MANTRA Second Open Call for Manufacturing SMEs

The MANTRA Second Open Call will select up to 25 manufacturing SMEs to receive a 12-month support package consisting of a six-month advisory phase and a six-month implementation phase with up to €50,000 in lump-sum funding per SME and a total call budget of €1,250,000. Eligible applicants are single registered SMEs established in EU Member States operating in specified manufacturing NACE sectors including food and beverage, textiles, plastics, ceramics, and metals. Projects must focus on realistic green and digital transformation measures aligned with circular economy principles and demonstrate measurable business, digital, environmental, and socio-economic impact. Applications must be submitted via the MANTRA platform in English by 30 September 2026 at 17:00 Brussels time, including a mandatory self-assessment and Declaration of Honour.

What it funds

Summary

Support to select up to 25 manufacturing SMEs for a 12-month MANTRA Journey:6 months advisory services (free) to define a transformation roadmap, followed by 6 months implementation support. Financial assistance of up to €50,000 per SME is available to procure external services to implement the roadmap.

Who can apply:Manufacturing SMEs established in the EU operating in eligible NACE sectors such as food, textiles, plastics, ceramics and metals (machinery sector is not eligible in this call). Applicants must submit proof of registration and the MANTRA Self-Assessment Report ¹.

1. 1Transformation projects must target green and digital transition, circularity and social responsibility
2. 2Projects should be realistic, embedded in business strategy and focus on technology uptake and competitiveness
3. 3Selection based on innovation potential, project quality, contribution to triple transition and SME commitment

Deadline for submission:30 September 2026, 17:00 UTC. Applications must be submitted via the MANTRA platform; late or modified submissions are not accepted. Evaluation includes eligibility checks, shortlisting and external expert review with minimum score thresholds.

Footnotes

1. 1Guidelines, application form and submission details available on the MANTRA application portal MANTRA application.

Title:MANTRA Second Open Call for Manufacturing SMEs. Framework: Horizon Europe (Project: SUSTAINABLE AND INNOVATIVE MANUFACTURING BY ENSURING DIGITAL, GREEN AND SOCIAL SME TRANSFORMATION, Acronym: MANTRA). Call identifier: HORIZON-CL4. Objective: select up to 25 manufacturing SMEs to receive advisory services and financial support to define and implement a MANTRA Journey plan enabling green, digital and social transformation. Deadline for submission: 30 September 2026, 17:00:00 UTC. Budget available for the MANTRA action: €1,250,000 overall (project-level), financial support per SME: up to €50,000 to implement recommended transformation roadmaps following the advisory phase. Duration of SME support: a 12-month transformation journey split into Phase A — Advisory Services (6 months) and Phase B — Implementation support (6 months). Contact: info@mantra-project.eu. Application portal and form: app.mantra-project.eu.

Eligible Applicant Types and Sectors

Eligible applicant types:manufacturing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The call targets SMEs that are legally registered companies and that operate in specified manufacturing sectors (see list below). Other organisational forms such as large enterprises, universities, research institutes, NGOs, or individual applicants are not targeted as primary beneficiaries under this open call unless they participate as providers in later procurement or in consortium support activities; the call text and application materials specify that applicants must provide proof of company registration and NACE code eligibility.

Eligible manufacturing sectors (by NACE codes):The MANTRA 2nd Open Call explicitly lists eligible manufacturing sectors. Applicants must provide official registration documents proving operation under one of the eligible NACE codes or corresponding national classification codes. The eligible sectors are:

1. 1Food: C10 – Manufacture of food products; C11 – Manufacture of beverages
2. 2Textiles and related: C13 – Manufacture of textiles; C14 – Manufacture of wearing apparel; C15 – Manufacture of leather and related products
3. 3Plastics: C22 – Manufacture of rubber and plastic products
4. 4Ceramics and non-metallic minerals: C23 – Manufacture of other non-metallic mineral products
5. 5Metals: C24 – Manufacture of basic metals; C25 – Manufacture of fabricated metal products, except machinery and equipment

Important exclusion:the machinery sector is explicitly not eligible under the 2nd Open Call because it was already strongly represented during the 1st Open Call.

Funding Modality and Financial Details

Funding type:grant financial support awarded to selected SMEs for the implementation phase (procurement of external services). Principal nature of support: monetary grant (up to €50,000 per SME) plus substantial non-financial services (advisory, matchmaking, coaching, technical support, key account manager, training and peer-learning). The grant is intended to cover procurement of external services needed to implement the transformation roadmap defined during the advisory phase.

Funding amount and scale:Up to €50,000 per selected SME. The MANTRA project budget allocation indicated in the metadata is €1,250,000. The call seeks to select up to 25 SMEs in this second open call; note that MANTRA overall aims to support up to 50 SMEs across its lifetime (including other calls).

