[European Commission](https://commission.europa.eu/index_en)

September 23, 2025 (single-stage)

~€6,000,000 per project | Total budget: €30,000,000 | ~5 projects funded

Grant to develop open, adaptable AI foundation models for science in materials, climate, pollution, or agriculture, promoting interdisciplinary research and open access.

Proposals must address one domain only; open-source and open science principles are mandatory.

--- ## Description This call supports the development of AI foundation models specifically tailored for scientific research in one of four domains: materials science, climate change science, environmental pollution science (including PFAS), or agricultural science. The objective is to accelerate research and innovation by building adaptable, open-source AI models that can be fine-tuned for a range of scientific tasks within the chosen domain. Projects must foster interdisciplinary collaboration between AI and domain experts, ensure accessibility for the scientific community, and address transparency, data quality, and responsible use. Open science, FAIR data, and international cooperation are strongly encouraged. --- ## Due Dates - Opening date: May 22, 2025 - Submission deadline: September 23, 2025, 17:00 (Brussels time) - Single-stage application process --- ## Funding Amount - Indicative total budget: €30,000,000 - Expected contribution per project: around €6,000,000 (lump sum) - Approximate number of projects to be funded: 5 --- ## Eligibility - Open to legal entities (universities, research organizations, companies, etc.) from EU Member States and associated countries. Some non-EU/non-associated countries may participate under specific provisions—see the [Horizon Europe Programme Guide](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/guidance/programme-guide_horizon_en.pdf). - Proposals must address **one** of the following domains: materials science, climate change science, environmental pollution science (including PFAS), or agricultural science. - Consortia must demonstrate access to high-quality, multimodal data and involve both AI and domain scientists. - Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH) expertise should be included where legal and ethical issues (e.g., data privacy) are relevant. --- ## Application Process - Submission is via the [EU Funding & Tenders Portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-CL4-INDUSTRY-2025-01-DIGITAL-61?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=6&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate). - Single-stage application: submit a full proposal by the deadline. - Proposals must detail: - The foundation model’s scope and objectives within the selected domain - Interdisciplinary collaboration plan (AI + domain experts) - Data strategy (FAIR principles, curation, quality control) - Model architecture and transparency - At least four use cases and scientific challenges - Plans for open access to model, code, and (where possible) data - Risk assessment for potential misuse - Strategy for maintenance, evolution, and community engagement For detailed instructions, refer to the [Standard application form (HE RIA, IA)](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/temp-form/af/af_he-ria-ia_en.pdf) and the [Online Manual](https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/funding-tenders-opportunities/display/OM/Online+Manual). --- ## Additional Information - At least two projects will be funded in materials science, and at least one in each of the other three domains, provided quality thresholds are met. - Projects must release open models, source code, and, where possible, training datasets for community reuse. - Collaboration with existing European infrastructure projects and international partners is encouraged. - Gender dimension in research is not a mandatory requirement for this call. - Eligible costs are reimbursed as a lump sum. --- ## External Links - [Call Topic Page & Submission Portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-CL4-INDUSTRY-2025-01-DIGITAL-61?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=6&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate) - [Horizon Europe Programme Guide](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/guidance/programme-guide_horizon_en.pdf) - [HE Main Work Programme 2025 – Digital, Industry and Space](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/wp-call/2025/wp-7-digital-industry-and-space_horizon-2025_en.pdf) - [Annexes and Reference Documents](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/how-to-participate/reference-documents) - [Partner Search Tool](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/how-to-participate/partner-search?order=DESC&pageNumber=1&pageSize=50&sortBy=lastModified&isExactMatch=true&type=ORGANISATION,PERSON&frameworkProgramme=43108390) --- ## Contact Information | Resource | Link/Contact | |-------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | General EC Contact | [Contact the European Commission](https://commission.europa.eu/about-european-commission/contact_en) | | Research Enquiry Service| [Research Enquiry Service](https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/contact-us/research-enquiry-service_en) | | National Contact Points | [Find your NCP](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/ncp) | | IT Helpdesk | [IT Helpdesk Contact Form](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/helpdesks/contact-form) | ---

AI Foundation models in science (GenAI4EU) (RIA)

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