This call is CLOSED
Attractive funding for your next product & service development
- Up to 200k € funding per project for SMEs and start-ups
- Focus on AI and Data driven solutions for:
- Data Collection
- Creation of insights
- Decision support
- Automation
- Comprehensive insights into industrial needs
Read the Guidelines for Applicants first.
Deadlines
15 May 2026
Opening
15 July 2026
Submission deadline (17:00 CEST)
What we offer
- Up to 12 projects tailored to real-world innovation challenges will be funded with a maximum of €200,000 each
- Selected applicants will have up to 14 months to deploy their innovative solutions
- Selected applicants will receive additional support for maximising impact and growth (training sessions, coaching, mentoring)
- Become part of the AID4SME Community of Practice and benefit from the opportunities and the wide network of professionals in the field
Benefits for SMEs/start-ups
- Funding for innovative companies to pilot their solutions
- Access to early customers
- Helping SMEs/start-ups overcome market entry barriers
- Domain knowledge and expert advice to scale up
Open Call Challenges
Combined AI and Data solutions for DATA COLLECTION
1.1 - Augmented sensing solution
The selected third party is expected to contribute to (one of) the following points (in applying to this challenge, please specify which point you would like to focus on):
- Collaboration with Arçelik to develop an augmented sensing solution for its refrigerator production facility. The solution will enable accurate monitoring of forces, stresses, or other relevant physical quantities during plastic mold changes in the refrigerator production line. It will provide real-time feedback and predictive insights to reduce manual intervention and iterative adjustments during mold changes, minimize polyurethane waste, and reduce facility downtime.
- Collaboration with KU Leuven to develop and test augmented sensing solutions, specifically for mecha(tro)nic system level dynamics, and model-based augmented sensing in electro-thermo-mechanical applications in the manufacturing industry. The focus will be on the technological development of the augmented sensing solution (e.g., targeting force, stress, and torque estimation), with the availability of several industrially relevant laboratory setups and measurement equipment.
Combined AI and Data solutions for creation of INSIGHTS
2.1 - Product-production Digital Twins
The selected third party is expected to contribute to (one of) the following points (in applying to this challenge, please specify which point you would like to focus on):
- Collaboration with Arçelik to develop a product-production digital twin solution to optimise material mixing ratios based on real-time measurement of visual and mechanical properties of the different plastic source materials (virgin and recycled plastic)
- Collaboration with Arçelik to combine augmented sensing (cf. challenge 1.1) with a product-production digital twin solution to optimise End-of-Life product refurbishment processes by assessing the health and predicting the remaining lifespan of components
- Collaboration with KU Leuven to link the manufacturing process to product quality in mecha(tro)nic applications. The focus will be on the technological development of a dedicated product-production simulation framework for injection moulding manufacturing processes, with the availability of a fully equipped injection moulding laboratory facility.
2.2 - Automated monitoring hygiene inspection for refurbishment
The selected third party is expected to contribute by providing:
Product-production digital twin solution to optimise material mixing ratios based on real-time measurement of visual and mechanical properties of the different plastic source materials.
2.3 - Energy system Digital Twin decision support tool
The selected third party is expected to contribute by providing:
Develop an optimization algorithm for optimal sizing of a microgrid components using a microgrid Digital Twin
Develop a microgrid grid energy control algorithms using predictions of energy needs and production
Implement and test the developed solutions in a digital environment with real world data and for different scenarios
Combined AI and Data solutions for DECISION SUPPORT
3.2 – Automated machine selection for parts production
The selected third party is expected to contribute by providing:
Develop a solution that uses historical demand patterns and future demands to build more robust, flexible, and data-driven planning strategies.
The tool developed through this challenge will analyze customer demand trends over time to uncover patterns and enable the grouping and classification of customers based on their demand characteristics.
