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

November 4, 2025

Up to €60,000 per beneficiary for a 9-month project; up to 11 projects funded.

Supports tech providers developing innovative solutions for rural socio-economic and environmental challenges in Europe through a structured 9-month support programme.

Applicants must address one of 11 predefined challenges in six SMART ERA pilot regions.

--- ## Description The SMART ERA 1st Open Call for Pilots Add-ons, funded by the European Commission, aims to accelerate the transformation of rural areas in Europe by supporting the development and implementation of advanced technological solutions to tackle socio-economic and environmental challenges. Up to 11 technology or solution providers will be selected to address specific innovation challenges identified in six pilot regions. Selected beneficiaries will participate in a nine-month support and mentoring programme, working closely with SMART ERA technical partners to deliver impactful solutions that foster sustainable development, growth, and community resilience across technology, governance, business, society, and policymaking domains. --- ## Due Dates - November 4, 2025: Full application submission deadline (by 15:00 Brussels time/CET) --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum funding per beneficiary: **€60,000** - **Stage 1 (On-boarding, up to 2 months):** up to €10,000 upon delivery of an Individual Mentoring Plan and Design Report - **Stage 2 (Deployment, up to 7 months):** up to €50,000 upon completion of technical solution - **Number of projects funded:** Up to 11 - **Project duration:** 9 months --- ## Eligibility - **Applicant type:** Individual legal entities (not consortia) - **Geographic eligibility:** Registered in an EU Member State or a Horizon Europe Associated Country - **Role:** Applicants must act as Technology/Solution Providers - **Requirement:** Proposals must address one of the 11 predefined Rural Innovation Challenges in one of the six SMART ERA pilot regions --- ## Application Process - **Submission:** Applications must be submitted via the [official online application form](https://opportunities.getonepass.eu/applications/684955bc7bcf249528f9bfb6/start) - **Guidance:** Refer to the [Guide for Applicants](https://s3.amazonaws.com/fundingbox-sites/gear%2F1754402703121-SMART+ERA+Guide+for+Applicants+DEF.pdf) for full details - **Evaluation process:** Five-step process including eligibility check, alignment with project objectives, expert evaluation, and final selection by a committee after Pitching Days - **Milestones:** Deliverables include an Individual Mentoring Plan, Design Report, and a completed technical solution --- ## Additional Information - **Challenges:** Solutions must address one of the following 11 challenges, including but not limited to: - Agrifood production traceability - Pasture ecosystem monitoring - AI-driven tourism and micro-farming management tools - Community service and mobility platforms - AI tools for entrepreneurs, GPs, and tourism planning - **Support:** 9-month tailored mentoring and support programme provided by SMART ERA Technical Partners - **Regions:** Six pilot regions across Europe (Slovenia, Bulgaria, Italy, Spain, Finland, Bosnia and Herzegovina); more details on [pilot regions](https://smartera-project.eu/pilot-regions/) --- ## External Links - [Official EU Funding & Tenders Portal Opportunity Page](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/competitive-calls-cs/11281?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=2&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate) - [SMART ERA Project Website](https://smartera-project.eu/) - [Guide for Applicants (PDF)](https://s3.amazonaws.com/fundingbox-sites/gear%2F1754402703121-SMART+ERA+Guide+for+Applicants+DEF.pdf) - [Application Form](https://opportunities.getonepass.eu/applications/684955bc7bcf249528f9bfb6/start) - [FAQ (PDF)](https://s3.amazonaws.com/fundingbox-sites/gear%2F1760616583999-SMART+ERA+FAQ+16.10+%281%29.pdf) - [Pilot Regions Overview](https://smartera-project.eu/pilot-regions/) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Details | |----------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------| | General Inquiries/Helpdesk | [SMARTERA.HELP@fundingbox.com](mailto:SMARTERA.HELP@fundingbox.com) | | Funder (European Commission) | [Contact Page](https://commission.europa.eu/about-european-commission/contact_en) | | Phone (European Commission) | +32 2 299 11 11 |

SMART ERA 1st Open Call for Pilots Add-ons

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