MANTRA Programme to empower Manufacturing SMEs

MANTRA targets traditional manufacturing SME that are struggling with the transition towards more sustainable business models or face some of the barriers and challenges. If you’re a traditional manufacturing SME based in Europe and ready to boost your sustainability, digitisation, and innovation strategy — this is your opportunity.

Whether your challenges involve energy efficiency, circularity, automation, supply chain resilience, or data-driven decision-making, MANTRA is here to support your transformation — step by step.

MANTRA stands for Sustainable and Innovative Manufacturing — and they are selecting 50 forward-thinking SMEs to receive financial and technical support to pilot new solutions, adopt advanced technologies, and strengthen competitiveness in a fast-evolving industry landscape.

Aims

• The MANTRA project aims to accelerate the green and digital transition of European manufacturing SMEs by promoting advanced technologies and social innovation. It will establish a scalable, EU-wide capacity-building and demonstration program, offering SMEs tailored support, expert networks, and financial assistance to develop sustainable business models.

Objectives

• MANTRA’s key objectives include:
  • A digital support centre for SME collaboration and transformation.
  • A due diligence toolbox to assess SMEs’ readiness for green and digital transition.
  • Scalable capacity-building programs to provide tailored advisory services.
  • A technology marketplace to connect traditional and tech-savvy SMEs.
  • Financial support (grants of €50,000) for SMEs to implement transformation plans.
  • A community for SME collaboration, peer-learning, and best practice exchange.
  • A go-to-market strategy ensuring long-term impact and replication of results.
  • EU-level awareness and cooperation through large-scale dissemination efforts.

Focus Areas

• Projects must demonstrate a credible and evidence-based transformation pathway, contributing to one or more of the following areas:
  • Raw Materials: use of recycled materials, substitution of critical raw materials, or second-life solutions.
  • Safe & Sustainable by Design: development of materials and products that are non-toxic, environmentally friendly, and enhance circular value chains.
  • Circular Economy: Strengthening cross-sector cooperation to create resilient and circular supply chains.
  • Clean Energy & Efficiency: adoption of technologies that optimize energy use, integrate renewables, and reduce carbon emissions.
  • Supply Chain Resilience: strategies to improve flexibility and adaptability in supply chains to withstand disruptions.

Benefits

• By joining the MANTRA Community Platform, you can access:
  • Up to €50,000 in funding to test and implement cutting-edge technologies tailored to your needs;
  • A curated matchmaking process with tech providers, experts, and partners to co-design your transformation roadmap;
  • Training, mentorship, and peer learning from leaders across the European manufacturing ecosystem;
  • Visibility and engagement through the MANTRA digital platform — a community built to accelerate impact.

Eligibility Criteria

• You are an SME of an EU Member State
• Your SME works with an eligible sector: Manufacturing, textiles, food, ceramics, metals, or food

For more information, visit MANTRA.