Call details:

JARVIS Open Call #2 - External Pilots Track (Horizon Europe programme, Cascade Funding)

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Official call identifier: JARVIS

Objective of the call

The objective of the JARVIS Open Call 2 is to support third parties in the development and validation of innovative solutions that integrate JARVIS technologies in new operational contexts.

The call aims to demonstrate the applicability of JARVIS modules in new industrial or operational environments, stimulate the engagement of industry players in testing Human–Robot Interaction (HRI) solutions, and expand the validation of these technologies in real operational environments.

Scope of activities 

The JARVIS Open Call 2 External Pilots track supports the development and validation of innovative Human–Robot Interaction (HRI) solutions integrating JARVIS modules within external operational environments.

Projects must focus on integrating one JARVIS module into the applicant’s system to enhance capabilities such as interaction, perception, orchestration, or adaptive behaviour. The applicant solution constitutes the core system, while JARVIS modules act as complementary components.

Funded projects must:

• Develop and deploy a pilot solution integrating one JARVIS module
• Validate the solution in an operational environment at the premises of the use case provider
• Reach TRL7 by the end of the programme
• Ensure active involvement of end users in testing and validation
• Perform technical and user-centric evaluation of the solution
• Demonstrate scalability and sustainability potential

Projects are structured into three implementation phases (Sprints):

• Requirements Sprint – definition of system architecture, integration approach, and validation strategy
• Development & Deployment Sprint – implementation and integration of the solution
• Integration & Validation Sprint – deployment and validation in an operational environment

Projects must address one of the predefined challenges:

• Challenge #1: “Worker-Centric Collaborative Robotics Applications for Physically Demanding Tasks in Manufacturing Environments”
This challenge focuses on improving working conditions in manufacturing by deploying collaborative robotic solutions that support human workers in physically demanding tasks. Solutions are expected to enhance ergonomics, reduce physical strain, and increase productivity while ensuring safe and intuitive interaction between humans and robots.

• Challenge #2: “Adaptive Human–Robot Interaction in Complex Manufacturing Processes”
This challenge targets advanced manufacturing environments where processes are dynamic and require flexible interaction between humans and robotic systems. Solutions should enable adaptive behaviour, context awareness and real-time interaction adjustments to support efficient collaboration in complex production workflows.

• Challenge #3: “Remote Human-Robot Interaction for Inspection and Maintenance of Plants, Infrastructure Areas and Linear Infrastructure”
This challenge addresses scenarios where human presence is limited or risky. Solutions should enable remote interaction with robotic systems for inspection and maintenance tasks in environments such as industrial plants, energy infrastructure or transport networks, improving safety and operational efficiency.

• Challenge #4: “Inspection and Maintenance of Industrial and Public Sector Assets and Equipment”
This challenge focuses on the use of robotic systems to perform inspection and maintenance of assets in both industrial and public sector contexts. Solutions should improve reliability, reduce downtime, and support predictive maintenance through enhanced interaction, sensing and data processing capabilities.

• Challenge #5: “Human–Robot Interaction in Emerging and Strategic Domains”
This open challenge allows applicants to propose innovative HRI solutions in emerging or strategic domains beyond the predefined areas. Proposals should demonstrate strong relevance to human–robot interaction and clear potential for real-world application and scalability.

Eligible applicants 

The consortium must include:

• Lead partner: Technology Developer (mandatory) – startup or SME
• Use Case Provider (mandatory) – industrial company or infrastructure owner providing the operational environment
• Optional third partner: Technology Integrator (SME, startup, or Research and Technology Organisation)

Applicants must:

• Be legally established in EU Member States, EFTA/EEA, or Associated Countries (described in General Annex A, General Annex B, General Annex C)
• Be SMEs or startups (established at least one year before application, where applicable)
• Hold a valid VAT number
• Not be part of the JARVIS consortium or in conflict of interes

Eligible costs 

Financial support is provided as a lump sum grant.

The grant covers:

• Work performed by employees
• Investment in software and hardware (depreciation value)
• Travel related to project activities
• Participation in events and dissemination activities

Funding conditions 

Type of action: 
Cascade Funding

Funding rate: 
100% of eligible costs

EU contribution per project: 
Up to 130.000 EUR

Number of funded projects: 
5 projects 

Project duration: 
10 months 

Technology Readiness Level (TRL): 
Projects are expected to reach TRL 7 by the end of the project 

*Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) describe the maturity of a technology, from basic research (TRL 1) to fully deployed, market-ready solutions (TRL 9). TRL 7 corresponds to pilot-scale validation and demonstration in relevant operational environments.

Deadline for submission

10 July 2026

Open
Company size: Technology developers (startup/SME), use case providers, RTOs
Issuer: European Research Executive Agency
Area: Robotics, AI, Industrial automation
Call type: Cascade Funding
Co-funding: Up to 100%
Date published: 1 April 2026
Deadline for submission: 10 July 2026