Within the Horizon Europe programme, the call Innovative AI methods and technologies for the process industries (RIA) is open under the topic HORIZON-CL4-2026-02-DIGITAL-EMERGING-53 (two-stage). The call runs under the Processes4Planet and AI, Data and Robotics partnerships. It supports the development and demonstration of innovative AI solutions for process industries.
The initiative aims to strengthen the competitiveness and sustainability of European industry. It does so by integrating advanced AI into materials development, process design and production management. Moreover, the call targets faster time to market for innovations. It also supports lower environmental impact and better working conditions in industrial plants.
Objectives and expected outcomes
Projects should develop and test next-generation AI solutions for process industries. In particular, they should improve production efficiency and boost reproducibility. They should also optimise plant operations and value chains. Additionally, they should enable early detection of failures and risks.
At the same time, the call promotes better working conditions. It encourages the use of AI, robotics and digital environments, including metaverse elements. Furthermore, projects must ensure safe, reliable and responsible AI deployment.
Supported focus areas
Project proposals should focus on one of the following areas:
- faster and more effective development of new materials and manufacturing processes;
- competitive and sustainable industrial production with reduced environmental impact;
- reduced risks to workers’ health and the environment, alongside more attractive industrial workplaces.
Projects must address user acceptance and user training. They must also integrate AI solutions into existing OT/IT systems. Importantly, projects should involve industrial partners in design and implementation.
Project format and requirements
Applicants submit projects in a two-stage format. Proposals must include a business case and an exploitation strategy. In addition, consortia should seek collaboration with relevant initiatives under the Apply AI Strategy and related European partnerships.
The call welcomes research, industrial and innovation actors. However, legal entities established in China cannot participate in this topic.
Funding and duration
Horizon Europe provides funding as a lump sum. Project duration follows the rules for Research and Innovation Actions.
Topic budget: EUR 30,000,000;
Grant size per project: from EUR 4,000,000 to EUR 6,000,000;
Indicative number of projects: up to 6.
Key dates
Call opening date: 16 December 2025;
First-stage deadline: 17 March 2026, 17:00 Brussels time;
Second-stage deadline: 13 October 2026, 17:00 Brussels time.
Source of information
Official call conditions, documentation and the application submission system are available on the European Commission’s Funding & Tenders Portal under the topic HORIZON-CL4-2026-02-DIGITAL-EMERGING-53.
More Horizon Europe calls and other funding opportunities for research and innovation are available in the grants section of the GetGrant service.