The National Research Council (NRC) has announced a fifth call for proposals for the EUREKA SMART Cluster Program, which is currently open until the January 24, 2022. The initiative is an industry-driven EUREKA SMART Cluster Program which was conceived to improve the advanced manufacturing industry. The EUREKA SMART Cluster Program aims to improve manufacturing by promoting international and close-to-market collaborative research and development projects.
“Periodically, SMART organizes a Call to submit R&D&I project proposals in the area of Advanced Manufacturing applications and technologies. The SMART call process is designed to be quick and efficient, 10 months from project idea to project approval, while at the same time maintaining a high-quality standard.”
-EUREKA SMART Cluster Program
Although, the program is based out of Europe, Canada is a supporting member and therefore, Canadian companies and institutions may apply for the EUREKA SMART Cluster Program. This program is a good opportunity for companies looking to solve common technical issues in the manufacturing industry.
Funding Amount
Funding for approved projects is not provided through the EUREKA SMART Cluster. The EUREKA SMART Cluster acts as a label, while the funding is granted by participating countries of the EUREKA Countries’ National Programs. This EUREKA SMART Cluster Program intake is welcome to applications from all participating countries.
“SMART will be permanently adapting to rapidly changing market needs and dynamic strategic movements that European manufacturing companies must address to remain competitive and stay at the cutting edge of technological development.”
-EUREKA SMART Cluster Program
Funding allotments by individual countries may vary according to individual national funding procedures. In Canada, the national funding contact is the National Research Council Canada. However, you can confirm your country’s status on the EUREKA Supporting Countries Page.
Eligible Applicants
Due to variations in any individual Countries’ National Programme, each project member should get in touch with their country’s representative body well in advance of the application deadline to ensure their application process is allotted an appropriate amount. Applicants for the EUREKA SMART Cluster Program may be eligible if they meet the following criteria:
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs);
- Large enterprises and industries;
- Universities; and
- Research organizations.
To learn more about eligibility requirements, review the EUREKA SMART Cluster Program page.
Eligible Projects
The focus of the EUREKA SMART Cluster Program is on the development of key technology issues that are causing challenges in manufacturing processes and competitiveness. Therefore, applicants for the EUREKA SMART Cluster Program may be eligible if they meet the following criteria:
- Advanced and sustainable manufacturing processes;
- Adaptive manufacturing systems that are intelligent;
- Digital and efficient companies;
- Person-machine collaboration; and
- Customer-based manufacturing.
Learn more about program criteria by reviewing the EUREKA SMART Cluster Program page. If the EUREKA SMART Cluster Program is not the right fit for your business, there are many other government incentives to choose from on the government funding directory.
Program Timeline/Deadline
The EUREKA SMART Cluster Program announced an open call for project outlines. The deadline for this project outline call is January 24, 2022 at 11am CET. It is recommended that applicants get in touch with their corresponding EUREKA SMART Cluster Program representative.
Exploring Government Funding Opportunities
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