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Grant Analysis

Core objective: To select and contract European AI and data-driven SMEs and Start-Ups to propose and deploy innovative solutions that address specific industrial challenges, thereby optimizing resource use, increasing competitiveness, and supporting Green Deal objectives.
Explicit identification of target recipient type and size: The primary target recipients are Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) and Start-Ups. They can apply as single legal entities or in a consortium of two.
SECTOR-SPECIFIC
Geographic scope and any location requirements: Applicants must be European AI and Data driven SMEs and Start-Ups.
Key filtering criteria for initial grant screening: Must be a European AI/Data-driven SME or Start-Up, proposing solutions for industrial resource optimization with a clear impact on Green Deal objectives.
Grant frequency and program context: This is "Open Call 1", suggesting it is part of a recurring series of calls. It is an initiative of the AID4SME project and is directly linked with the VOJEXT Programme, funded under Horizon Europe.

Organization Type

Must be a single legal entity or a consortium of 2 entities.
Eligible organization types include Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) and Start-Ups.
If applying as part of a consortium, the second partner can be:
- Industry organizations providing use-cases and high-TRL playgrounds for solution testing and validation.
- Integrators / engineering services providers that support the SMEs / Start-Ups in solution integration.
- Research institutions.
- Research infrastructures.
- Non-profit organizations.
- Charitable (scientific) foundations.
- Public research centers.

Geographic Location

Must be a European organization. This implies legal entities established in EU Member States or associated countries to Horizon Europe (details not explicitly listed, but inferred from 'European').

Technical Focus

Application Process Steps

Get informed: Applicants must read the official 'Guidelines for Applicants' document.
Register: Access the F6S platform (https://www.f6s.com/aid4sme-oc-1/apply) to register.
Submit: Complete and submit the application through the F6S platform.

Application Timeline

Required Documentation and Materials

Annex 1 – Guide for applicants
Annex 2 – Technical Proposal Template
Annex 3 – Application Form
Annex 4 – Declaration of Honour (specific versions for Natural Person, Consortium, or Single Entity)
Annex 5 – SME Declaration
Annex 6 – Sub-Grantee Agreement

Project Implementation and Duration

Selected projects will have up to 14 months to deploy their innovative solutions.

Types of Support Offered (Post-Award)

Funding (financial support for product & service development).
Training sessions.
Coaching.
Mentoring.
Access to early customers.
Domain knowledge and expert advice to scale up.
Membership in the AID4SME Community of Practice for networking opportunities.

Main Criteria Categories

Novelty/Innovation: Assesses the originality and innovative nature of the proposed solution.
Impact: Evaluates the potential of the project to solve large resource optimization challenges in industries, contribute to the Green Deal objectives, increase industrial competitiveness, and enhance environmental and resource sustainability.
Project Planning: Examines the quality and feasibility of the proposed project plan, including its structure, timeline, and resource allocation.
Expertise: Assesses the competence, experience, and qualifications of the applicant team and consortium (if applicable) relevant to the proposed solution and challenges.

Regulatory and Ethical Compliance

Solutions must address challenges that align with Green Deal objectives, implying adherence to environmental and sustainability standards.

Technical Requirements and Focus Areas

Projects must propose combined AI and Data solutions.
Solutions should address specific industrial challenges categorized under:
- Data Collection: e.g., Augmented sensing solutions for manufacturing (plastic mold changes, mechatronic systems) or 2D/3D image analysis for large Energy Infrastructure predictive maintenance (vegetation recognition, health assessment, infrastructure condition).
- Creation of Insights: e.g., Product-production Digital Twins for material mixing optimization or End-of-Life product refurbishment; Digital Twin based lifespan analysis tools; Energy system Digital Twin decision support tools.
- Decision Support: e.g., Digital Twin-Enabled Smart Production Process Planning Tools for demand patterns and planning strategies.
- Automation: e.g., Automated energy management for parts/battery production; Semi-automated EV battery disassembly for recycling (battery assessment, safety, defect detection, health monitoring, charging/discharging methods, decision-making for reuse/recycling); Co-bot refrigerator door assembly solutions (co-bot-assisted gasket installation, AI-based perception/control, safety/ergonomic compliance, human-robot collaboration).

Risk Management Expectations

Not explicitly detailed in the provided information, but implied through project planning and impact assessments.

Strategic Alignment Opportunities

Offers companies a chance to pilot their solutions in real-world industrial settings with access to early customers.
Provides support to overcome market entry barriers.
Benefits from a wide network of professionals in the AI and Data field within the AID4SME Community of Practice.

Intellectual Property Policies