Projects funded under the AID4SME open calls should demonstrate the potential for significant impact in areas such as:
• 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
The AID4SME – Open Call #2 invites potential applicants to submit proposals that addresses 1 of the 10 challenges within the following 4 domains:
1) Combined AI and Data solutions for DATA COLLECTION
1.1- Augmented sensing solutions
2) Combined AI and Data solutions for creation of INSIGHTS
2.1 – Product-production Digital Twins
2.2 – Automated monitoring hygiene inspection for refurbishment
2.3 – Energy system Digital Twin decision support tool
3) Combined AI and Data solutions for DECISION SUPPORT
3.2 Automated machine selection for parts production
3.3 Battery production digitalwork instructions & skill capturing
3.4 Automated warehouse and internal logistics management
4) Combined AI and Data solutions for AUTOMATION
4.1 – Smart energy management of unplanned machine
downtime
4.3 – Semi-automated EV battery disassembly for recycling
4.4 – Co-bot refrigerator door assembly solutions
A full description of AID4SME – Open Call #2’s challenges is available at Annex 1.1 Challenge description: https://aid4sme.eu/open-call-2/
The AID4SME Programme #2 is organised in 4 stages of 14 months. Stage 1 – Plan from 01 November 2026 to 31 November 2026, Stage 2 – Development from 01 December 2026 to 30 June 2027, Stage 3 – Test from 01 July 2027 to 31 August 2027, and Stage 4 – Assessment from 01 September 2027 to 31 December 2027.
During these phases, beneficiaries will have the support of a mentor to monitor project progress and facilitate communication with technical partners.
Each application may receive a maximum contribution of up to EUR 200 000.00. The maximum contribution requested must cover 70% of the project total costs (including indirect costs).
The AID4SME – Open Call #2 is accepting applications from single or consortia of up to 2 eligible applicants led by a SME and/ or Start-up. Only SMEs and Start-Ups will receive the financial support to third parties.
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
