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

March 31, 2025 | June 30, 2025 | July 16, 2025

Up to €60,000 per project; total call budget €400,000; project duration 8–14 months.

Supports European SMEs and midcaps in scaling and testing AI solutions for sustainable, innovative manufacturing.

Proposals must demonstrate prior AI experience and a clear sustainability or resilience impact in manufacturing.

--- ## Description This funding opportunity supports European small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and midcaps to develop, scale, and test artificial intelligence (AI) solutions aimed at improving the sustainability, agility, and attractiveness of manufacturing processes. The program provides financial support and expert services throughout the project, from concept development to real-world validation. Projects must focus on innovations that reduce environmental impact, enhance resilience, or improve human-machine interaction in manufacturing settings. --- ## Due Dates - March 31, 2025: Cut-off date — proposal submission deadline (17:00 Brussels local time) - June 30, 2025: Cut-off date — proposal submission deadline (17:00 Brussels local time) - July 16, 2025: Full application submission deadline (17:00 Brussels time) --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum funding per project: **€60,000** (unless higher justified by project objectives) - Total available call budget: **€400,000** - Project duration: **8–14 months** - Funding covers personnel, consumables, travel, and minor subcontracting (max 15% of total costs; equipment depreciation not eligible) --- ## Eligibility - **Who can apply:** - European SMEs and midcaps with a validated PIC number - Must not be research/technology organizations or AIRISE consortium members - **Project requirements:** - Must demonstrate prior positive experience with AI and relevant IT/data infrastructure - The proposed experiment must address at least one of: - Sustainability (reduced waste/energy/carbon footprint) - Agility, security, and resilience of industrial processes - Attractiveness of manufacturing jobs via better interfaces/tools - Applicants must complete the [AIRISE AI-in-Manufacturing Assessment](https://assessment.airise.eu) as part of the submission - **Geographic scope:** - Applicants must be established in the EU or associated countries --- ## Application Process - **Submission:** Via the [AIRISE calls portal](https://www.airise.eu/calls) - **Language:** English (UK or US) - **Proposal structure:** - Max 11 pages (3 pages cover/administrative, 8 pages technical) - Must include experiment idea, objectives, challenges, impact, cost breakdown, and relevance to the European economy - **Evaluation:** - Proposals are checked for eligibility, then externally evaluated on impact, excellence, and implementation (threshold: 3/5 per criterion) - Final selection balances maturity, geographic/application coverage, and resource allocation - **Payment scheme:** - 30% after initialisation report - 40% after implementation report - 30% after validation report and final approval --- ## Additional Information - Only direct costs (personnel, consumables, travel) and up to 15% subcontracting are eligible; equipment depreciation is not funded. - Applicants must describe knowledge gaps and select relevant AIRISE services (max 5 person-months support). - Dissemination requirements include providing publishable stories, images, and event participation. - Intellectual property remains with the subgrantee, with access rights for the consortium for project objectives. --- ## External Links - [AIRISE Open Call 5 details and application](https://www.airise.eu/calls) - [EU Funding & Tenders Portal (official call page)](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/competitive-calls-cs/10944?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=8&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate) - [Guide for Applicants (PDF)](https://airise.eu/fileadmin/airise/calls/AIRISE_OC5P_GuideForApplicants_v0100.pdf) - [Proposal Template (DOCX)](https://airise.eu/fileadmin/airise/calls/AIRISE_OC5P_ProposalTemplate_v0100.docx) - [AIRISE AI-in-Manufacturing Assessment](https://assessment.airise.eu) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Details | |------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------| | General Questions | [call-for-proposals@airise.eu](mailto:call-for-proposals@airise.eu) | | European Commission | [Contact page](https://commission.europa.eu/about-european-commission/contact_en) | | Phone | +32 2 299 11 11 | ---

AIRISE Open Call 5

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