COSMIC (Combined AI and Data Solutions for Large Scale Resource Optimization with Green Deal Impact) 2nd Open Call: AI & Data Solutions to Boost the Green Transition
Programme Category
Programme Name
Identifier Code
Call
Summary
COSMIC is a European-funded initiative aligned with the Green Deal objectives. It aims to harness the power of AI and big data for large-scale energy resource optimisation. The project brings together a diverse consortium of large industries, research institutions, public authorities, NGOs, and SMEs to co-develop impactful, scalable digital solutions that address key sustainability challenges.
The COSMIC consortium comprises highly experienced and complementary key players across 10 European countries. The COSMIC project offers a strategic support programme designed to bring the best data/AI-based innovations into our energy resource optimisation ecosystem.
Detailed Call Description
This open call supports SMEs and start-ups in developing high-impact, scalable solutions for large-scale energy resource optimisation. Selected beneficiaries will validate their technologies in real-world pilots, gain access to diverse datasets, receive tailored technical and business mentoring, and collaborate with leading industrial and research partners across Europe.
Beneficiaries selected under this open call will have the opportunity to collaborate with COSMIC’s Core Technical Facilitators (CTFs) or the Core Social Facilitator (CSF), receiving technological support to integrate their AI- and data-driven solutions. These solutions may be validated within COSMIC’s large-scale pilots across six European countries: Spain, Belgium, Portugal, France, Ireland, and Finland. Selected proposals will be supported for real-world testing in industrial or urban environments. Relevant results will be disseminated through COSMIC’s communication channels, and the developed software, documentation (e.g., datasheets, technical guidelines, tutorials), and other assets may be made available, subject to agreement with the data owners, through COSMIC’s shared repositories, following open access and FAIR data principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) where applicable.
Each selected entity will develop a solution addressing one of the specific challenges outlined in the COSMIC Technical Guidelines. These include but are not limited to: carbon footprint integration, community engagement, waste classification, and smart energy management.
The activities eligible for financial support must align with the COSMIC project’s objectives, aiming to optimise large-scale resource management and support the transition to a net-zero society. Eligible activities include the development, facilitation, testing, and validation of innovative data/AI-based assets or services that directly support key energy resource optimisation applications.
Each proposal must focus on one specific prioritised challenge as outlined in the Technical Guidelines. Proposals addressing multiple challenges within a single application will not be considered. The proposed activities should ideally include:
- Solution development: Crafting innovative AI and data-based services, tools, and technologies (e.g., digital twins, smart charging systems, and user interfaces) that directly address a specific COSMIC challenge.
- Integration and facilitation: Merging new solutions with existing platforms – such as BMS, BIM/GIS-based digital twins or Home Energy Management Systems (HEMS) – to enhance data flow and system interoperability.
- Testing and validation: Rigorously evaluating the proposed solutions in large-scale pilot environments to verify their performance, scalability, and user acceptance.
- Proof-of-concept and demonstration projects: Delivering demonstrative projects that highlight the practical impact and industrial applicability of the developed assets.
- Resource utilisation assessment: Assess and track the resources, especially electricity, used in the process of delivering the service or developing the solution and estimate the operational resource consumption.
Call Total Budget
Financing percentage by EU or other bodies / Level of Subsidy or Loan
Each selected SME may receive up to € 150 000 funding as a fixed lump sum. Funding conditions include:
- SMEs and start-ups can receive reimbursement of up to 70% of their eligible costs.
- Non-profit legal entities may be funded up to 100% of their eligible costs.
- Each applicant must demonstrate the ability to provide at least 30% of the total project budget through self-financing.
The 2nd Open Call will support up to 13 SMEs.
Thematic Categories
- Energy
- Information and Communication Technologies
- Information Technology
- Research, Technological Development and Innovation
Eligibility for Participation
- Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)
Eligibility For Participation Notes
Participation is open to individual SMEs (including startups) registered in:
- The Member States of the European Union and their Overseas Countries and Territories (OCT) or
- Associated Countries (AC) to Horizon Europe.
Non-profit organisations that do not meet the SME/start-up definition under EC Recommendation 2003/361/EC are not eligible to apply directly.
This call is particularly interested in receiving applications from the following types of applicants:
- Technology developers: SMEs with a strong track record in software development, system integration, and innovative IT solutions, particularly those tailored to AI and big data.
- AI technology providers: Companies specialising in machine learning, computer vision, and data analytics capable of developing AI-driven tools to enhance energy resource optimisation.
- Data analytics and IoT specialists: SMEs experienced in managing large datasets, building smart data platforms, and integrating IoT systems to produce actionable insights.
- Environmental technology innovators: Businesses focused on sustainability, offering solutions related to carbon footprint integration, circular economy practices, and energy efficiency improvements.
- Waste management and recycling tech SMEs: Emerging companies working on technologies like computer vision for waste sorting and platforms that encourage community engagement in waste reduction.
- User insight and behavioural analytics SMEs: Companies using data-driven methods, such as panel studies, behavioural modelling, or AI-enhanced survey tools, to generate actionable insights on user acceptance, adoption behaviour, and market viability to support the development, calibration, and validation of AI and big data solutions.
The COSMIC partners, their affiliated entities, and their employees or associates-whether current or former, if previously involved in project execution-are not eligible to act as applicants.