.

The opportunity aims not only to fund innovative solutions derived from SMEs but also to promote a community of practice and utilize both low and high Technology Readiness Level (TRL) playgrounds for developmental phases. While the eligible applicant types are explicitly SMEs and start-ups based in Europe, no specific countries are outlined, implying eligibility across the EU member states.

The AID4SME project seeks to encourage the development and implementation of AI and data solutions that foster sustainability and improve industrial competitiveness. Further detailed information about the call can be accessed via the AID4SME website and the F6S application platform.

The AID4SME Open Call 1 is a funding opportunity under the HORIZON-CL4-2024-DIGITAL-EMERGING-01-04 topic, which focuses on industrial leadership in AI, Data and Robotics boosting competitiveness and the green transition (AI Data and Robotics Partnership). The call is organized by the AID4SME project, which aims to select and contract SMEs and Start-ups to develop solutions addressing AI and data challenges. These solutions should tackle resource optimization challenges in industries with a significant impact on the Green Deal objectives. The ultimate goal is to promote the widespread adoption of solutions developed by SMEs and Start-ups, thereby enhancing industry competitiveness and environmental and resource sustainability.

The opening date for the call is June 30, 2025, and the deadline for submissions is September 11, 2025, at 17:00 (Brussels time). The expected duration of participation is 14 months. The total funding available is 2,000,000.00 €. The project acronym is AID4SME, and the full name of the EU funded project is enabling SMEs to develop AI and DATA solutions through support of a Community of Practice and low-TRL and high-TRL playgrounds. The grant agreement number is 101189562.

European AI and Data driven SMEs and Start-ups are invited to propose solutions to a set of challenges launched by AID4SME. Submissions must be made through the F6S platform at https://www.f6s.com/aid4sme-oc-1/apply, which is directly linked with the VOJEXT Programme.

The evaluation process includes an eligibility filter, external evaluation, internal evaluation, and final selection, all conducted according to the rules outlined in the guide for applicants’ document.

Further information about the call can be found at https://aid4sme.eu/open-call-1/.

In summary, the AID4SME Open Call 1 is a funding opportunity for European SMEs and Start-ups specializing in AI and data-driven solutions. It seeks to address resource optimization challenges in industries that contribute significantly to the Green Deal objectives. By providing funding and support, the AID4SME project aims to foster the development and deployment of innovative solutions that enhance industry competitiveness and promote environmental sustainability. The call is part of a broader effort to strengthen industrial leadership in AI, Data, and Robotics within the European Union.

Eligible Applicant Types: The eligible applicant types are European AI and Data driven SMEs and Start-ups.

Funding Type: The funding type is grant, specifically cascade funding.

Consortium Requirement: The opportunity appears to be open to single applicants. While not explicitly stated, the focus on SMEs and Start-ups suggests individual applications are permitted.

Beneficiary Scope (Geographic Eligibility): The geographic eligibility is focused on European SMEs and Start-ups.

Target Sector: The target sectors are AI, Data, and industries that have a high impact on the Green Deal objectives. This includes sectors relevant to environmental and resources sustainability, industrial competitiveness, and the digital domain as specified by the HORIZON-CL4-2024-DIGITAL-EMERGING-01-04 topic.

Mentioned Countries: No specific countries are mentioned, but the focus is on European SMEs and Start-ups, implying eligibility for entities within the European Union.

Project Stage: The project stage is variable, indicated by the mention of both low-TRL and high-TRL playgrounds, suggesting support for projects ranging from early-stage research to more mature development phases.

Funding Amount: The total funding available is €2,000,000.00. The distribution of this funding among individual projects is not specified, so the funding range per project is variable.

Application Type: The application type is an open call.

Nature of Support: The beneficiaries will receive money in the form of grants.

Application Stages: The application process involves multiple stages: eligibility filter, external evaluation, internal evaluation, and final selection. This indicates at least 4 stages.

Success Rates: The success rates are not mentioned.

Co-funding Requirement: The co-funding requirement is not mentioned.

Summary:

The AID4SME Open Call 1 is a funding opportunity targeting European AI and Data-driven SMEs and Start-ups. It aims to support projects that address AI and data challenges, particularly those focused on resource optimization in industries with a significant impact on the European Green Deal objectives. The call is part of the broader AID4SME project, which seeks to promote the widespread deployment of AI and data solutions developed by SMEs and Start-ups to enhance industrial competitiveness and environmental sustainability. The total funding available is €2,000,000.00. The application process is a single-stage open call with a deadline of September 11, 2025. Submissions are made through the F6S platform. The evaluation process includes eligibility screening, external and internal evaluations, and a final selection phase. The call supports projects across different Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs), from low to high. The selected projects are expected to contribute to the goals outlined in the HORIZON-CL4-2024-DIGITAL-EMERGING-01-04 topic, focusing on industrial leadership in AI, Data, and Robotics to boost competitiveness and the green transition. The expected duration of participation is 14 months.