AI improved advanced manufacturing and production processes in factories (RIA) (Made in Europe and AI, Data and Robotics partnerships)
Funding of innovative AI-based methods for optimizing production processes in European factories. Submission deadlines: 17/03/2026 and 13/10/2026.
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Grant criteria
Funding objective
Supports the development and application of explainable AI models to improve the efficiency, sustainability, and quality of production processes in industrial companies.
Eligible expenses
- Personnel expenses
- Material costs
- Travel expenses
- Equipment and machinery costs
- Subcontractor services
Non-eligible expenses
- Acquisition of real estate
- Retroactive costs
- Debt settlement
Eligible to apply
- Companies
- Founders
- Educational Institutions
- Non-profit Organizations
- Public Institutions
Funding requirements
- Legal entity in an EU member state or associated country
- Partnerships with at least three independent organizations from at least two countries
- Focus on AI solutions in production
Documents required for application
- Standard application form Stage 1
- Standard application form Stage 2
- Financial plan
- Partnership agreements
- Ethics application
Evaluation criteria
- Degree of innovation of the AI solutions
- Impact potential in industry
- Economic efficiency and scalability
- Sustainability aspects
Description
The “AI improved advanced manufacturing and production processes in factories” (RIA) is an EU-funded research and innovation action within the “Made in Europe and AI, Data and Robotics” partnerships. It targets companies, start-ups, educational institutions, non-profit organizations, and public entities in EU member states and associated countries. The objective is the development and testing of explainable AI models to enhance the efficiency, sustainability, and quality of production processes in industrial enterprises. Funding requires the formation of consortia with at least three independent legal entities from at least two countries, jointly implementing innovative AI solutions in production. The project duration is up to 36 months, the funding rate is 100%, and project caps range from €4 million to €6 million. Submissions are possible until 17 March 2026 (1st phase) and 13 October 2026 (2nd phase).
Eligible costs include personnel expenses, material and travel costs, equipment and machinery investments, as well as subcontracting services. Ineligible costs are real estate acquisitions, retroactive costs, and debt settlements. Evaluation criteria include the degree of innovation of the AI solutions, their impact potential, economic viability, scalability, and sustainability aspects. Participating industrial companies, especially manufacturing firms, are encouraged to collaborate closely with European Digital Innovation Hubs to realize validation, test runs, and market introduction of AI-supported processes. Required application documents include the standard application form (Stage 1 and 2), a financial plan, partnership agreements, and an ethics application. Interested consortia benefit from 100% grant funding and contribute to preparing Europe’s industrial manufacturing for the future through explainable AI models.