MANTRA Second Open Call for Manufacturing SMEs

Description

The objective of this call is to select up to 25 manufacturing SMEs that will receive support to define and implement their MANTRA Journey plan, with the aim of becoming more sustainable and innovative. Through this initiative, selected SMEs will enhance their capacity to adopt advanced technologies and social innovation for sustainability through collaboration with technology providers and by accessing services provided by EU specialised business support networks and organisations. Financial support of up to EUR 50,000 per SME will be available to implement the recommended transformation roadmap following the advisory phase. Proposals should focus on a transformation project that is realistic, impactful and embedded in the SME’s strategy for long-term sustainability and growth through the uptake of advanced technologies. The proposed concept must contribute to the green and digital transformation of the SME by reducing environmental impacts while enhancing the competitiveness and resilience of the business. Projects should align with circular economy principles and consider inclusive and socially responsible practices. Selected SMEs will participate in the MANTRA Journey, consisting of a six-month advisory phase followed by a six-month implementation phase supported through MANTRA financial assistance. Your journey begins by joining the MANTRA Community, which serves as your gateway to resources, peer learning, networking opportunities and access to the application process.

Beneficiary & submission

The MANTRA project invites manufacturing SMEs across the EU operating in the following eligible manufacturing sectors to participate in a transformative initiative that promotes sustainable and innovative manufacturing through digital, green and social transformation: Food: C10 – Manufacture of food products; C11 – Manufacture of beverages Metals: C24 – Manufacture of basic metals; C25 – Manufacture of fabricated metal products, except machinery and equipment Plastics: C22 – Manufacture of rubber and plastic products Ceramics: C23 – Manufacture of other non-metallic mineral products Textiles: C13 – Manufacture of textiles; C14 – Manufacture of wearing apparel; C15 – Manufacture of leather and related products Please note that the machinery sector is not eligible under the 2nd Open Call, as it was already strongly represented during the 1st Open Call. Prepare your application by following the Guidelines for Applicants. Be sure to upload: The Self-Assessment Report generated through the MANTRA Self-Assessment Tool; The signed Declaration of Honour, available for download on the MANTRA website; Proof of eligibility, including an official registration document showing that your company operates under one of the NACE codes eligible under the MANTRA Open Call (or the corresponding national classification code). Once all the information is complete, submit your proposal via the MANTRA platform. The MANTRA platform is the sole channel for submitting proposals. Please note that: Proposals cannot be modified after submission; Late submissions will not be accepted. The application form is available at: https://app.mantra-project.eu/application-definition/853 Evaluation The evaluation process consists of three stages: 1. Eligibility Check Verification of compliance with all eligibility and admissibility requirements. 2. Evaluation and First Screening Eligible proposals will be evaluated by the MANTRA Evaluation Committee against the following criteria: Use of advanced technologies and innovation potential (25%) Project quality and implementation strategy (30%) Contribution to the triple transition and expected impact (30%) SME capacity and commitment (15%) Only the highest-ranked proposals (up to 50) will proceed to the final evaluation stage. 3. Final Evaluation Shortlisted proposals will be evaluated by three independent external experts. The final evaluation will assess: Project execution and coherence of the MANTRA support requested Digital approach Business approach Environmental approach Social approach A minimum score of 3/5 per criterion and an overall minimum score of 17 points is required for selection. Additional bonus points may be awarded for: High innovation level; Maturity of the transformation pathway; Quality of supporting documentation; Gender representation and women-led SMEs.

Further information

Please consult the details of the application and evaluation procedures in the guidelines for applicants available on the MANTRA project webpage info@mantra-project.eu