Consortium Requirement, Geographic Eligibility and Applicant Scope

Consortium requirement:single applicant required. The opportunity targets individual manufacturing SMEs applying on their own behalf. The application process requests company registration and evidence of eligibility; there is no requirement to form a multi-organisation consortium to apply for the SME support. The MANTRA consortium (project partners) will provide advisory and implementation support to selected SMEs.

Beneficiary scope (geographic eligibility):EU member states and associated/European Economic Area implied by Horizon Europe eligibility. The call text repeatedly references manufacturing SMEs across Europe and the Horizon Europe programme frame. Applicants must be established and registered under eligible NACE codes in the relevant European country. If national classification codes differ, equivalent national codes are acceptable when documented.

Target Sectors, Project Stage and Expected Activities

Target sector:manufacturing SMEs in food and beverage, textiles and apparel, leather products, rubber and plastic products, ceramics and other non-metallic mineral products, basic and fabricated metal products (excluding machinery manufacturing for this specific call). The programme focuses on cross-cutting themes including digitalisation, green transition, circular economy, energy efficiency, supply chain resilience and social innovation.

Expected project stage and maturity:Project stage sought: projects should be at the level of development ready for transformation planning and implementation. Applicants are expected to propose realistic transformation projects embedded in their company strategy — these may range from piloting or demonstration of technology adoption and process change to early-stage implementation of efficiency or circular-economy measures. The MANTRA Journey structure indicates the call supports SMEs moving from assessment and roadmap definition (validation/strategy) into implementation (demonstration/early commercialization of changed processes or services).

Application Process and Submission

Application type:open call with a single-stage submission model via the MANTRA digital platform. Applicants must register and submit proposals through the MANTRA platform; this is the sole permissible submission channel. Application form URL: app.mantra-project.eu. Applicants must upload required documents (see checklist below). Proposals cannot be modified after submission. Late submissions will not be accepted.

Required application documents and preparation steps:Applicants are instructed to follow the Guidelines for Applicants. The mandatory documents and steps to include in the application are:

1. 1Completion and upload of the MANTRA Self-Assessment Report generated by the MANTRA Self-Assessment Tool.
2. 2Signed Declaration of Honour (downloadable from the MANTRA website).
3. 3Proof of eligibility: official company registration document showing the company operates under one of the eligible NACE codes or the corresponding national classification code.
4. 4The completed online application form hosted on the MANTRA platform (all fields and attachments must be final at submission).

The MANTRA platform is the sole channel for submission and for accessing the application form. Applicants will join the MANTRA Community as the entry point to access resources and the application process. Applicants should ensure accuracy of all uploaded documents because proposals cannot be amended after submission.

Evaluation Procedure, Criteria and Stages

Evaluation process summary:the evaluation consists of three stages: initial verification of eligibility and admissibility, internal ranking (to shortlist up to 50 proposals), and final evaluation by three independent external experts for shortlisted proposals. Only the highest-ranked proposals proceed to final evaluation. The final selection will produce up to 25 SMEs to be supported in this second open call.

Evaluation criteria and weighting:Eligible proposals will be evaluated against four main criteria with the following weightings:

1. 1Use of advanced technologies and innovation potential — 25%
2. 2Project quality and implementation strategy — 30%
3. 3Contribution to the triple transition (digital, green, social) and expected impact — 30%
4. 4SME capacity and commitment — 15%

Final evaluation will assess execution coherence and the requested MANTRA support across five domains: project execution and coherence of MANTRA support requested, digital approach, business approach, environmental approach, and social approach. Selection thresholds: a minimum score of 3 out of 5 per criterion and a minimum overall score of 17 points is required. Additional bonus points may be awarded for high innovation level, maturity of the transformation pathway, quality of supporting documentation, and gender representation including women-led SMEs.

Number of application stages and success funnel:1) Eligibility and admissibility verification; 2) Internal evaluation/scoring and ranking; 3) External expert evaluation and final selection. Therefore, applicants face three main evaluation stages to be selected. Only proposals meeting thresholds at each stage advance to the next stage.

Success Rates and Competition

Target selection:up to 25 SMEs will be chosen in this second open call. The internal ranking stage will shortlist up to 50 proposals for final evaluation. The call materials do not publish an explicit historical success rate; however, with up to 50 shortlisted and 25 final spots available, the final selection rate for shortlisted applicants is approximately 50%. The overall success rate depends on the total number of submissions received. Given typical EU SME open calls, applicants should expect substantive competition and prepare high-quality evidence of technological innovation, environmental impact, and implementation readiness.

