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

August 27, 2025 (Open) | November 4, 2025 (Deadline, 15:00 Brussels time)

Up to €60,000 per project | 9-month support programme | Up to 11 awards

Funds technology providers to develop innovative solutions for rural transformation in six European pilot regions.

Single-stage application; focus on challenges defined by SMART ERA for rural pilot regions.

--- ## Description The SMART ERA 1st Open Call for Pilots Add-ons is part of the EU-funded SMART ERA project, aiming to transform rural areas across Europe by addressing socio-economic and environmental challenges with advanced technology and innovative solutions. This call seeks Technology/Solution Providers to develop and implement new solutions tailored to specific challenges in six pilot regions, supporting smart, community-led transitions for sustainable rural development. Selected participants will receive funding and tailored mentoring to bring their ideas to fruition, with the goal of fostering technology, governance, business, and societal innovation in rural communities. --- ## Due Dates - Call opens: August 27, 2025 - Application deadline: November 4, 2025 (15:00 Brussels time) --- ## Funding Amount - Up to €60,000 per selected project - Stage 1: Up to €10,000 (On-boarding phase, 2 months) - Stage 2: Up to €50,000 (Deployment phase, 7 months) - 9-month support programme including mentoring by SMART ERA Technical Partners - Up to 11 individual entities will be selected --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must be individual entities acting as Technology/Solution Providers. - Solutions must address one of the challenges defined by the SMART ERA Consortium for the six pilot regions. - The call is open to legal entities able to implement technological innovations in rural contexts (refer to the [Guide for Applicants](https://smartera-project.eu/) or programme page for detailed eligibility). --- ## Application Process - Submission is via the [online application form](https://opportunities.getonepass.eu/applications/684955bc7bcf249528f9bfb6/start). - The evaluation process includes: - Eligibility check - Alignment with project objectives and scope - Pre-scoring (if necessary) - Expert review and scoring - Final selection by the Selection Committee following Pitching Days - Applicants are encouraged to consult the Guide for Applicants on the [SMART ERA project website](https://smartera-project.eu/) for detailed instructions. --- ## Additional Information - Each selected provider will participate in a 9-month support programme, including mentoring and two funding phases. - The call specifically targets solutions that can be demonstrated and deployed in one of the six SMART ERA pilot regions. - For questions, applicants can contact the helpdesk (see below). --- ## External Links - [Call details and application portal](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) - [Application form](https://opportunities.getonepass.eu/applications/684955bc7bcf249528f9bfb6/start) - [SMART ERA project website](https://smartera-project.eu/) - [European Commission funding and tenders portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/home) --- ## Contact Information | Contact Type | Details | |------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Helpdesk Email | [SMARTERA.HELP@fundingbox.com](mailto:SMARTERA.HELP@fundingbox.com) | | European Commission | [Contact page](https://commission.europa.eu/about-european-commission/contact_en) | | Phone | +32 2 299 11 11 |

SMART ERA 1st Open Call for Pilots Add-ons

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