The objective for the first open call of AI REGIO project is to select up to 8 SME-driven experiments to complement AI REGIO in the extension of the current portfolio of “AI for Manufacturing” solutions; and benefiting directly SMEs in underrepresented regions, with the perspective to join VANGUARD Initiative. Selected consortia will benefit from financial support of up to EUR 100.000.

Experiments are expected to cover two technological topics:

1. Industry 5.0 and Collaborative Intelligence AI-driven solutions.

• Candidates applying under this topic have to experiment with “test before invest” and “skills development” services in realistic DIH-driven testing and experimentation facilities.
• The envisaged end-to-end solution shall encompass modelling, simulation, deployment, training, testing and experimentation phase.

2. Manufacturing Data Spaces and Data4AI pipelines

• The main goal is to build embryonic Data Spaces for Manufacturing, while showing the benefits of enhancing the value of the manufacturing data, before they are used in advanced AI applications.
• Proposals have to provide end-to-end business scenarios, reflecting real industry challenges and defining and measuring realistic data-driven business KPIs.

Who can apply?

The AI-REGIO open call is addressed to digital and / or manufacturing SMEs, associated in mini-consortia with Digital Innovation Hub (DIHs). The consortia have to be eligible for Horizon 2020.

The consortia can include:

• 1 manufacturing SME, as the leader of the consortium;
• 1 DIH, as reported in the DIH catalogue;
• ICT solution provider or technological RTO (optional), which can be either an SME or a large enterprise, or a technological RTO.