3.3 - Battery production digitalwork instructions & skill capturing
3.4 - Automated warehouse and internal logistics management
Combined AI and Data solutions for AUTOMATION
4.1- Smart energy management of unplanned machine downtime
The selected third party is expected to contribute by providing:
Develop a smart energy management strategy and algorithm based on the energy consumption models of the machine modes
Develop a module for monitoring and management of high energy intensive machines
Demonstration of the prototype on the industrial setup
4.3 - Semi-automated EV battery disassembly for recycling: introducing digital work instructions
The selected third party is expected to contribute by providing:
Battery Assessment: Evaluation of battery performance, capacity, and overall condition.
Safety Measures for Battery Handling: Protocols and best practices to ensure safe handling, storage, and transportation of batteries.
Battery Defect Detection: Identification of manufacturing or operational defects in batteries using diagnostic tools and inspection methods.
Battery Health Monitoring: Assessment of battery state-of-health (SoH) using sensors and diagnostic data (e.g., temperature, voltage, internal resistance).
Battery Charging and Discharging Methods: Procedures and technologies for safe and efficient charging and discharging of batteries.
Decision-Making for Second Life, Reuse, or Recycling: Criteria and processes for determining whether a battery should be reused, repurposed for second-life applications, or sent for recycling.
4.4 - Co-bot refrigerator door assembly solutions
The selected third party is expected to contribute by providing:
Develop a co-bot-assisted gasket installation solution
Integrate AI-based perception and control systems to allow the co-bot to adapt to different gasket shapes and models.
Ensure compliance with safety and ergonomic standards, by reducing physical strain on human workers and improving workplace safety with co-bot working.
Demonstrate human-robot collaboration capabilities, where the co-bot supports rather than replaces the human operator, ensuring intuitive interaction and task sharing.
How to apply
Get informed
Read the Guidelines for Applicants
Register
Access F6S platform
Submit
Submit your application via F6S platform
Who can apply
- Single legal entities or consortia of up to two, though only SMEs and Start-ups are eligible for financial support.
- SMEs and Start-ups may apply alone or lead a consortium, with a limit of one application per entity.
- The following organisations may apply as a second partner (Industry and Integrators share the one-application limit, while Research/Non-profits are exempt):
- Industry organisations providing the SMEs / Start-ups use-cases and high-TRL playgrounds for solution testing and validation
- Integrators / engineering services providers that support the SMEs / Start-Ups in integration of the solutions
- Research institutions, research infrastructures, non-profit organisations and charitable (scientific) foundations and public research centers
Open Call Documentation Kit
- Annex 1 – Guidelines for applicants
- Annex 1.1 – Challenges Description
- Annex 2 – Proposal Template
- Annex 3 – Sub-grant Agreement Template
- Annex 4 – Declaration of Honour (Single Entity)
- Annex 5 – Declaration of Honour (Consortium)
- Annex 6 – SME Declaration Template
- Annex 7 – Application Form (Read Only)
NOTE: Please read carefully the Guidelines for Applicants.
Open Call Evaluation Criteria
Each criteria has a different weight, presented below:
Novelty/ Innovation (30%)
Impact (30%)
Project planning (20%)
Expertise (20%)
Timeline
Frequently Asked Questions
General programme overview
What is the AID4SME project?
AID4SME is a European project under the Horizon Europe Programme (HORIZON-CL4-2024-DIGITALEMERGING-01) – Grant Agreement no. 101189562. The 36-month project kicked off in December 2024 and counts 16 partners from multiple sectors and European countries. It aims to facilitate Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in developing combined Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data solutions for large-scale resource optimization challenges for industries that have significant impact on the objectives of the Green Deal.
What does the AID4SME Open Call #2 offer?
The Open Call is the competitive process by which eligible applicants apply to have access to the AID4SME programme. The programme will select up to 12 innovative applications, each addressing one of the challenges/topics, providing a maximum contribution of EUR 200,000.00. The indicative budget for AID4SME – Open Call #2 is EUR 2,350,000.00.
What is the deadline for submitting applications?
The deadline for the AID4SME Open Call #2 is Wednesday, 15 July 2026 at 17:00 Brussels time.
What is the estimated duration and timeline of the AID4SME Programme #2?
