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

November 20, 2025

Up to €100,000 per project; up to 24 projects funded; 7-month support programme

Supports SMEs and startups to develop and scale CloudEdgeIoT platform solutions via funding and a structured 7-month mentoring programme.

Only individual SMEs and startups in EU Member States or Horizon Europe Associated countries are eligible.

--- ## Description This grant opportunity aims to accelerate the adoption and upscaling of innovative Cloud-Edge-IoT (CEI) solutions across Europe. Through the O-CEI 1st Open Call for Upscaling Projects, selected SMEs and startups will receive both financial support and tailored mentoring to develop, test, and validate their edge solutions as part of large-scale, cross-domain pilots. The programme is designed to facilitate the integration of CEI utilities (apps and services) that address real-world challenges in sectors such as energy, automotive, logistics, telecommunications, urban environments, and agrifood. The initiative is part of the broader O-CEI project, which seeks to foster a sustainable, interoperable, and energy-flexible digital ecosystem in Europe. --- ## Due Dates - November 20, 2025: Full application / submission deadline (17:00 Brussels Time) --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum grant: €100,000 per selected project (lump sum, 100% funding rate) - Up to 24 projects will be funded in this call - Total available budget: €2,400,000 - Support includes participation in a 7-month structured programme with technical and business mentoring --- ## Eligibility - **Who can apply:** - Single entities that are SMEs (including startups) as defined by the European Commission (Recommendation 2003/361/EC) - Applicants must be legally established in an EU Member State (including Overseas Countries and Territories) or a Horizon Europe Associated Country - **Ineligible:** - Entities under EU restrictive measures - O-CEI consortium partners, affiliates, and their employees (conflict of interest) - Entities in bankruptcy, liquidation, financial distress, or excluded from EU funding - **Other requirements:** - Proposals must be submitted in English - Projects must address one of the challenges within the eight O-CEI pilots and demonstrate European dimension and impact --- ## Application Process - **Submission:** - Apply via the [O-CEI application portal](https://opportunities.getonepass.eu/applications/686b9c817bcf244135cad203/start) before the deadline - Proposals can be modified up until the deadline; multiple submissions are allowed (only the highest-ranked will be considered) - **Evaluation:** - Five-step process: initial check, in/out scope screening, external evaluation, consensus meeting, and formal check/agreement signature - Evaluation criteria: Excellence, Impact, Implementation (minimum score thresholds apply) - **Documents & Guidance:** - [Guide for Applicants (PDF)](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KtEGAo_JDbX8Ch-cc76TddgmodMpG1Lz/view?usp=drive_link) - [Technical Guidelines](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1G5GDLw4YNNoMsEje-QRmP3Rgr1oNFhP9/view?usp=drive_link) - [Pilot Descriptions](https://o-cei.eu/open-calls/) (links to each pilot's details) --- ## Additional Information - Payments are made in tranches based on milestone achievement during the 7-month support programme. - The support programme includes three stages: Individual Mentoring Plan & Inception, Development of CEI utilities, and Release & Testing. - Projects must align with EU goals, demonstrate scalability, and contribute to environmental and social impact. - Intellectual property remains with the applicant; compliance with EU and Horizon Europe rules is required. --- ## External Links - [O-CEI Open Call Information & Application Portal](https://opportunities.getonepass.eu/applications/686b9c817bcf244135cad203/start) - [O-CEI Project Website](https://o-cei.eu/) - [EU Funding & Tenders Portal - O-CEI Open Call](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/competitive-calls-cs/11405?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=2&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate) - [Guide for Applicants (PDF)](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KtEGAo_JDbX8Ch-cc76TddgmodMpG1Lz/view?usp=drive_link) - [Technical Guidelines (PDF)](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1G5GDLw4YNNoMsEje-QRmP3Rgr1oNFhP9/view?usp=drive_link) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact | |---------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------| | General & application queries | [support@o-cei.eu](mailto:support@o-cei.eu) | | Funder (European Commission) | [Contact page](https://commission.europa.eu/about-european-commission/contact_en) | | Phone (European Commission) | +32 2 299 11 11 |

O-CEI 1st OPEN CALL FOR UPSCALING PROJECTS

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