Apply AI: Challenge-Driven AI Innovation Booster in Apply AI prioritised sectors (RIA) (Partnership in AI, Data and Robotics)

The EU-funded research and innovation program "Apply AI: Challenge-Driven AI Innovation Booster" supports far-reaching breakthroughs in the strategic application fields of health, Industry 4.0, and in-vehicle autonomous driving within the framework of the Partnership on AI, Data and Robotics. Small and medium-sized enterprises, start-ups, research institutions, and non-profit educational organizations are invited to submit joint project proposals in consortia with at least three independent partners from different EU Member States or associated countries. In a multi-stage challenge design, SMEs/teams compete as third parties for financial support: In Stage 2, up to ten winners of the open call phase are each funded with €300,000; in Stage 3, four finalists advance to the Grand Finale and receive up to €2,250,000 each for the final validation and scaling of their AI solutions. The total funding budget amounts to €14,000,000 with a funding rate of 100% for eligible costs (personnel, material costs, travel, subcontracting).

Visionary concepts and prototypes that meet criteria such as degree of innovation, market impact, and implementation quality are supported. In addition to technical and economic evaluation, a clear exploitation and dissemination plan is central to ensure the deployment of AI results in user industries. Application requirements include legal personality in an EU Member State or associated country, extensive experience in EU research programs, and consortium collaboration. The electronic call is open until 18 March 2027. Project proposals must include an application form Part A&B, a financing plan, research personnel profiles, and a detailed project description; further documents will follow during the evaluation process.