AIRISE launches Open Call 5 Pilots, a new funding opportunity for SMEs and midcaps across Europe looking to scale artificial intelligence (AI) applications in the manufacturing industry. The program aims to support projects that contribute to sustainability, resilience, and efficiency while reducing energy consumption and waste.
What does AIRISE offer?
AIRISE supports AI integration in the manufacturing sector, providing assistance from the ideation phase to real-world testing. The program is designed for SMEs and midcaps with prior AI experience that seek to further develop their existing solutions.
Who can apply?
- European SMEs and midcaps with a valid PIC code
- Projects implementing AI solutions in the European industrial sector
- Individual proposals or consortium applications
Eligible project types
AIRISE funds industrial pilot applications that use AI to:
- Enhance sustainability: reduce energy consumption, carbon footprint, and waste
- Improve resilience: increase agility and security in manufacturing processes
- Create a more attractive work environment: improve human-machine interaction for better working conditions
Budget and funding conditions
- Funding rate: 70% of eligible costs (direct costs + 25% indirect costs)
- Maximum funding: €60,000 per applicant
- Staggered payments:
- 30% upon approval of the Initialization Report
- 40% after approval of the Implementation Report
- 30% upon project completion and validation
Project duration
Projects are expected to last between 8 and 14 months, progressing through three stages: Initialization, Implementation, and Validation.
Submission deadlines
- March 31, 2025, at 17:00 CET
- June 30, 2025, at 17:00 CET
CITI Cluster 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.
