Robotics for SMEs: an open call for project proposals
24-09-2018
IK4-TEKNIKER
The ESMERA project consortium, in which IK4-TEKNIKER is also participating, has launched a call to select innovative robotics projects involving European SMEs.
In order to further the innovative capabilities of European medium and middle-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the field of robotics, the consortium of companies that form part of the ESMERA project (European SMEs Robotics Applications), with IK4-TEKNIKER among them, has launched a first call for SMEs in the form proposals covering small research projects or experiments.
Consequently, the aim of the consortium is to encourage SMEs developing or using robotic technologies to propose and apply new technologies addressing real problems faced by different market sectors.
Specifications of the call
- Organising work groups
SMEs can propose projects or experiments individually or via small consortiums comprising R&D bodies and other companies (not necessarily SMEs) that supplement their capabilities. In any event, the winners of each event will receive a maximum of 200,000 euros in direct financial aid.
- Areas of application
Eight real industrial challenges that require innovative robotic solutions have been established for this first call.
These challenges, related to the energy, manufacturing, construction and agri-food sectors, have been selected based on their potential for innovation and because they will give SMEs the amount of freedom required to explore new proposals in terms of solutions.
A detailed description of all eight challenges
- The selection process
All proposals received shall be evaluated by external and independent evaluators to select sixteen projects according "technical excellence", "impact" and "proposed work plan” criteria.
The solution will be developed in two competitive stages, each one lasting nine months:
In stage one, sixteen projects or experiments will be selected to compete with each other in dealing with the proposed challenge.
In stage two, eight of the sixteen projects submitted in stage one shall be selected to receive additional support in terms of the industrial development and business plan to be applied to the proposed technological solution.
- The role played by the ESMERA team
On the one hand, four centres specialised in robotics and members of the ESMERA consortium will offer SMEs their knowledge, equipment and means of experimentation to bring research closer to industrial needs:
- Laboratory for Manufacturing Systems and Automation (LMS), University of Patras
- Commissarat à l´Énergie Atomique et aux Énergies Alternatives (CEA)
- Technische Universität München (TUM)
- IK4-TEKNIKER
On the other, three companies, also members of the ESMERA consortium, will act as enablers by supporting SMEs in the development of a business model and "from an idea to the market" transition process.
- Blue Ocean Robotics
- COMAU
- R.U. Robots
- Deadlines and submission of proposals
SMEs can send in their free-call proposals via the the ESMERA project web site until October 31, 2018.
Details regarding the call can be found here.
Please use the template and procedures described here to submit your proposals.
In autumn 2019, the ESMERA project will launch a new call with new challenges addressing the energy, manufacturing, construction and agri-food sectors.
A seminar on "Funding opportunities in robotics and their applications”
Do you want more information?
Sign on for the free seminar on “Funding opportunities in robotics and their applications” to be held on October 28 at the auditorium (level -1) of the Madrid Science Park. The event is aimed at companies, entrepreneurs, R&D organisations, transfer agents, researchers and investors in the field of Robotics and its applications.