The program will have an indicative duration of 14 months, starting on 01 November 2026, divided into four stages:
- Stage 1 – Plan (M1): Beneficiaries fine-tune the action plan with mentors and playground owners.
- Stage 2 – Development (M2 to M8): Beneficiaries develop solutions and integrate them at playground sites.
- Stage 3 – Testing & Validation (M9 to M10): Solutions are tested, validated, and demonstrated.
- Stage 4 – Solution Assessment & Business Plan (M11 to M14): Beneficiaries assess the solution and develop an exploitation roadmap.
What other benefits are provided to selected entities?
Selected projects will receive the following support services from the consortium:
- Technical support and expertise in engineering integration, testing, and validation.
- Access to scientific partners’ low-TRL testing facilities.
- Technical/business support and access to large industrial partners’ high-TRL playgrounds.
- Business support, mentoring for business plans, and access to connected industry and DIH networks to increase market reach.
Are there any mandatory deliverables required during the program?
Yes, each proposal description must include three mandatory reports:
- Month 4: Intellectual Property Agreement established with playground owners.
- Month 10: Test & Validation Report.
- Month 14: Business plan and exploitation roadmap.
Eligibility & consortium rules
Who is eligible to apply for financial support?
Only Start-ups, and Micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) working on related technologies are eligible to receive financial support.
Is there any restriction on the consortium size?
Yes. Eligible applicants may apply as a single entity or within a consortium of up to 2 entities.
Can other types of organizations participate in a consortium?
Yes. Industry organizations, integrators/engineering services, research institutions, non-profits, and public research centers may participate as part of a consortium led by an SME/startup, but without requesting financial support.
Can entities from Switzerland apply?
No. Only Horizon Europe associated countries are eligible. At the time of signing the AID4SME Grant Agreement (November 2024), Switzerland had not yet signed an association agreement producing legal effects.
Can entities from the United Kingdom apply?
Yes. Entities from the United Kingdom meeting the criteria are eligible to submit applications under the reference guidelines (v3.1).
Are Canadian SMEs eligible to apply for funding, and what should be provided instead of an EU VAT number?
Yes. Under the Horizon Europe guidelines (v3.1), Canada is an associated country for Pillar II actions, making Canadian startups and SMEs fully eligible. While an EU VAT number is mandatory for EU-based entities, non-EU applicants from associated countries like Canada must provide their official national registration equivalent.
Are legal entities and SMEs based in Egypt eligible to apply?
No. Legal entities, including startups and SMEs established in Egypt, are not eligible as Egypt is not officially listed as an associated country under the reference guidelines (v3.1).
Can a Ukrainian individual entrepreneur/sole proprietor (FOP) apply as a Lead Beneficiary, and is a formal VAT payer status required?
Yes. Ukrainian individual entrepreneurs (FOPs) are eligible if officially registered and operating under national regulations. The “valid VAT” requirement applies strictly to EU entities; applicants based outside the EU do not need formal VAT payer status if it isn’t mandatory under local law, but must provide their equivalent national tax identification data instead.
Can a self-employed, single-person consultancy form a 2-member consortium with an SME where both receive funding?
Yes, provided both entities independently qualify under the official EU SME definition.
Can an SME in a consortium take on multiple roles, such as technology developer and integrator?
No. An entity can only be identified as either a technology provider or an integrator, possessing a single, clear role aligned with the submitted proposal.
Can an EU-based self-employed individual with a valid VAT number apply, and can the grant be transferred if they establish a startup later?
According to the European Commission’s official definition, a self-employed individual or natural person engaged in an economic activity is considered an eligible SME, provided you are legally registered as self-employed at the time of the submission deadline. Therefore, you are eligible to apply under your current self-employed status.
If your project receives a positive funding decision, it is possible to transfer the role of Lead Beneficiary, provided the new company also fully meets the official SME eligibility and legal registration criteria at the time of the transfer.
Budget, costs & financial models
What is the maximum contribution a project may request?
The maximum contribution is EUR 200,000.00 per project, which must represent 70% (funding rate) of the total project costs. This cap applies equally to single applicants and consortia.
