Deadline Date: September 15, 2026
The SMART ERA project will open its second Open Call for Followers Micro-Pilots to support new regions in adopting and replicating the project’s methodologies, validation strategies, and innovation approach.
The programme focuses on transferring SMART ERA results and methodologies to follower regions, engaging new local communities, demonstrating the replicability of the SMART ERA approach, identifying regional needs, co-designing new Smart Innovation Packages (SIP), establishing Followers Micro-Pilots, and supporting technical deployment through mentoring.
The second Open Call will select up to four proposals to establish four Followers Micro-Pilots. These projects will replicate the SMART ERA methodology by identifying regional challenges and co-designing new Smart Innovation Packages tailored to local needs. Selected participants will also join a twelve-month mentoring and support programme delivered by SMART ERA Technical Partners.
Funding is available based on the application format. Consortium applications may receive a total lump sum of up to €90,000, with up to €30,000 allocated to the Community Activator and up to €60,000 allocated to the Pilot Orchestrator or Technical Provider. Individual applicants who are able to perform both roles may receive a total lump sum of up to €60,000.
The twelve-month support programme is divided into three stages. The first stage is the On-boarding Stage, lasting up to two months, during which beneficiaries must prepare an Individual Mentoring Plan that includes planned activities, key performance indicators, milestones, and budget. The second stage is the Mobilisation Stage, lasting up to three months, during which participants are required to submit a Report on Community Engagement. The final stage is the Deployment Stage, lasting up to seven months, and concludes with the completion of the technical solution.
Applicants must meet all eligibility requirements, successfully complete the evaluation process, and sign the Subgrant Agreement with the SMART ERA Consortium to participate in the support programme.
Applications are accepted from consortia consisting of two entities or from eligible individual applicants. A consortium must include one Community Activator, which may be a local public administration, university, NGO, association, or another organisation with strong links to the local community in a follower region, and one Pilot Orchestrator, which must be an SME or Technical Provider responsible for the technical implementation and deployment of the Smart Innovation Package. The participation of a technology provider is mandatory. Individual applicants may also apply if they are a single legal entity capable of effectively fulfilling both the Community Activator and Pilot Orchestrator roles.
For more information, visit SMART ERA.
