MANTRA 2nd Open Call for Manufacturing SMEs

MANTRA 2nd Open Call for Manufacturing SMEs
Funding for EU manufacturing SMEs to implement green, digital and social transformation projects through adoption of advanced technologies and external services supporting sustainability and innovation.

The MANTRA 2nd Open Call supports manufacturing SMEs in their transition towards sustainable, digital, and socially innovative business models. Selected SMEs receive advisory services and financial support to design and implement transformation roadmaps. The call aims to enhance competitiveness, resilience, and environmental performance through the uptake of advanced technologies.

TYPE OF PROJECTS TO BE FUNDED: Business transformation projects enabling green, digital and social transition through adoption of advanced technologies, including feasibility studies, prototyping, pilot testing, demonstration, consultancy, and specialised external services supporting a defined transformation roadmap.

SECTORS / DOMAIN: Manufacturing sectors defined by NACE C codes (food, metals, plastics, ceramics, and textiles).

INDIVIDUAL OR CONSORTIUM: Individual applicants only (single SMEs).

SPECIFIC ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: SMEs established in EU Member States; must comply with EU SME definition; must operate in eligible manufacturing subsectors (NACE C10, C11, C25, C24, C22, C23, C13, C14, C15); mandatory self-assessment submission; applications in English; one proposal selected per SME; no participation from Horizon Europe Associated Countries.

SPECIFIC TOPICS OR CHALLENGES: Projects must allign with business transformation criteria, digital transition criteria (integrate one of the 16 Advanced Technology for Industry), environmental impact criteria and socio-economic impact criteria.

PROJECTS DURATION: 12 months (6 months advisory phase and 6 months implementation phase).

BUDGET, FUNDING RATES AND PAYMENT CONDITIONS:
Funding rate: 100%.
Budget conditions / limitations: Up to €50,000 lump-sum per SME; total call budget €1,250,000 supporting up to 25 SMEs.
Payments: Lump-sum financial support for procurement of external services; not based on reimbursement of actual costs; reporting based on implementation and deliverables rather than financial claims.
Closes
30/09/2026
Max funding per project
50.000€
https://mantra-project.eu/community-platform-open-calls/traditional-smes-guidelines-for-applicants/