Automated Scientific Discovery (RAISE pilot) (RIA)

Overview

Funding for interdisciplinary teams to develop closed-loop scientific experimentation systems that integrate AI-driven decision-making with existing laboratory automation, targeting advanced R&D environments. Focuses on retrofitting labs with intelligent systems to enable semi- or fully autonomous experiment planning, execution, and analysis.

Who Can Apply

Consortia of legal entities (e.g., universities, research institutions, SMEs, industry) from eligible countries. Proposals must demonstrate collaboration between computer/AI scientists and domain scientists.

Funding Details

• Maximum grant amount: 10,000,000 EUR per project.
• Funding rate: Not specified (standard Horizon Europe rules apply).
• Budget may include justified equipment purchases complementary to software development.

What Is Funded

• Development of AI-driven systems for autonomous or semi-autonomous scientific experimentation in existing labs.
• Integration of laboratory automation with trustworthy AI decision-making, including agentic AI and interactive robotic systems.
• Scalable data management solutions for secure, interoperable data sharing across labs.
• AI-driven resource optimization (e.g., energy, reagents) and predictive maintenance.
• Prototypes demonstrating closed-loop experimentation with human oversight.
• Standards and protocols for interoperability between instruments, robotics, and AI systems.
• Applications in materials science (e.g., drug discovery, battery technologies, photovoltaics) and other disciplines via interdisciplinary collaboration.

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 EU Funding & Tenders Portal.
• Proposals must adhere to page limits and templates outlined in the call documentation.

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.