Automated Scientific Discovery – Food (RAISE pilot)

Overview

Funding for advanced AI-driven automation systems that integrate with existing laboratory infrastructure to enable closed-loop scientific experimentation in food-related research, targeting labs with high levels of automation and digitalisation.

Who Can Apply

Consortia of legal entities (e.g., research institutions, universities, SMEs, industry) established in eligible countries, including EU Member States, associated countries, and select non-EU/non-associated countries with specific funding provisions.

Funding Details

• Maximum grant amount: €10,000,000
• Funding rate: Not specified (standard Horizon Europe rules apply)
• Co-funding: Not explicitly required but may apply under Horizon Europe conditions

What Is Funded

• Development of AI-driven closed-loop experimentation systems for scientific labs, integrating automation with trustworthy decision-making.
• Scalable data management solutions for secure collection, storage, processing, and sharing of experimental data.
• AI-driven resource optimisation to minimise energy, reagent, and material consumption.
• Retrofitting existing labs with AI software for semi- or fully autonomous experiment planning, execution, and analysis.
• Prototype demonstrators showcasing integration of automation and AI in food-related research (e.g., alternative proteins, bio-based materials, precision fermentation).
• Collaborative experimentation systems across multiple labs, including real-time data processing and dynamic adjustments.
• Standards and protocols for interoperability between laboratory instruments, robotics, and AI systems.

Technology / Maturity Requirements

• Technology Readiness Level (TRL): 7–9 (system prototype demonstration in operational environment to actual system proven in operational environment).

Key Dates

• Open date: 2026-09-21
• Deadline: 2027-02-01

Application Process (High-Level)

• Single-stage submission via the Funding & Tenders Portal.
• Proposals must adhere to page limits and layout specified in the Horizon Europe Work Programme General Annexes.

Geographic Scope & Language

• Eligible countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Norway, Iceland, United Kingdom, Switzerland.
• Application language: English.

Notes

• Projects must demonstrate how existing labs can be retrofitted without requiring a complete redesign of infrastructure.
• International collaboration is encouraged.
• While software development is prioritised, justified purchase of complementary equipment may be included.
• Proposals must address data security, privacy, and ethical compliance, including human oversight in AI-driven systems.