Is the funding awarded considered State Aid or subject to de minimis limits?
No. The financial support awarded under this call is not considered State Aid. Consequently, these grants do not count toward your company’s de minimis caps and will not impact eligibility for future funding based on those limits.
What is the payment schedule for the lump-sum grants?
Payments are distributed across three periods tied to sprint completion:
- Period 1 (M1): 30% of the grant (10% covers M1 work; 90% is a pre-financing payment belonging to the consortium until final payment).
- Period 2 (M8): 40% of the grant.
- Period 3 (M14): 30% of the grant.
Which cost categories can be included in the application?
Eligible categories include personnel costs, purchase costs (travel and subsistence, equipment depreciation only, and other direct costs), and indirect costs (calculated as 25% of personnel and purchase costs).
Is subcontracting allowed?
No, subcontracting is strictly prohibited. Applicants must prove they have the internal staff and resources to complete the project in-house.
How should equipment costs be budgeted under the Lump Sum model?
For direct equipment purchases, you must include only the depreciation costs corresponding to the project implementation period, not the full purchase cost.
Applicants must apply their national accounting rules and their company’s standard internal cost accounting practices to determine the depreciation/amortization rate and method for these assets.
However, if your national regulations and your company policy allow lower-value assets to be expensed immediately rather than capitalised and depreciated over multiple years, you can budget their full purchase cost. This applies provided they are bought during the project period and used exclusively for the execution of the project tasks.
Are rental or leasing costs for hardware (like an AMR demonstrator) eligible for funding?
Yes. Alternative methods of utilizing assets, such as renting or leasing, are eligible provided they are explicitly listed under the “Equipment” category in your budget with a clear justification.
How are personnel costs handled for SME owners or managing directors who do not receive a traditional salary?
Because this program operates on a lump-sum model, individual salary stubs or owner-manager hourly calculations are not broken down in the application. In the proposal stage, you only need to indicate the total number of Person-Months (PMs), the overall budget allocated to personnel, and the corresponding PM rates.
How should the required 30% co-financing be demonstrated?
The proposed budget is assessed on a 70% + 30% basis. The remaining 30% is the applicant’s own contribution and can be covered through internal resources like personnel time and in-house effort, provided the budget remains consistent with the activities.
Are personnel costs for a managing director eligible under the Lump Sum scheme, and what supporting documentation is required?
Under the Lump Sum model used for this call, financial reporting does not require the submission of individual timesheets, payroll records, or employment contracts. Instead, funding is unlocked based on the successful achievement and approval of the agreed project milestones and deliverables.
However, at the application stage, all participants must clearly define and justify their budget structure in the proposal. This includes explicitly indicating the total amount allocated to personnel costs, the total number of Person-Months (PMs), and the corresponding PM rates. These figures will form the basis of the lump-sum evaluation.
Can AID4SME funding be combined with other national startup grants or funding programmes (e.g., EXIST)?
Yes, this is generally possible. You can combine AID4SME funding with other national programs like EXIST, provided there is strict compliance with the non-cumulative principle (absolutely no double funding for the exact same personnel, cost categories, or work packages).
Application submission & evaluation
Can an entity submit more than one proposal?
No. The open call accepts a maximum of 1 application per eligible entity, whether applying alone or in a consortium. (Exception: research institutions, non-profits, and public research centers may integrate into more than 1 proposal) . If an entity submits multiple applications, only the one submitted last will be evaluated.
I left a field (like the PIC number) empty by mistake. Can I edit or resubmit my application?
You can request an application resubmission by emailing support@f6s.com at least two business days before the deadline. Note that the PIC number is optional during the initial application phase.
Can we contact challenge owners or consortium parties directly to discuss technical details?
No. To ensure a fair, transparent, and equal evaluation, direct or private communication with challenge owners or consortium partners is strictly prohibited prior to the deadline. All queries must be sent to aid4sme_ocs_helpdesk@f6s.com.
Can the AID4SME team pre-assess our project concept or do an in-advance scope check?
