Empowering SMEs and Start-ups to drive the green and digital industrial transition with AI and data innovation. 13 projects will be selected with a maximum of 150,000 per project. Apply now!
About About AID4SME Open Call
AID4SME is a 36-month project funded under the Horizon Europe Programme, which started in December 2024. It brings together a consortium of 16 partners from diverse sectors and countries across Europe, sharing the ambition to empower SMEs and start-ups to develop and bring to market combined artificial intelligence (AI) and data-driven solutions that address large-scale industrial resource optimisation challenges. These challenges are closely aligned with the objectives of the European Green Deal, aiming to enhance sustainability, reduce environmental impact, and boost the competitiveness of European industry.
To this end, AID4SME will support at least 20 SMEs and start-ups through two competitive open calls, offering financial support via cascade funding (FSTP) and access to a Community of Practice (CoP). The CoP serves as a one-stop hub for experimentation, learning, and solution development, underpinned by an advanced technological infrastructure that includes 9 AI and data technology blocks, as well as low-TRL playgrounds provided by 4 leading scientific partners.
The project’s open calls will competitively select and fund the most promising solutions addressing real-world industrial needs with high environmental and societal impact. The first open call will fund up to 13 projects, each with a maximum grant of €150,000 and a duration of up to 14 months. Selected solutions are expected to deliver measurable benefits across three core dimensions: reducing energy use and environmental damage in industrial processes; generating positive social outcomes such as job creation, inclusive growth, and skills development; and improving resource efficiency through optimised supply chains and reduced waste.
More information can be found in their guidelines for applicants.
Why Apply to AID4SME Open Call?
- Up to 13 innovative projects will receive funding, with a maximum of €150,000 per project (funding rate is 70% of the costs)
- Selected participants will have up to 14 months to pilot and implement their solutions
- Beneficiaries will access tailored support services, including training sessions, coaching, and mentoring, to maximise impact and growth
- Participants will join the AID4SME Community of Practice, gaining visibility and connections within a large network of professionals in the field
- The programme supports SMEs and startups in overcoming market entry barriers and gaining early traction with first customers
Beneficiaries will receive expert advice and domain-specific knowledge to support scalability and business development
Who Can Apply?
The AID4SME Open Call is open to a range of organisations involved in AI and data-driven innovation. However, only SMEs and start-ups are eligible to receive financial support as third parties. These entities must act as the lead partner, whether applying individually or as part of a consortium.
Eligible applicants include:
- Micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and start-ups working on AI, data, or related technologies. These entities may apply as single applicants or lead a consortium of two partners.
Consortia may include a second partner from the following categories:
- Industry organisations that provide real-world use cases and high-TRL playgrounds for solution testing and validation.
- Integrators or engineering service providers that support the integration of the SME/start-up solution into industrial environments.
- Research institutions, public research centres, research infrastructures, non-profit organisations, or charitable (scientific) foundations that offer technical support, expertise, or facilities.
All selected entities must be registered and possess a valid VAT number at the time of the contracting phase.
Eligible applicants must be established
AID4SME’s challenges
The AID4SME Open Call targets innovation challenges that aim to accelerate the European transition towards a more sustainable and digital economy. These challenges focus on addressing climate change by enhancing resource efficiency and promoting social cohesion. Through this call, European organisations will have the opportunity to propose and implement cutting-edge solutions that respond to pressing industrial needs while contributing to Green Deal objectives.
A total of 13 challenges have been identified and are grouped into four thematic domains, as outlined in Table 1.
More information on each challenge can be found here.
How to Apply?
Applications for the AID4SME Open Call 1 must be submitted exclusively via the F6S platform, through the following link. All relevant support materials and templates are available on the project website.
The application package includes:
- Annex 1 – Guide for Applicants: Provides comprehensive information on the open call rules, application modalities, evaluation process, funding scheme, and submission guidelines.
- Annex 2 – Technical Proposal Template: A mandatory document to be completed and uploaded as part of the application (max. 11 pages covering the novelty/innovation of the proposed solution, its impacts, the project planning and the team)
- Annex 3 – Online Application Form (for consultation): A preview of the form that must be completed and submitted on the F6S platform.
Applicants must ensure that all required documents are prepared and submitted through F6S before the deadline.
Important Dates
- Submission Deadline: 11/09/2025 – 17:00 (CEST)
- Proposal evaluation: September- October 2025
- Information on evaluation of results: Late October 2025
- Sub-grant agreement signature: November 2025
- Project execution timeframe: December 2025- January 2027
Evaluation & Selection Process
Proposals submitted to AID4SME Open Call 1 will first undergo an eligibility check to ensure they meet the formal requirements. This includes applicant type and country eligibility, submission via the F6S platform by the deadline, completeness of the application, relevance to one of the defined challenges, and compliance with language and documentation requirements.
Eligible proposals will then be evaluated by two independent external experts, based on four main criteria:
- Novelty, innovation, and quality of the proposed solution (30% weight; min. score 3/5)
- Impact on green alignment, social/environmental sustainability, and competitiveness (30%; min. 3/5)
- Project planning and value for money (20%; min. 3/5)
- Expertise and excellence of the team (20%; min. 3/5)
Each criterion is scored from 1 to 5, with no half-points. Any proposal scoring below 3 in any criterion will be disqualified. The final score is the average of the evaluators’ scores.
The Evaluation Panel, composed of consortium technical partners (CoPs), will validate the external evaluations and agree on a final ranking per challenge.
The final selection will be made within the limits of the available budget. Remaining funds from Open Call 1 may be used to support additional high-ranked proposals or carried over to Open Call 2.
Programme Implementation and Support
The AID4SME Programme spans 14 months, during which selected SMEs and start-ups will implement, test, and demonstrate their AI and data-driven solutions for large-scale industrial resource optimisation challenges.
The programme is structured into four stages:
- Plan: Development of a detailed work plan, including milestones, implementation strategy, and expected outcomes.
- Development: Technical implementation and integration of the proposed solution.
- Testing & Validation: Demonstration and validation of the solution in relevant environments.
- Solution Assessment & Business Development: Evaluation of the solution’s impact and preparation of a business plan and exploitation roadmap.
The funding will be disbursed throughout the 4 stages as follows:
Final Thoughts on the AID4SME Open Call
The AID4SME Open Call offers a unique opportunity for SMEs and start-ups to access targeted funding and expert support to bring forward AI and data-driven solutions addressing real-world industrial challenges. With up to €150,000 in funding per project, and a structured 14-month programme, companies are empowered not only to develop and test their innovations but also to demonstrate their value in high-impact sectors.
AID4SME is not just a funding opportunity, it is a strategic growth pathway for innovative companies looking to scale impactful technologies, validate them in real industrial settings, and enter the market with solid technical, business, and networking foundations.
More Information
For more information:
- Project website
- Open Call details
- Support email: aid4sme.opencall@f6s.com
- F6S support team email: support@f6s.com
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