Co-funding and Financial Requirements

Co-funding requirement:the call text does not explicitly require a monetary co-funding contribution from the SME for the grant component. The focus is on financial support of up to €50,000 to procure external services during implementation. Applicants must confirm SME capacity and commitment (15% of evaluation weighting), which implies readiness to implement and follow through operationally and potentially to provide internal resources or co-invest time and staff. Applicants must review the Guidelines for Applicants and the Declaration of Honour for any further financial compliance or reporting obligations.

Application Template Structure and Guidance

Application forms are hosted on the MANTRA platform and follow a standard structure that collects company, project and supporting documentation. Applicants are instructed to prepare the Self-Assessment Report before filling the application. While the full platform form is online, the typical structure applicants will encounter and should prepare offline includes the following sections:

1. 1Company details and legal registration (including upload of registration document proving NACE code).
2. 2Contact details and identification of the person responsible for the MANTRA Journey (Key Account interactions).
3. 3MANTRA Self-Assessment Report upload and summary of assessment findings relevant to the transformation plan.
4. 4Project summary and descriptive fields: transformation project title, objectives, expected impact and alignment with SME strategy.
5. 5Detailed implementation plan and timeline (split by Advisory Phase outcomes and Implementation Phase activities), including milestones and deliverables.
6. 6Budget estimate for implementation services to be procured with MANTRA funds (justification of up to €50,000 requested) and description of how funds will be used to procure external services.
7. 7Description of technology and innovation approach: which advanced technologies will be adopted or piloted, how innovation potential will be realised and assessed.
8. 8Environmental approach: description of green transition measures, expected environmental impact reductions, circular economy principles applied.
9. 9Social approach: how social innovation, inclusiveness, worker skills and gender balance are considered.
10. 10SME capacity and commitment: evidence of management support, internal resources, previous experience, and letters of intent where relevant.
11. 11Supporting documents: Declaration of Honour (signed), other supporting documentation to substantiate claims (technical specifications, supplier quotes, previous project results, certifications).

Applicants should consult the MANTRA Guidelines for Applicants for exact form fields, evaluation rubrics, and document templates. The Declaration of Honour is available on the MANTRA website and must be signed and uploaded. The Self-Assessment Tool is mandatory and generates a report which must be uploaded with the application. The MANTRA platform is the single entry point for the application process and for accessing templates and downloads.

Selection Benefits and What Successful SMEs Receive

Selected SMEs will receive a combined package of non-financial and financial support structured around the MANTRA Journey:

1. 1Phase A — Advisory Services (6 months) free of charge: assessment using the MANTRA Self-Assessment Tool, coaching, expert matchmaking with technology providers, roadmap/implementation plan definition, technical support and a dedicated Key Account Manager.
2. 2Phase B — Implementation (6 months): financial assistance (grant) up to €50,000 to procure external services to implement the roadmap, oversight and support from MANTRA partners during procurement and delivery.
3. 3Access to the MANTRA Community and Digital Platform: peer learning, networking with specialists and other SMEs, training and mentoring, and matchmaking/co-creation opportunities.
4. 4Access to specialised experts, service providers and EU business support networks to accelerate technology adoption and socially inclusive approaches.

Mentioned Countries and Geographic References

The opportunity description references Europe broadly and the Horizon Europe programme. Explicit country list is not provided; the beneficiary scope is manufacturing SMEs across EU Member States and associated countries eligible under Horizon Europe rules. The MANTRA consortium comprises partners from multiple EU countries (for example Zabala Innovation, Greenovate! Europe, Rina, IT Manufacturing, Inesc Tec, Babele, Secpho, Cetim) indicating pan-European partnership and service delivery across Europe.

Risks, Exclusions and Important Notes

Important exclusions:machinery manufacturing sector is excluded from eligibility in this 2nd Open Call. Proposals cannot be modified after submission and late submissions will not be accepted. Proof of company registration under an eligible NACE code is mandatory. Applicants should ensure the Self-Assessment Report is completed and uploaded and the Declaration of Honour is signed. Applicants should consult the Guidelines for Applicants for any additional eligibility conditions, reporting obligations, or procurement rules applying to the use of the grant funds.

Checklist for Applicants

1. 1Verify your company NACE code is listed among eligible codes and prepare official registration document demonstrating this.
2. 2Complete the MANTRA Self-Assessment Tool and download the generated report for upload.
3. 3Download, sign and prepare the Declaration of Honour and any other documents specified in the Guidelines for Applicants.
4. 4Prepare a concise transformation project description aligned with company strategy, including digital, environmental and social approaches and an implementation budget up to €50,000.
5. 5Register on the MANTRA platform, complete the online application form and upload all documents before the deadline (30 September 2026, 17:00 UTC).
6. 6Retain evidence of submission and verify all uploads; note that proposals cannot be modified after submission.

Where to apply and further information:the application form and full guidelines are available on the MANTRA application platform and project webpage. Application form link: app.mantra-project.eu. Main project page on the EU Funding & Tenders Portal: MANTRA Open Call. For questions contact info@mantra-project.eu. Applicants should consult the Guidelines for Applicants for full legal, financial and procedural details and for template downloads.

