AID4SME Open Call #1

Challenges (details in the Guide for Appplicants: https://aid4sme.eu/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Final_Annex-1_AID4SME_Guide-for-Applicants_V3.pdf) :

1) Combined AI and Data solutions for DATA COLLECTION
1.1- Augmented sensing solutions
1.2 – 2D/3D image analysis for large Energy Infrastructure predictive maintenance

2) Combined AI and Data solutions for creation of INSIGHTS
2.1 – Product-production Digital Twins
2.2 – Digital Twin based lifespan analysis tool
2.3- Energy system Digital Twin decision support tool

3) Combined AI and Data solutions for DECISION SUPPORT
3.1 – Digital Twin enabled smart production process planning tool

4) Combined AI and Data solutions for AUTOMATION
4.1 – Automated energy management for parts production
4.2 – Automated energy management for battery production
4.3 – Semi-automated EV battery disassembly for recycling
4.4 – Co-bot refrigerator door assembly solutions

Open Call 1 is aiming to fund up to 13 proposals with a 14-month duration. The maximum funding is up to 150,000€. The funding rate is of 70% of the costs.
This call is competitive, and applicants should focus of one specific challenge. Therefore, only one proposal per applicant/per organisation per challenge may be submitted to this call. If more than one proposal is identified, it will be automatically discarded.

The following organisations may apply, either on an individual basis (single entity) or in a consortium of 2 entities:
• Micro, small and medium-sized enterprises working on related technologies (SMEs)
• Start-Ups

Only SMEs and Start-Ups will receive the financial support to third parties. SMEs/Start-Up’s will be the lead partner if apply as a single entity or in a consortium.

The following entities may apply as the second partner in a consortium:
• Industry organisations providing the SMEs / Start-ups use-cases and high-TRL playgrounds for solution testing and validation
• integrators/engineering services providers that support the SMEs/Start-Ups in integration of the solutions.
• Research institutions, research infrastructures , non-profit organisations and charitable (scientific) foundations and public research centres.

Only applicants legally established entities and legal residents (natural persons) in any of the following countries (hereafter collectively identified as the “Eligible Countries”) are eligible. The eligible countries and the countries eligible under specific conditions are listed in the following links:
• Member States (MS) of the European Union (EU), including their outermost region
• Horizon Europe Associated countries as defined in Horizon Europe rules for participation