Open topic: Develop Earth Intelligence solutions using environmental observations and state-of-the-art AI for sustainable competitiveness and policy making

The EU-wide two-stage call “Development of Earth Intelligence Solutions with Environmental Data and AI” supports companies, educational, public, and non-profit institutions in researching and demonstrating AI-driven decision support systems. The goal is the seamless integration of Earth observation data (Copernicus, weather satellites, in-situ) as well as socio-economic information to provide evidence-based support to policymakers and organizations in strategies for sustainability, resilience, and climate protection. Selected consortia will receive funding of up to EUR 6 million, with a funding rate of 100% for personnel and material costs as well as subcontractor and travel expenses. Submission of short proposals (Stage 1) is possible until 15 April 2026, and full applications (Stage 2) until 30 September 2026. Evaluation criteria include the excellence of the methods, potential impact, and quality of project implementation regarding efficiency, resource planning, and risk management.

Funding is targeted at small and medium-sized enterprises, start-ups, research institutions, and public administrations that aim to develop and operationally deploy innovative AI applications for environmental and climate data. Consortia should be interdisciplinary, combining expertise in machine learning, data engineering, and environmental sciences, and demonstrate close user involvement (“co-design”) throughout the project. Evaluation is based on the criteria “Excellence,” “Impact,” and “Quality and efficiency of the implementation.” Awards may be granted to participants of all company sizes as well as associated partners from EU Member States and Horizon Europe associated countries. All consortium partners must be legally validated at the time of application submission and project start; exceptions apply for non-profit organizations regarding financial credit checks. This funding call specifically contributes to making Europe fit for data-driven environmental and climate policy in Earth Intelligence and sustainably strengthening green competitiveness.