No. The formal “In/Out of Scope” verification is exclusively performed after the submission deadline. Applicants must self-assess alignment using the official challenge documents.
How is the evaluation and selection process conducted?
The remote selection process consists of four phases:
- Eligibility check to verify administrative criteria.
- In/out challenge scope check to assess alignment with the selected challenge.
- External expert evaluation where each proposal is scored by two external evaluators.
- Online interview conducted with the top 3 proposals per challenge.
What scoring system and criteria are applied?
The evaluation uses a 0 to 5 scoring system (Fail to Excellent). The phases use different criteria weights:
- Expert Evaluation Phase: Novelty & Innovation (30%), Impact (30%), Implementation (20%), Team (20%).
- Online Interview Phase: Project Concept & Alignment (40%), Team (30%), Exploitation Plan & IPR (30%).
Technical scope & challenges
Which type of challenges have been launched within Open Call #2?
There are 10 predefined challenges split across 4 domains:
- Domain 1 (Data Collection): C1.1 Augmented sensing solution.
- Domain 2 (Insights): C2.1 Product-production Digital Twins; C2.2 Automated monitoring hygiene inspection for refurbishment; C2.3 Energy system Digital Twin decision support tool.
- Domain 3 (Decision Support): C3.2 Automated machine selection for parts production; C3.3 Battery production digital work instructions & skill capturing; C3.4 Automated warehouse and internal logistics management.
- Domain 4 (Automation): C4.1 Smart energy management of unplanned machine downtime; C4.3 Semi-automated EV battery disassembly for recycling; C4.4 Co-bot refrigerator door assembly solutions.
Can we propose a solution that fits one of the 4 domains but does not map exactly to one of the 10 challenges?
No. Each entity must submit a proposal that explicitly addresses one of the ten pre-defined challenges.
Can we contact a different sector or use an external dataset/validation environment?
While projects from other sectors or independent pilots are generally eligible, they cannot operate on isolated setups. The solution must be developed and validated directly within the designated project environments/playgrounds provided by the call (e.g., Arçelik, KU Leuven), and any external use cases/KPIs must be directly comparable to the challenge text.
Can "pure software/AI" companies apply if they don't have a hardware component?
Yes, provided the software-only solution completely satisfies the specific guidelines and addresses the expected outcomes of the chosen challenge.
For providers of enabling technologies, how should Green Deal KPIs be defined if impacts depend on downstream customer adoption?
You are not required to guarantee direct environmental savings within the project timeline. Your SMART KPIs should focus on the technical performance of your technology, but your proposal must explicitly explain how customers can leverage those capabilities to achieve Green Deal objectives.
In the proposal template, what is meant by the question: “What formal language/planning features does it support?”
This refers to the natural languages supported by the user interface (e.g., English, Spanish) and its administrative planning functionalities, not software coding languages.
What is the expected target TRL for proposals utilizing the low-TRL research lab playgrounds?
There is no mandatory minimum target TRL defined for the low-TRL scientific playgrounds (e.g., KU Leuven). However, applicants must demonstrate a clear and ambitious technological advancement from their current baseline.
Who covers the costs of materials needed for testing?
Beneficiaries must cover all costs necessary for the development and implementation of their own solution. Host labs or AID4SME partners will not subsidize these expenses.
If Challenge C2.1 already awarded proposals in Open Call #1, can it receive additional funding in Open Call #2?
Yes. Open Call #2 operates completely independently. Up to 12 new projects will be selected based purely on the highest final scores, meaning previously funded challenges face no restrictions in this round.
Does entering a solution at TRL 6–7 for a challenge that demonstrates at TRL 9 mean it will be rejected?
No. Lower TRL solutions (e.g., TRL 6–7) are fully eligible to apply, but the final project target must always be to advance the solution to TRL 9 by the end of the 14-month project timeline.
Challenge-specific clarifications
In the proposal template, what is meant by the question: “What formal language/planning features does it support?”
