Funding for SMEs and start-ups: COROB offers up to €67,500 for innovative solutions in robotics and additive manufacturing

The COROB project is launching its second open call for funding SMEs and start-ups in the fields of industrial robotics, welding, and additive manufacturing, offering up to €67,500 per project.

This call is part of the COROB initiative, a European project developing flexible and intelligent multi-robot solutions for manufacturing processes using arc welding. Through this funding opportunity, the goal is to support technology providers in creating innovative solutions that enhance the efficiency and flexibility of industrial processes.

What types of projects are funded?

COROB is looking for technology providers capable of developing innovative solutions in cooperative multi-robot welding and Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) with industrial applications. The proposed solutions must integrate advanced inspection, monitoring, and control technologies to enhance the efficiency and flexibility of industrial processes.

Fields of Interest

  • The call is open to projects in the following fields:
    Industrial robotics
  • Additive manufacturing (WAAM – Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing)
  • AI-based automation
  • Industrial welding

Who can apply?

  • SMEs and start-ups registered in the European Union member states, Overseas Countries and Territories (OCT), and Horizon Europe-associated countries.
  • Projects must start at TRL 4-5 (Technology Readiness Level) and reach TRL 5-6 by the end of implementation.
  • NGOs are not eligible.
  • COROB consortium members and their affiliates cannot apply.

Call Challenges

Applications must address one of the following technological challenges:

  • CH 1: Integrated preheating systems in robots
  • CH 2: Real-time CAD verification and quality inspection in pre- and post-processing stages, with virtual validation

Funding and Conditions

  • Budget per project: €67,500 (fixed lump sum)
  • Total available budget: €135,000 (for a maximum of two projects)
  • Funding rate:

Start-ups: 100%

SMEs (non-start-ups): 70% (30% self-financing)

  • Staged payments:

Month 2: up to €14,175

Month 5: up to €33,075

Month 6+1: up to €10,125

– Final payment (September 2026 + 9 months): up to €10,125

Project Duration

6 months

Deadline for application submission

March 21, 2025

CitiCluster assists local and central public organizations in establishing public-private partnerships, provides consultancy for identifying non-reimbursable funding sources, and supports the development of applications and solutions in the smart city domain. For more details or assistance in the application process, we invite you to contact us.