How much funding can be received?

The SMART Cluster's 8th call for proposals aims to support collaborative R&D projects in advanced manufacturing, focusing on areas such as advanced processes, digital manufacturing, and sustainable systems. Canadian SMEs can receive funding through NRC IRAP, provided they meet eligibility criteria to develop and commercialize innovative, technology-driven products.

grant_single_labels_website|terms_and_conditions

The financing modalities for SMART Cluster’s 8th call for proposals are structured to support collaborative projects in advanced manufacturing, with funding provided by national funding bodies. Each participant must consult their respective national agency for specific details and compliance.

Funds are provided by national funding bodies according to each country's regulations and procedures.
Participants must coordinate with their national funding agencies for detailed funding conditions and application processes.
Participants ineligible for national funding may engage as self-funded contributors or subcontractors, respecting individual country guidelines.
The budget should be balanced among participants from different countries, ensuring equitable distribution of resources.

grant_single_labels_website|projects

The SMART Cluster’s 8th call for proposals targets R&D projects in advanced manufacturing with a strong emphasis on collaboration and innovation. The eligible projects must involve partners from at least two different Eureka countries and focus on cutting-edge advancements in the sector.

Projects on advanced manufacturing processes.
Initiatives focusing on customer-based manufacturing strategies.
Developments in digital, virtual, and efficient company systems.
Creating intelligent and adaptive manufacturing systems.
Research in person-machine collaboration technologies.
Projects emphasizing sustainable manufacturing practices.

grant_single_labels_website|admissibility

Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific criteria related to the applicant's business profile and project objectives.

The applicant must be an incorporated, profit-oriented small or medium-sized enterprise (SME) in Canada.
The SME should have 500 or fewer full-time equivalent employees.
The business must pursue growth and profit by developing and commercializing innovative, technology-driven new or improved products, services, or processes in Canada.
Applicants need to have a differentiated and protectable technology that could become competitive in global markets.
The enterprise must have sufficient working capital and resources to undertake a multi-year R&D collaboration and commercialize the results.
The company should be committed to significant growth through international market expansion.
Preference may be given to businesses with a minimum of 15 full-time equivalent employees.
Preference may also be given to firms that have commercialized one or more products domestically or internationally, and have greater than $500,000 CAD in annual revenue.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

Eligible Canadian applicants for the SMART Cluster call for proposals include Canadian small or medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) involved in advanced manufacturing projects that require collaboration with partners from at least two Eureka countries. The SMEs must be incorporated, profit-oriented, have 500 or fewer full-time equivalent employees, and demonstrate a focus on developing and commercializing technology-driven innovations that can compete in global markets. Additionally, Canadian organizations that do not qualify for NRC IRAP funding can participate in these projects but must secure alternative funding or be self-funded.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

This grant is intended for Canadian SMEs in the field of advanced manufacturing, and certain organizations are not eligible for funding under the NRC IRAP. Participation is mostly restricted to profit-oriented entities with specific innovation and growth objectives.

Universities and research institutes that do not secure alternative funding.
Canadian organizations that are not incorporated, profit-oriented SMEs.
Entities with more than 500 full-time equivalent employees.
Non-profit organizations and similar entities.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

This grant allows participants from various Eureka countries to participate, focusing on transnational collaboration. Canadian companies are eligible through specific national programs like NRC IRAP.

Organizations based in any Eureka member country.
Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

grant_single_labels_website|apply

Form a Consortium

Identify partners from at least two different Eureka countries to collaborate on your project.
Ensure the consortium has balanced contributions and a clear participation purpose for each member.

Draft Project Outline

Prepare a project outline to organize ideas and align with potential partners, although optional, it is recommended to prepare before January 16, 2025.

Develop Full Project Proposal

Create a detailed project proposal that fulfills SMART's criteria, focusing on innovation, collaboration, and market readiness in the specified sectors of interest.
Highlight your project’s objectives, methodology, consortium details, and expected outcomes.
Ensure the project's duration is between 2 and 3 years.

Prepare Budgets and Funding Strategy

Ensure that the project budget is balanced among the participating countries.
Contact your national funding agency, such as NRC IRAP in Canada, to confirm your eligibility and understand the funding process.

Submit Proposal

Compile all necessary documents and ensure they meet the application format and requirements.
Submit the full project proposal by April 10, 2025, 11:00 am CEST through the designated submission portal.

Confirm Submission

Receive confirmation of submission from the SMART cluster once your application has been successfully submitted.

grant_single_labels_website|otherInfo

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

SMART projects require a balanced budget among all participating countries and partners.
Applicants must coordinate closely with national funding bodies to ensure proper alignment with funding regulations.
Participation in the SMART PO Proposers' Day event could facilitate the creation of project consortiums.
Collaboration must involve partners from at least two different countries among the Eureka member countries.