AID4SME Open Call #2

AID4SME Open Call #2 supports SMEs and startups to develop, test and validate AI and data-driven solutions for real industrial challenges that improve resource efficiency and support the Green Deal. It combines an equity-free lump-sum grant with access to industrial playgrounds, mentoring and a European Community of Practice.

Do you have an AI and data solution that can make industry cleaner, smarter and more efficient? This call helps you turn that solution into a real pilot with industrial partners and testing environments. SMEs and startups can receive up to €200,000 (as a lump-sum grant covering 70% of your project costs). Dutch and German SMEs/startups can apply, as long as they are established in a Horizon Europe Member or Associated Country. You can apply as a single company or as a small consortium of up to two entities; collaboration is optional, not mandatory. Your proposal must address one of 10 predefined challenges (for example digital twins, warehouse/logistics automation, energy management, or battery disassembly for recycling). If selected, you join a 14‑month programme with mentoring, training and support to deploy and validate your solution in a real-life setting. Expect clear deliverables across the stages (plan, development, test/validation and final business plan/exploitation). Administration is manageable but real: you submit via the F6S platform, follow the programme stages, and deliver the required reports to receive staged payments (30%/40%/30%).

The grant is a lump sum covering 70% of eligible project costs up to €200,000. Eligible budgeting categories include personnel, travel & subsistence, equipment costs (depreciation only) and other direct costs, plus indirect costs calculated as 25% of personnel and purchase costs. Subcontracting is not allowed under this call. Indicative call budget: €2,350,000 (supporting up to 12 projects).

Companies with an interest in the program can get more support via the TECH.LAND partners. For more information, please contact:

Vincent Bökkerink
Project Developer and funding TECH.LAND
X-Border Cooperation North Westphalia & East Netherlands
https://techland.org/
bokkerink@techland.org
+31 6 51 98 75 07