Apply AI: Pilot of the “Science for AI” Pillar of RAISE (“Resource for AI science in Europe”) (RIA)

Overview

A pilot initiative under the EU’s RAISE program to establish a network of leading European AI research institutes, advancing fundamental and frontier AI research while fostering collaboration, talent attraction, and strategic roadmaps for AI innovation.

Who Can Apply

Consortia of leading European AI research institutions with dedicated facilities, at least ten distinct AI research groups (or equivalent capacity), and demonstrated scientific excellence in AI. Multidisciplinary institutions with AI-focused branches meeting these criteria are also eligible.

Funding Details

Maximum funding amount: 23,500,000 EUR.

What Is Funded

• Development of a strategic research agenda for fundamental AI research, including targets and milestones.
• Coordination of AI research institutes under a virtual "European AI Institute" model.
• Jointly supervised PhDs and Postdocs, collaborative research projects, and talent attraction initiatives.
• Calls for expressions of interest to integrate additional AI labs and experts.
• Synergies with other EU AI initiatives (e.g., AI Factories, Data Labs, AI-on-demand platform).
• Cohesion activities with the GenAI4EU central Hub.

Technology / Maturity Requirements

Activities must start at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 2 and achieve TRL 4 by the end of the project.

Key Dates

• Open date: 2026-01-14
• Deadline: 2026-04-14

Application Process (High-Level)

Single-stage submission via the Funding & Tenders Portal, using a customized application form for this topic.

Post-Award Obligations

• Notification to the granting authority before transferring ownership or granting exclusive licenses of project results (up to four years post-project).
• Collaboration with other EU AI initiatives and integration with the AI-on-demand platform.

Geographic Scope & Language

Open to EU Member States and Associated Countries. Applications must be submitted in English.

Notes

• Participants must demonstrate scientific excellence (e.g., publications in top-tier venues, h-index, awards, grants).
• Each institution must have dedicated AI research infrastructure and legal capacity to manage personnel, contracts, and IP.
• Proposals must allocate budget for collaboration with additional labs and experts identified through a call for expressions of interest.