Next-Generation AI Agents for Real-World Applications in the Apply AI sectors (RIA) (Partnership in AI, Data and Robotics)

Overview

Funding for research and innovation projects developing next-generation AI agents with advanced autonomy, reasoning, and multi-agent collaboration capabilities for real-world applications in AI, data, and robotics sectors. Targets consortia advancing AI agent frameworks, memory management, and tool integration.

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). Entities controlled by non-eligible countries may participate only with approved guarantees demonstrating no negative impact on EU strategic interests.

Funding Details

• Maximum grant amount: €19,000,000
• Funding rate: Not specified (standard Horizon Europe rules apply)
• Total budget: Not specified

What Is Funded

• Development of autonomous AI agents with advanced planning, memory, and reasoning capabilities
• Multi-agent frameworks for decentralized coordination and collaboration
• Integration of external tools and APIs to enhance agent performance
• Research on self-planning, self-optimization, and lifelong learning for AI agents
• Multimodal reasoning for real-world applications
• Validation mechanisms, KPIs, and benchmarking for progress assessment
• Collaboration with AI Factories, Data Labs, Testing and Experiment Facilities, and European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs)

Technology / Maturity Requirements

• Activities must start at TRL 2 and achieve TRL 5 by project completion

Key Dates

• Open date: 2026-01-14
• Deadline: 2026-04-14T22:00:00Z

Application Process (High-Level)

• Single-stage submission via the Funding & Tenders Portal
• Standard Horizon Europe evaluation and award criteria apply

Geographic Scope & Language

• Eligible countries: EU Member States, Iceland, Norway, and associated countries (Canada, Israel, Republic of Korea, New Zealand, Switzerland, United Kingdom)
• Application language: English

Notes

• Proposals must allocate tasks for cohesion activities with the ADRA partnership and the GenAI4EU central Hub
• Projects must share communicable results via the AI-on-demand platform
• Participation of entities controlled by non-eligible countries requires pre-approved guarantees to protect EU strategic interests
• High-risk suppliers of mobile network communication equipment (or entities controlled by them) are excluded unless guarantees are provided