Thematic Networks of Excellence for AI in Science – Agriculture and Environmental Pollution (RAISE pilot)
EU-wide Horizon Europe funding for the establishment of a network of excellent research laboratories for AI in agricultural sciences and environmental pollution. Applications possible until 21.04.2026, 5:00 PM.
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Grant criteria
Funding objective
Establishment of a consortium of leading European research laboratories for the collaborative application of AI in agricultural sciences and environmental pollution, piloting the RAISE pilot as a virtual institution, and development of a strategic research agenda.
Eligible expenses
- Personnel costs
- Direct research expenses
- Subcontractor costs
- Costs for financial support of third parties
Eligible to apply
- Educational Institutions
- Non-profit Organizations
- Companies
- Foundations
- Public Institutions
Funding requirements
- Submission as a consortium with at least three independent legal entities from different EU or associated countries
- At least half of the consortium members with a proven track record in innovative AI development
- Willingness to establish a third-party financing mechanism (FSTP)
- Compliance with Horizon Europe participation conditions and call conditions
Documents required for application
- Annex A-E of the Horizon Europe General Annexes
- Standard application form (HE RIA, IA)
- Standard evaluation form (HE RIA, IA)
- HE Programme Guide
- HE MGA
Evaluation criteria
- Innovative content of the project
- Impact and exploitation plan
- Quality and efficiency of the implementation plan
Description
Within the framework of the EU-wide Horizon Europe program, the RAISE Pilot aims to establish a consortium of leading European research laboratories in the fields of agricultural sciences and environmental pollution. Within this virtual institution, at least three independent legal entities from different EU or associated countries are to form a thematic network. At least half of the consortium members must have a proven track record in developing innovative AI solutions. By integrating complementary expertise from third parties, for example in the form of data and models, a funding mechanism for third parties (FSTP) will be established. Based on common methods and benchmarks, a strategic research agenda will be developed to address key challenges in agricultural and environmental research.
The consortium will receive 100% funding of up to €12,800,000, covering personnel costs, direct research expenses, subcontractor costs, as well as expenses for financial support to third parties. Submitted proposals must comply with the Horizon Europe participation conditions and be submitted electronically via the Funding & Tenders Portal by 21 April 2026, 17:00 (Brussels time) at the latest. The evaluation criteria include the project's level of innovation, the exploitation plan, and the quality of the implementation plan. The goal is to strengthen the European AI-in-Science community through cooperation and targeted knowledge exchange, to consolidate cutting-edge research, and to advance practical AI applications in agricultural sciences and environmental pollution within the scope of the RAISE Pilot.