Rural innovation (cross-domain)Runway ✓

SMART ERA — Followers Micro-Pilots

SMART ERA helps rural regions become "smart villages" by deploying digital solutions to real community challenges — agriculture, tourism, energy, mobility and healthcare. The 2nd call replicates proven Smart Innovation Packages in additional follower regions.

Call details
Funding
Community activator up to €30,000 and SME / technology orchestrator up to €60,000; a single applicant may cover both roles. Up to €90,000 per pilot.
Who can apply
SMEs, startups and research-based technology providers with AI, IoT or edge-computing solutions deployable in rural settings.
Programme
Run by a 25-partner Horizon Europe consortium (coordinator: Fondazione Bruno Kessler, IT), embedded in the EU Rural Pact and the four macro-regional strategies.
Deadline note
~15 September 2026 — to be confirmed on the official call page.
Deadline
15 Sept 2026(to be confirmed on the official call page)86 days remaining
Max grant
€90,000
Eucade’s angle

We match your technology to a follower region's challenge and help structure the activator + orchestrator roles. Start with a free Match Report.

Find out where you stand. Free.

Your Match Report tells you whether this call is worth applying for and what your realistic position is. No cost, no obligation, no sales call.