Deadline: September 11, 2025
The AID4SME project opens a significant opportunity for SMEs and Start-ups to develop innovative combined AI and data solutions aimed at addressing large-scale industrial resource optimization challenges aligned with environmental sustainability and industry competitiveness goals.
The focus areas for this initiative include Impact on Green Deal: Developing solutions that reduce energy consumption and enhance efficiency in industrial processes; creating solutions that minimize waste and promote sustainable manufacturing practices; as well as innovating ways to reduce carbon footprints and mitigate environmental damage. Impact on social benefits: Developing solutions that have a profound social impact by fostering inclusive growth and improving quality of life. It aims to create job opportunities, enhance workforce skills, and promote social equity. By addressing key societal challenges, the project contributes to building resilient communities and supports the overall well-being of the population. Impact on resource optimization: Developing solutions that maximize the efficient use of resources across various industries. This includes optimizing supply chains, reducing material waste, and improving resource allocation.
AID4SME is a European Horizon Europe project designed to catalyze the development of AI and data-driven innovations in SMEs and Start-ups through competitive funding opportunities. It invites applications from SMEs and Start-ups to submit proposals addressing thirteen challenges categorized into data collection, creation of insights, decision support, and automation domains. Selected participants will receive grants of up to €150,000 per project with a funding rate of 70%, spanning a 14-month program that includes planning, development, testing, validation, and business development stages. In addition to financial support, participants will benefit from technical guidance, access to low and high Technology Readiness Level playgrounds for testing and validation, and integration into a Community of Practice that fosters collaboration and learning.
The challenges represent key areas of innovation such as augmented sensing solutions to optimize manufacturing processes, advanced 2D/3D image analysis for predictive maintenance, digital twins for lifespan analysis and system decision support, and automation of energy management and industrial assembly tasks. The program aims for demonstrable impacts like waste reduction, energy consumption decrease, product quality improvement, and enhanced operational efficiency while promoting sustainable industrial transition and inclusive growth.
Applicants must meet eligibility criteria including SME status under EU definitions, legal establishment in eligible countries, and alignment with project objectives and challenges. A rigorous evaluation process will select around 13 projects for funding based on innovation, impact, project planning, and team expertise. Throughout the program, funded entities will submit progress reports and adhere to compliance requirements concerning intellectual property and scientific integrity.
This open call is not only an enabling platform for SMEs to innovate but also fosters a European-wide ecosystem for sustainable industrial transformation driven by AI and data technologies. The initiative offers a chance to contribute to meaningful environmental and societal benefits while enhancing market competitiveness and technological advancement.
For more information, visit AID4SME.
