Challenge-Driven GenAI4EU Booster in Apply AI prioritised sectors (RIA) (AI/Data/Robotics Partnership)

Overview

A challenge-driven grant supporting consortia to organize multi-stage competitions that accelerate the development and adoption of generative AI solutions in aerospace, pharma/drug development, or telecommunication networks. Targets industry-led consortia that engage SMEs and small teams to solve sector-specific challenges through competitive stages.

Who Can Apply

Consortia of legal entities established in EU Member States, Iceland, Norway, or associated countries (Canada, Israel, Republic of Korea, New Zealand, Switzerland, United Kingdom). Must include user industry companies from the targeted sector (aerospace, pharma/drug development, or telecommunication networks) as core partners. Entities directly or indirectly controlled by non-eligible countries may participate only if they demonstrate no negative impact on EU strategic interests through approved guarantees.

Funding Details

• Total budget per proposal: Up to €23,500,000.
• Financial support to third parties (FSTP):

- Stage 1: €5,000,000 distributed among 20 winners (€250,000 each). - Stage 2: €8,000,000 distributed among 4 winners (€2,000,000 each).

• Maximum FSTP grant per third party: €2,250,000.
• FSTP recipients: Single SMEs or small teams led by an SME, including research organizations or public bodies.

What Is Funded

• Organization of multi-stage generative AI competitions in one of three sectors: aerospace, pharma/drug development, or telecommunication networks.
• Definition of sector-specific challenges, evaluation methodologies, and KPIs.
• Technical and business support for competition participants, including data provision for model fine-tuning.
• Dissemination, communication, and collaboration activities among funded projects.
• Exploitation planning for pre-competitive results, including partnerships with user industries.

Technology / Maturity Requirements

• Starting TRL: 3.
• Target TRL by project end: 6.

Key Dates

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

Application Process (High-Level)

Single-stage submission via the Funding & Tenders Portal. Evaluation follows standard Horizon Europe procedures, with awards prioritized to ensure balanced coverage across the three targeted sectors.

Post-Award Obligations

• Implementation of a collaboration agreement among funded projects to share best practices and coordinate activities.
• Dissemination of results via the AI-on-demand platform and other relevant digital platforms.
• Reporting on progress using qualitative and quantitative KPIs, benchmarking, and monitoring.
• Allocation of tasks for cohesion activities with the European Partnership on AI, Data, and Robotics (ADRA) and the GenAI4EU central Hub.

Geographic Scope & Language

• Eligible countries: EU Member States, Iceland, Norway, and associated countries (Canada, Israel, Republic of Korea, New Zealand, Switzerland, United Kingdom). Entities from third countries may participate if the country is listed as eligible at the time of submission.
• Application language: English.

Notes

• Proposals must focus exclusively on one of the three sectors: aerospace, pharma/drug development, or telecommunication networks.
• Consortia must demonstrate industry commitment to support challenge participants and ensure exploitation of results.
• High-risk suppliers of mobile network communication equipment (or entities controlled by them) are excluded unless they provide approved guarantees.
• Synergies with relevant EU-funded projects and initiatives are encouraged.