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Grant Analysis

Purpose & Target

The core objective of this grant is to select manufacturing Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) to support them in defining and implementing a 'MANTRA Journey plan'. This initiative aims to make these SMEs more sustainable and innovative through digital, green, and social transformation. - Target recipient type: Manufacturing SMEs. - Target recipient size: Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs). - MUST state if grant is SECTOR-SPECIFIC or SECTOR-AGNOSTIC: SECTOR-SPECIFIC. - Geographic scope: European Union (EU) member states. - Key filtering criteria: Applicant must be an EU-based manufacturing SME committed to digital, green, and social transformation for sustainability and innovation. - Grant frequency: This is the 'First Open Call', implying potential future calls within the MANTRA project context.

Financial Structure

Funding amount: Up to EUR 50,000 per SME.
Total call budget: The total budget allocated for this call is EUR 1,250,000.
Currency: All financial amounts are in EUR (Euro).
Eligible costs: Financial support is provided to implement the recommended transformation plan. Specific eligible and ineligible cost categories are not detailed in the provided grant information, but typically cover direct costs related to the project activities.
Co-financing requirements: Not specified in the provided grant information.
Payment schedule: Not specified in the provided grant information.

Eligibility Requirements

Organization Type and Size

Eligible: Manufacturing Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs).
Definition of SME: Based on the European Union definition for SMEs, which typically includes enterprises with fewer than 250 employees and an annual turnover not exceeding 50 million EUR, or an annual balance sheet total not exceeding 43 million EUR.

Geographic Location

Eligible: SMEs based in any European Union (EU) member state.

Project Focus

Projects must aim for sustainable and innovative manufacturing.
Projects must contribute to the digital, green, and social transformation of the SME.
Projects should align with circular economy principles.
Projects should consider inclusive, socially responsible practices.
Proposed transformation must involve the uptake of advanced technologies.
The project must be realistic, impactful, and embedded in the SME’s strategy for long-term sustainability and growth.

Application Prerequisites

Applicants must follow the Guidelines for Applicants to prepare their application.
A self-assessment document must be included in the application.
A signed Declaration of Honour must be included in the application documents.
Applications must be submitted exclusively via the MANTRA platform.
Applicants must join the MANTRA Community to access the application process and related resources.

Application Process

Application Submission Process

Application platform: Proposals must be submitted via the MANTRA platform only; it is the sole channel for submission.
Submission finality: Once a proposal has been submitted, it cannot be modified.
Late submissions: No late submissions will be accepted after the specified deadline.

Required Documentation and Materials

Self-assessment document.
Signed Declaration of Honour.
All other documents specified in the Guidelines for Applicants.

Application Deadline

Submission deadline: 2025-09-15 17:00:00+0000.

Project Implementation Timeline

Grant duration: Projects selected within this Open Call are expected to have a duration of six months.
Implementation timeline: Expectation to define and implement the MANTRA Journey plan within the six-month project duration.

Support and Assistance

Support availability: Applicants can consult the Guidelines for Applicants available on the MANTRA project webpage.
Contact for inquiries: info@mantra-project.eu.
Community access: Joining the MANTRA Community is required to access resources, peer learning, and the application process.

Evaluation Criteria

Core Evaluation Areas (scored on a scale from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent))

Project execution and the relevance of the requested MANTRA support.
Digital approach: Assessment of the proposed digital transformation aspects.
Business approach: Evaluation of the overall business strategy and viability.
Environmental approach: Assessment of the proposed green transformation and environmental impact.
Social approach: Evaluation of the proposed social transformation and responsible practices.

Bonus Points (awarded for outstanding elements)

High level of innovation demonstrated in the proposal.
Maturity of the proposed transformation plan.
Comprehensiveness and high quality of supporting documentation provided.
Gender representation, with specific consideration for women-led SMEs.

Compliance & Special Requirements

Project Alignment and Impact

Projects must explicitly contribute to the green and digital transformation of the SME.
Alignment with circular economy principles is required.
Consideration of inclusive, socially responsible practices is expected.
Emphasis on enhancing the competitiveness and resilience of the business.

Technical and Operational Expectations

The proposed transformation project must be realistic and impactful.
The project should be embedded in the SME’s strategy for long-term sustainability and growth.
Uptake of advanced technologies is a core focus.

Strategic Opportunities

Bonus points are awarded for proposals demonstrating a high level of innovation.
Bonus points are available for comprehensive and high-quality supporting documentation.
Specific consideration for women-led SMEs may result in bonus points, promoting gender representation.

Grant Details