Official call identifier: AID4SME
Objective of the call
AID4SME is a Horizon Europe project aiming to facilitate Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in developing combined Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data solutions for large-scale resource optimisation challenges for industries with significant impact on the objectives of the Green Deal.
The Open Call #2 aims to select and support SMEs and start-ups developing innovative AI and data-driven solutions addressing industrial resource optimisation challenges across sectors such as automotive, whitegoods, battery and energy. Selected projects will gain access to technical mentoring, industrial playgrounds, testing and validation facilities, and a European Community of Practice.
Scope of activities
The AID4SME Open Call #2 supports projects developing, testing and validating Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Data solutions in the framework of the AID4SME project.
The call focuses on combined AI and data solutions for large-scale resource optimisation and industrial efficiency improvement. Proposals must address one of the predefined challenges within four domains:
• Domain 1: Combined AI and Data solutions for Data Collection
• Domain 2: Combined AI and Data solutions for creation of Insights
• Domain 3: Combined AI and Data solutions for Decision Support
• Domain 4: Combined AI and Data solutions for Automation
The 10 challenges of the call are:
• C1.1 Augmented sensing solution
Development of AI-enhanced sensing solutions improving industrial data collection, monitoring and contextual awareness.
• C2.1 Product-production Digital Twins
Creation of Digital Twin solutions connecting products and production systems for optimisation and predictive analytics.
• C2.2 Automated monitoring hygiene inspection for refurbishment
AI and computer vision solutions supporting automated hygiene inspection and quality monitoring processes during refurbishment activities.
• C2.3 Energy system Digital Twin decision support tool
Development of Digital Twin-based decision-support tools for energy system optimisation and operational planning.
• C3.2 Automated machine selection for parts production
AI-driven systems supporting intelligent machine selection and optimisation for industrial manufacturing processes.
• C3.3 Battery production digital work instructions & skill capturing
Solutions enabling digital work instructions, operator guidance and skill-capturing systems in battery production environments.
• C3.4 Automated warehouse and internal logistics management
AI and automation technologies supporting warehouse optimisation and internal logistics operations.
• C4.1 Smart energy management of unplanned machine downtime
Solutions optimising energy management and operational response during unexpected machine downtime events.
• C4.3 Semi-automated EV battery disassembly for recycling
Development of AI-supported semi-automated systems for electric vehicle battery disassembly and recycling operations.
• C4.4 Co-bot refrigerator door assembly solutions
Collaborative robotics solutions supporting refrigerator door assembly operations in industrial production environments.
Projects are expected to develop innovative solutions, integrate them into low-TRL and high-TRL playgrounds, test and validate the technologies, and demonstrate industrial applicability. Solutions should contribute to resource optimisation, automation, sustainability and industrial competitiveness.
The AID4SME Programme #2 is organised into four stages:
• Stage 1 – Plan
• Stage 2 – Development
• Stage 3 – Testing & Validation
• Stage 4 – Solution Assessment & Business Plan
Selected projects will receive:
• Technical support and mentoring
• Access to low-TRL and high-TRL playgrounds
• Support for integration, testing and validation
• Business mentoring and exploitation support
• Access to industrial and DIH networks
Eligible applicants
Eligible applicants are legal entities established in EU Member States or Horizon Europe Associated Countries (described in General Annex A, General Annex B, General Annex C).
Eligible applicants are:
• Start-ups
• Micro enterprises
• Small enterprises
• Medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) working on related technologies
Applications may be submitted:
• By a single SME/start-up
• By a consortium of up to 2 eligible applicants led by an SME or start-up
Additional organisations may participate without requesting funding, including:
• Industry organisations providing use cases and testing playgrounds
• Integrators and engineering service providers
• Research institutions and public research centres
• Non-profit organisations and foundations
Eligible costs
Eligible cost categories include:
• Personnel costs related to development and management activities
• Purchase costs necessary for project implementation, including hardware
• Travel and subsistence costs for meetings and events
• Equipment depreciation costs
• Other direct costs
• Indirect costs calculated as 25% of personnel and purchase costs
Subcontracting is not eligible under this call.
Funding conditions
Type of action:
Cascade Funding
Funding rate:
Up to 70%
EU contribution per project:
Up to €200,000
Project duration:
14 Months
Technology Readiness Level (TRL):
Projects will develop and validate solutions through low-TRL and high-TRL playgrounds. Specific TRL levels are challenge-dependent.
*Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) describe the maturity of a technology, from basic research (TRL 1) to fully deployed, market-ready solutions (TRL 9).
Deadline for submission
15 July 2026