Thematic Networks of Excellence for AI in Science – Agriculture and Environmental Pollution (RAISE pilot)

Overview

Funding for consortia of leading European research labs to establish a network of excellence in applying AI to agricultural sciences and environmental pollution research. The initiative aims to pool expertise, develop a strategic research agenda, and foster collaboration across Europe.

Who Can Apply

Consortia of research labs from eligible EU Member States and Associated Countries. At least half of the consortium members must have a proven track record in developing AI solutions for scientific research. Involvement of Social Sciences and Humanities expertise is optional but encouraged.

Funding Details

• Maximum grant amount: €15,000,000
• Financial support to third parties (FSTP): Up to €60,000 per third party, with a maximum of 15% of the total budget allocated to FSTP activities.
• Core consortium activities: Must represent at least 85% of the proposed budget.

What Is Funded

• Development of a strategic research agenda for AI in agricultural and environmental pollution sciences.
• Collaborative research to address prioritized scientific challenges using AI.
• Knowledge exchange and talent development (e.g., fellowships, mobility schemes, summer schools).
• Curation, integration, and sharing of datasets and AI models, including community-driven standards and benchmarks.
• Industry collaborations for uptake of scientific outcomes and AI-based methodologies.
• Synergies with existing Horizon Europe projects, particularly those focused on AI foundation models in the same thematic areas.

Technology / Maturity Requirements

• Technology Readiness Level (TRL): 4 to 6.

Key Dates

• Open date: 2026-01-05
• Deadline: 2026-04-20

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.

Post-Award Obligations

• Implementation of financial support to third parties (FSTP) through an open and objective selection process.
• Knowledge transfer to FSTP recipients.
• Reporting and dissemination of project results, including collaboration with RAISE governance and other networks of excellence.

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

• Consortia must demonstrate strong experience in applying AI to scientific research in the specified thematic areas.
• Proposals should include a separate work package for FSTP activities, detailing implementation conditions.
• Synergies with ongoing Horizon Europe projects, particularly those under topic HORIZON-CL4-INDUSTRY-2025-01-DIGITAL-61, are expected.