This question refers strictly to the natural languages supported by the user interface/solution (e.g., English, Spanish, Portuguese) and its administrative planning functionalities, rather than its technical programming language.
For Challenge C1.1 (Augmented Sensing), what forces, stresses, or mold components are involved, and what is the required metrology accuracy?
The molds involved are exclusively related to the refrigerator’s outer sheet metal panel. No physical forces, stresses, or torques are monitored; the scope is strictly focused on automated dimensional inspections with an expected measurement resolution at the millimeter level.
Regarding software compatibility, Arçelik uses standard FEA (Finite Element Analysis) programs for their product designs.
There is a discrepancy between the Challenge 1.1 webinar slides and the official document regarding the expected solution. Which one should we follow?
Both are valid: follow the precise official challenge document if applying for the Consortium track directly with Arçelik, or utilize the flexibility of the low-TRL playground track if proposing your own custom use case.
For Challenge C2.1, must a proposal address both the extrusion and refurbishment use cases?
No, applicants are not required to address both use cases and can choose to focus their proposal on only one of the two options.
Challenge 2.1 states that the solution will be demonstrated at TRL 9 at the Arçelik playground. Does this mean entering solutions at TRL 6–7 will be rejected?
No, entering solutions do not need to be at TRL 9 at the time of submission; lower TRL solutions (e.g., TRL 6–7) are fully eligible provided the project targets advancing to TRL 9 by the end of the 14-month timeline.
For Challenge C2.2 (Automated monitoring hygiene inspection), will LEITAT or Arçelik provide the HSI/IRT optical sensing hardware or lineside cameras, and can we use the laboratory systems?
LEITAT’s Hyperspectral Imaging (HSI) and Infrared Thermography (IRT) systems are strictly laboratory-bound and can only be operated within their own research facilities for low-TRL proof-of-concept work. They will not be transferred or made available for external use or industrial validation activities at Arçelik’s installations. However, LEITAT can perform the necessary measurements internally and provide the selected applicants with the data generated in its laboratories.
Furthermore, Arçelik will not provide any pre-installed detection systems, optical equipment, or related cameras (such as existing RGB or industrial cameras on the refurbishment line) for applicant reuse. Participating SMEs are expected to fully source, procure, and budget all sensing equipment, cameras, and hardware required to carry out both the development and the industrial validation phases.
Does Challenge 1.1 also include machine vision applications?
Applications utilizing machine vision are not restricted, but all submitted proposals remain subject to the independent post-deadline evaluation to assess their precise alignment with the challenge scope.
What are the technical, transparency, and hosting requirements for the microgrid playground under Challenge C2.3?
The core microgrid Digital Twin is provided by the challenge owners via a REST API, allowing model transparency and custom optimization integrations (like MILP), with flexible UI/UX options and the ability to host the developed tool on the SME’s own servers.
For Challenge C2.3, can an applicant apply solo, what is the exact definition of the "microgrid", and is incorporating both electrical and thermal domains mandatory?
Single applicants are permitted without needing external industrial partners and are fully eligible to validate their proposed solution using the predefined AID4SME simulation playground and available datasets. A commercial track record with TSOs/DSOs is not mandatory (technical/algorithmic expertise is sufficient).
In the context of this challenge, a microgrid means a locally installed set of energy components operating together in a coordinated way to achieve cost-efficient and flexible energy management. This includes distributed energy resources such as local PV generation, electrical storage, thermal storage, controllable conversion assets, heat and electricity demand, and a grid connection. The challenge provides real-life measurements and a Digital Twin of this microgrid setup to be used in the loop to demonstrate your control system.
Consequently, support for both electrical and thermal energy domains is expected. The specific request of the call is to cover sector coupling (both electricity and heat needs), including the interaction between electrical storage, thermal storage, renewable generation, demand, pricing signals, and ancillary-service provision. A solution focused exclusively on electrical assets would not fully address the challenge requirements.
Under Challenge 3.3, is the SME expected to provide new defect detection hardware (e.g., cameras, sensors), or only develop the software/Digital Work Instruction layer?
