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StairwAI project: First Open Call for SMEs launched

StairwAI project: First Open Call for SMEs launched

4 February 2022

StairwAI is a European Union-funded project which aims to facilitate the engagement of low-tech companies in the AI4EU platform (a one-stop shop for anyone looking for Artificial Intelligence (AI) knowledge, technology, tool, services, and experts) and the implementation of AI.

The project has now launched its first open call or funding opportunity for low-tech small and medium-sized companies (SMEs) that do not have immediate access or knowledge on AI techniques to improve their products, services, or value chains with the support of AI experts and High Computing Cloud Providors.

Selected companies will make part of a 6-month program and will receive 60.000 Euros, that includes: €26K LUMP-SUM, €10K ACCESS TO HARDWARE PROVIDERS (VOUCHERS), and €24K ACCESS TO AI TALENTS MENTORSHIP (VOUCHERS).

Who can apply?

StairwAI is looking for low-tech SMEs from any industry to test and validate AI resources to improve their products, services, value chains focusing on one of the call-specific challenges.

The project considers low-tech SMEs as any company that is:

A) AI Unaware: it has heard about AI but is unaware of its applications, or

B) AI Aware: it is a savvy consumer of AI solutions capable of identifying use cases for AI applications

Applicant SMEs must be established in:

  • The Member States of the European Union and its Overseas Countries and Territories (OCT),
  • Associated Countries to H2020,
  • the United Kingdom

Which are the Challenge Areas to be Addressed by the SMEs?

Rethinking and visibility of supply chains, Human resources, Management of data generated by the Internet of Things (IoT), Predictive maintenance, Zero defect manufacturing, Environmental issues, Logistics, and Chatbots.

How to Apply?

We strongly recommend you to read carefully the StairwAI guide for applicants to ensure a successful application. In case you may have any questions, remember we are here for you, you mau have a look at our Frequently Asked Questions, or send them to info.stairwai@fundingbox.com or to our HelpDesk in the AI Community.

Source: https://www.ai4europe.eu/news-and-events/news/stairwai-launched-1st-open-call-smes/