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

March 17, 2026 | October 13, 2026

€4,000,000–€6,000,000 per project; total call budget €30,000,000; project duration typically 36–48 months

Funds research and innovation projects developing explainable AI solutions to optimize manufacturing processes, enhancing efficiency, competitiveness, and sustainability in European factories.

--- ## Description This grant, under the Horizon Europe framework, supports research and innovation actions (RIAs) focused on developing cutting-edge AI-based solutions for advanced manufacturing and production processes in factories. The aim is to increase competitiveness, productivity, and sustainability by leveraging technologies such as deep learning, large language models, digital twins, synthetic data, and data-driven models. Projects should deliver explainable AI tools capable of real-time monitoring, adaptive optimization, proactive defect prevention, and maximizing the use of regenerated materials. Proposals are encouraged to address both operational excellence and environmental objectives, including emission reduction and improved circularity. Collaboration with AI Factories, Data Labs, and European Digital Innovation Hubs is recommended, and results may be validated in Testing and Experiment Facilities. --- ## Due Dates - March 17, 2026: Submission deadline (17:00 Brussels time) - October 13, 2026: Submission deadline (17:00 Brussels time) --- ## Funding Amount - Indicative project funding: €4,000,000–€6,000,000 per grant - Total call budget: €30,000,000 - Expected number of grants: approximately 5 - Funding is provided as a lump sum under the Horizon Europe model - Typical project duration: 36–48 months --- ## Eligibility - Open to legal entities from EU Member States and Horizon Europe Associated Countries (see [Annex B](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/wp-call/2026-2027/wp-15-general-annexes_horizon-2026-2027_en.pdf) for details) - Proposals must be submitted by a consortium (usually at least three entities from three different eligible countries) - Some non-EU/non-associated countries may participate under specific provisions; consult 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 include a business case and exploitation strategy - Blind evaluation for the first-stage proposals (no identifying organisation or personnel details in the abstract and Part B) - For balanced portfolio, at least one project focusing on complex functional and technical textiles may be selected if it meets all thresholds --- ## Application Process - Two-stage submission: prepare and submit a proposal via the [EU Funding & Tenders Portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-CL4-2026-02-DIGITAL-EMERGING-51-two-stage?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=10&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate) - Stage 1: Submit a short, blind proposal (see [Stage 1 template](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/temp-form/af/af_he-ria-ia-stage-1-blind_en.pdf)) - Stage 2: If selected, submit a full proposal (see [Stage 2 template](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/temp-form/af/af_he-ria-ia_en.pdf)) - Evaluation based on excellence, impact, and quality/efficiency of implementation (see [Evaluation Criteria](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/wp-call/2026-2027/wp-15-general-annexes_horizon-2026-2027_en.pdf)) - For guidance, consult the [Online Manual](https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/funding-tenders-opportunities/display/OM/Online+Manual) --- ## Additional Information - Projects are encouraged to collaborate with relevant European initiatives such as AI Factories, Data Labs, and Digital Innovation Hubs. - Results may be validated in Testing and Experiment Facilities (TEFs). - Intellectual property and data-sharing considerations must be addressed in the proposal. - The granting authority may object to result transfer or exclusive licensing up to 4 years post-project. --- ## External Links - [Call Details and Application Portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-CL4-2026-02-DIGITAL-EMERGING-51-two-stage?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=10&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) - [General Annexes and Eligibility Rules](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/wp-call/2026-2027/wp-15-general-annexes_horizon-2026-2027_en.pdf) - [Online Manual for Applicants](https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/funding-tenders-opportunities/display/OM/Online+Manual) - [National Contact Points for Support](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/ncp) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Details | |--------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | General Enquiries | [European Commission Contact Page](https://commission.europa.eu/about-european-commission/contact_en) | | Phone | +32 2 299 11 11 | | 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 (Portal) | [Portal IT Helpdesk](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/helpdesks/contact-form) |

AI improved advanced manufacturing and production processes in factories (RIA) (Made in Europe and AI, Data and Robotics partnerships) - European Commission

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