Summary:The MANTRA Second Open Call is an EU Horizon Europe-supported open call targeting manufacturing SMEs across specified non-machinery manufacturing sectors in Europe. It offers a 12-month tailored transformation journey combining six months of free advisory services and six months of implementation support backed by up to €50,000 in financial assistance to procure external services. The call uses a single-stage online application submitted via the MANTRA platform, includes a three-stage evaluation process (eligibility check, internal ranking, external expert evaluation), and selects up to 25 SMEs. Applicants must provide proof of company registration under eligible NACE codes, a completed Self-Assessment Report, and a signed Declaration of Honour. Projects should be realistic, embedded in company strategy, and contribute to green, digital and social transformation, aligning with circular economy principles. Applicants must follow the Guidelines for Applicants and meet submission deadlines.

Footnotes

1. 1Guidelines for Applicants and application templates are available on the MANTRA project webpage and in the MANTRA application platform. Access the application form at app.mantra-project.eu and the EU Funding portal page at ec.europa.eu.

Core Objective and Funding Details

The MANTRA Second Open Call selects up to **25 manufacturing SMEs** to receive advisory support and **€50,000** in lump-sum funding to implement a green and digital transformation roadmap [[1]][[4]]. The total budget for this call is **€1,250,000**, fully funded at a **100% funding rate** as cascade funding under Horizon Europe [[1]][[4]].

Funding Amount:Up to **€50,000 per SME** as a lump sum for external services only, not based on cost reimbursement [[1]][[4]].

Total Call Budget:**€1,250,000** supporting exactly 25 SMEs [[1]].

Eligibility and Target Sectors

Eligible applicants must be **single registered SMEs** (per Commission Recommendation 2003/361/EC) established in an **EU Member State**; entities from Horizon Europe Associated Countries are explicitly **not eligible** [[1]][[4]]. The call targets SMEs operating in five specific manufacturing sectors defined by NACE C codes: **food and beverage (C10, C11)**, **metals (C24, C25)**, **plastics (C22)**, **ceramics (C23)**, and **textiles (C13, C14, C15)** [[2]][[4]].

1. 1Must be an SME as defined by EU legislation
2. 2Registered in one of the 27 EU Member States
3. 3Active in food, metals, plastics, ceramics, or textiles sectors
4. 4Application and documents must be submitted in English
5. 5Mandatory self-assessment submission required

The MANTRA Journey Structure

Selected SMEs participate in a **12-month MANTRA Journey** divided into two distinct phases: a **six-month advisory phase** (free of charge) and a **six-month implementation phase** (supported by the €50,000 grant) [[1]][[3]].

Project Requirements and Impact Criteria

Proposals must focus on a realistic transformation project embedded in the SME’s long-term strategy, contributing to **green and digital transformation** while reducing environmental impacts and enhancing competitiveness [[1]]. Projects must align with **circular economy principles** and consider inclusive, socially responsible practices [[1]].

Key Impact Criteria:Projects must demonstrate measurable impact in **Business Transformation**, **Digital Transition** (integrating at least one of the 16 EU Advanced Technologies for Industry), **Environmental Impact**, and **Socio-Economic Impact** [[4]][[11]].

• Digital Transition: Integrate AI, IoT, robotics, blockchain, big data, or nanotechnology [[11]]
• Environmental Impact: Reduce waste, GHG emissions, energy use, or hazardous chemicals [[11]]
• Socio-Economic Impact: Create jobs, increase turnover, or upskill staff [[11]]
• Business Transformation: Use recycled materials, improve supply chain resilience, or adopt clean energy [[11]]

Application Process and Deadlines

The application process begins by joining the **MANTRA Community**, which serves as the gateway to resources and the application portal [[1]]. The call opened on **15 June 2026** and closes on **30 September 2026 at 17:00 Brussels time** [[1]][[2]].

Submission Requirements:Applications must be submitted exclusively via the official **MANTRA platform** in English, including a **Declaration of Honour** and a **Self-assessment in PDF** [[4]][[11]]. Only **one proposal per SME** is accepted [[4]].

Strategic Value and Additional Benefits

Beyond funding, selected SMEs gain access to **technology providers**, **EU specialised business support networks**, and a **European innovation ecosystem** for peer learning and networking [[1]][[3]]. The initiative specifically prioritizes **female-led enterprises** and **low-tech intensity SMEs** to prevent them from falling behind in the dual transition [[8]].

Footnotes

1. 1Official call details and application portal: MANTRA Second Open Call
2. 2Sector definitions and NACE codes: MANTRA 2nd Open Call Eligibility
3. 3Impact criteria and advanced technologies: MANTRA Evaluation Criteria