Who can apply for funding under national calls and European Union programs?

Funding opportunities are open to a wide range of applicants - private enterprises, municipalities, non-governmental organizations, scientific and educational institutions, as well as partnerships between them. Each fund, each call or procedure has specific conditions and requirements, so it is important to analyze the eligibility and potential of the applicant in advance.

Do you work with municipalities?

Yes, we work with municipalities and municipal enterprises , providing expert support in project development and implementation, including strategic planning, application and subsequent management.

Do you work with non-governmental organizations (NGOs)?

Yes, we work with non-governmental organizations , including foundations and associations, in preparing and implementing projects in areas such as social activities, education, culture, innovation and sustainable development.

Do you work with other organizations?

Yes, in addition to SMEs, municipalities and NGOs, we also work with:universities and scientific organizations;public institutions and agencies;startups and innovative companies;consortia and partnerships on international projects.

What does co-financing mean?

Co-financing is the part of the project budget that is not covered by European funding and is provided by the beneficiary or other sources.

What are eligible costs?

These are costs that:are directly related to the project;were made within the eligibility period;comply with the rules of the relevant program;are duly documented.

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Current invitations

Upcoming invitations

Support for Developers of AI and Data-Driven Solutions

Jun 5
2 min read

Second AID4SME Open Call for Proposals to Develop Artificial Intelligence and Data-Based

Solutions for Data Collection, Analytics, Decision Support, and Automation

OBJECTIVE

The second open call under the AID4SME project is seeking technology developers to design, test, and validate Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data-driven solutions within the framework of the AID4SME project.

Projects must address one of the ten challenges identified by AID4SME, grouped into four main areas related to integrated AI and data solutions.

WHO CAN APPLY

Start-ups and SMEs working on relevant technologies are eligible to apply.

Applications may be submitted either by a single organization or by a consortium of two organizations led by a start-up or SME.

In addition, industry organizations, system integrators, research institutes, and NGOs may participate without receiving funding.

ELIGIBLE ACTIVITIES AND COSTS

The following categories of costs are eligible for funding:

Personnel costs related to project development and management activities;
Procurement costs necessary for carrying out the activities, such as hardware purchases (only depreciation costs are eligible);
Travel and subsistence expenses for participation in meetings and events.

Indirect costs are eligible at a flat rate of 25% of personnel and procurement costs.

Subcontracting is not permitted under this call.

PROJECT DURATION

The project duration is 14 months.

FUNDING

Grants of up to €200,000 per project;
Funding rate of 70% of eligible project costs;
Total call budget: €2,350,000;
Twelve proposals will be funded.

Selected applicants will also receive training sessions, coaching, and mentoring support.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Applications must be submitted through the designated online application platform.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to review the Application Guidelines before starting their application.

DEADLINE

The deadline for submitting applications is 15 July 2026, 17:00 Brussels time.

EVALUATION

Applications will be assessed according to the following criteria:

Innovation – 30%
Impact – 30%
Implementation – 20%
Team – 20%

The minimum passing threshold is 3 out of 5 points.

The highest-ranked applicants will be invited to a 30-minute online interview.

About AID4SME

AID4SME aims to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in developing integrated Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data-driven solutions to address major resource optimization challenges in industries that have a significant impact on the objectives of the European Green Deal.

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Consult us

The eligibility of costs is one of the most strictly controlled aspects of any project. Only costs that are directly linked to the activities carried out within the eligible period and supported by correct documentation can be recognized.NORTAN experts perform detailed verification and ensure compliance with the requirements of the governing authorities, which reduces the risk of financial corrections.

The project cycle goes through several key phases:Analysis of client needs and identification of suitable financing opportunities;Development of a project idea and preparation of a proposal;Assessment and approval by the Managing Authority;Implementation, monitoring and control of activities;Final reporting and sustainability of results.NORTAN Ltd offers comprehensive support at every stage - from concept to successful completion of the project.

Among the most common errors are incomplete or incorrect documentation, a mismatch between the project objectives, the scope and priorities of the program, as well as incorrect budget structuring, which includes expenses for remuneration, the purchase of equipment and other external services.Our team conducts a thorough analysis before submitting the project proposal to ensure full compliance and increase the likelihood of approval.

Reporting includes the presentation of detailed technical and financial reports that demonstrate the implementation of activities and the achievement of results.NORTAN provides methodological and expert support throughout the entire process, from documentation preparation to communication with governing bodies, ensuring accuracy, transparency, and legality at the completion of each project.NORTAN Ltd. experts, with proven experience in writing technical and financial reports, provide full support in their preparation and reporting to the competent institutions.

Cascading Funding is a mechanism where the European Commission provides funds to a lead beneficiary (usually a consortium), which then distributes part of these funds to third parties (SMEs, start-ups, NGOs, researchers) through open calls for applications.This type of funding is widely used in programs such as Horizon Europe and Digital Europe and is also known as Financial Support to Third Parties (FSTP) .