COSMIC 1st Open Call: AI & Data Solutions to Boost the Green Transition

Description

The COSMIC project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under Grant Agreement No. 101189676. COSMIC is supporting the Green Deal objectives by harnessing artificial intelligence (AI) and big data for large-scale energy resource optimisation. The project brings together a diverse consortium of large industries, research institutions, public authorities, NGOs, and SMEs to co-develop impactful, scalable digital solutions that address key sustainability challenges. Through two Open Calls, COSMIC will select a maximum of 27 SMEs to co-develop AI-powered services and technologies aimed at enhancing energy efficiency and resource optimisation. The 1st Open Call will support up to 20 SMEs, including start-ups, working on AI- and data-driven innovations aligned with COSMIC’s mission. Selected participants will join a 10-month support programme offering mentoring, solution development, pilot site integration, and business scaling support. Each selected SME may receive up to €150,000 as a fixed lump sum. Funding conditions include: SMEs and start-ups can receive reimbursement of up to 70% of their eligible costs. Non-profit legal entities may be funded up to 100% of their eligible costs. Beneficiaries selected under this Open Call will have the opportunity to collaborate with COSMIC’s Core Technical Facilitators (CTFs), receiving technological support to integrate their AI- and data-driven solutions. These solutions may be validated within COSMIC’s large-scale pilots across six European countries: Spain, Belgium, Portugal, France, Ireland, and Finland. Selected proposals will be supported for real-world testing in industrial or urban environments. Each selected entity will develop a solution addressing one of the specific challenges outlined in the COSMIC Technical Guidelines. These include but are not limited to: carbon footprint integration, community engagement, waste classification, and smart energy management. Participation is open to individual SMEs (including startups) from EU Member States and Horizon Europe Associated Countries. Proposals must be AI- and data-centric, with clear potential for scalability, integration into COSMIC’s infrastructure, and measurable environmental and social impact.

Beneficiary & submission

Applicants can submit a proposal through the following website: https://hub.getonepass.eu/opportunities/c/cosmic-1st-open-call-for-ai-data-solutions-to-boost-the-green-transition The selection of the Open Call proposals will be carried out through a five-step process: Step one: An initial check will verify whether the applications meet the basic eligibility requirements. Step two: The COSMIC Selection Committee will assess whether the proposal aligns with the project’s scope and European dimension, using a Yes/No approach. Step three: Independent evaluators will assess the proposals based on the defined evaluation criteria. Step four: The Selection Committee will review the evaluation results and select participants for the Jury Day, considering both rankings and strategic alignment with COSMIC. Step five: Shortlisted applicants will pitch their projects to the COSMIC Jury. Final funding decisions will be made based on impact, team quality, and alignment with COSMIC goals. Selected beneficiaries will undergo a final eligibility check and sign the Sub-grant Agreement before joining the programme. For further information, see the ‘Guide for Applicants’.

Further information

Visit the project website at https://cosmic-horizon.eu/, for more details. Email address for further information: helpdesk.cosmic@fundingbox.com.