The SME is expected to provide both the hardware and software components required to acquire and process the data, though they are permitted to integrate and use their own hardware alongside the host lab’s on-site equipment.
For Challenge 3.3, what are the exact expectations regarding the Month 4 IP Agreement, early data access for AI training, and the detail required for environmental KPIs at the proposal stage?
The Month 4 IP agreement is a specific text defining usage rights and IPR terms with the playground owner; selected SMEs will receive representative data early for model training, and applicants must provide concrete, quantified target values for their KPIs at the proposal stage.
Under Challenge C3.4, are rental or leasing costs for the required AMR demonstrator eligible for funding, or is only equipment depreciation allowed?
Alternative methods of utilizing assets like renting or leasing are eligible if explicitly listed under the “Equipment” budget category with clear justification, whereas direct equipment purchases can only claim depreciation.
For Challenge 3.4, are we expected to provide the AMR, robot, forklift, or related hardware as part of our solution, and what is meant by "operator" in this context?
Applicants must provide the AMR, robot, forklift, or related hardware as part of their solution; the “operator” refers to the personnel who interact with, monitor, or supervise these logistics resources.
What characteristics define an industrial humanoid robot under Challenge 3.4?
Industrial humanoid robots are advanced, human-shaped machines specifically engineered for enterprise manufacturing, material handling, and warehousing.
For Challenge 4.1, are we expected to provide the air management system and hardware, or do these exist at the facility with us only providing the monitoring and optimisation layer?
In line with the open call specifications, applicants are required to provide the hardware, which in this specific case includes the Thermal Treatment Unit (TTU) and Air Management System (AMS).
Could you please clarify whether the existing TTU system and Air Management System for Challenge 4.1 already include digital controllers or interfaces?
To ensure a fair evaluation, no additional technical specifications beyond the published documentation can be shared during the application phase; if selected, you will have a one-month co-design phase to review on-site controllers and finalize integration interfaces.
What is the required scope of Challenge C4.3 regarding battery disassembly, and how should a use-case/validation partner providing free services be listed?
Proposals should focus on the specific sub-aspects they can realistically cover in alignment with the challenge KPIs; any free use-case or partner environment must be explicitly added to the application form, but no external evidence (like Letters of Intent) is required at submission.
For Challenge C4.3 (EV battery disassembly), what physical hardware is provided in the workcell, where is it located, and can we modify the setup with our own sensors?
The existing playground workcell is located on-site in Leuven, Belgium, where final testing and demonstrations will take place. The cell consists of:
- A welding table and a product clamping system.
- A power cobot (industrial robot with safe-touch safety features) and corresponding tooling.
- Two high-resolution beamer projectors.
- An Arkite operator guidance system and a limited selection of manual smart tooling (both ordered and arriving soon).
Any additional hardware or custom equipment beyond this baseline must be acquired by the participating SME. Applicants are permitted to modify or mount additional equipment (such as custom cameras, sensors, or thermal vision layers) onto the workcell setup. On-site supervision, assistance, and flexible lab access will be coordinated with the selected team for their validation sprints.
I am preparing a proposal for Challenge 4.4 (Cobot Refrigerator). Could you please clarify how I can access the CAD models and more specific technical details?
Detailed CAD models and specific engineering files are restricted and will only be made available to the selected winner after the sub-grant agreement is signed; the descriptions in the official challenge document are sufficient for your proposal.
For Challenge C4.4, what is the exact target TRL by the end of the project, and what are the rules regarding consortium composition and dual roles for SMEs?
Applicants must target a TRL 9 demonstration; a consortium can include two separate funded SMEs if both meet the EU definition, but a single SME cannot take on a dual role (e.g., provider and integrator) within the same proposal.
What are the hardware, safety, and deployment requirements for Challenge C4.4?
The applicant must provide all hardware (robot included, preferred brands KUKA/ABB or brands with local support in Türkiye) as a turnkey solution meeting a 20-second cycle time, handle all safety/compliance certifications, and build the vision-based gasket inspection layer for physical installation in Eskişehir, Türkiye.