Overview
- Contribute to energy‑efficient and resource‑aware AI methods and tools.
- Strengthen trustworthiness, transparency, and robustness of AI systems.
- Provide benchmarks, datasets, or evaluation frameworks for sustainable AI.
- Demonstrate real‑world impact in societal, environmental, or public‑sector contexts.
Who can apply
The call is open to legal entities established in eligible countries, with a clear focus on applied innovation.
Eligible applicants
- Small and medium‑sized enterprises (SMEs).
- Startups and spin‑offs.
- Non‑governmental and non‑profit organisations (NGOs, foundations, associations).
- Other legal entities with a strong applied R&I profile in AI or digital technologies.
Conditions
- The organisation is legally established in an EU Member State or associated country.
- The proposed work is aligned with the scope and objectives of the ELIAS project.
- The applicant can demonstrate the capacity to implement the proposed activities within the funding period.
What we fund
We support focused projects that extend, validate, or apply ELIAS research in real‑world contexts.
Funding pillars
- Methods & Algorithms
Novel approaches for energy‑efficient AI, trustworthy learning, foundation models with reduced footprint, or methods that improve transparency and robustness. - Software & Tools
Open‑source toolkits, benchmarks, datasets, or evaluation frameworks that support sustainable and responsible AI development and deployment. - Applied Use Cases
Solutions that apply ELIAS‑relevant methods to domains such as climate action, public services, mobility, or social inclusion.
Funding and duration
Timeline
Key milestones from call opening to project start, to help you plan your proposal and activities.
Publication of the call text, templates, and Guidelines for Applicants.
Online webinar to present the call and answer questions from potential applicants.
Proposals must be submitted by 23:59 CET via the online application form.
Evaluation, selection, and communication of results. Projects are expected to start in Q4 2026.
Evaluation criteria
Proposals will be evaluated by independent experts based on excellence, impact, and quality of implementation.
Excellence
Clarity of objectives, soundness of the concept, and degree of innovation. Alignment with ELIAS research topics and state‑of‑the‑art methods in sustainable and trustworthy AI.
Impact
Potential to generate measurable benefits for users, communities, or sectors. Contribution to European leadership in responsible AI and to the long‑term sustainability of ELIAS outcomes.
Implementation
Quality and feasibility of the work plan, adequacy of resources, and capacity of the team to deliver the proposed results within time and budget.
How to apply
A simple, step‑by‑step process to prepare and submit your proposal.
Download and carefully read the Call text and Guidelines for Applicants to confirm your eligibility and fit.
Describe your objectives, methodology, impact, and work plan.
Complete the online application form and upload your proposal before the deadline.
Go to application form
Proposals submitted after the deadline will not be considered eligible.
Resources
All documents you need to prepare a complete and competitive proposal.
• Document 1 – Open Call Project Description
• Document 2 – Type of Organization
• Document 3 – Specific Obligations under Grant Agreement
• Document 4 – Background IP Download
Contact
We encourage you to reach out early if you have questions about eligibility or scope.