08/09/2025
MANTRA 1st Open Call for Manufacturing SMEs: deadline on 15th September 2025
A financial support of €50,000 to drive the green and digital transformation of 50 European SMEs
Redazione Open Innovation
The MANTRA project aims to drive the green and digital transformation of European manufacturing SMEs through the adoption of advanced technologies and social innovation.
Are you a European manufacturing SME working in the fields of machinery, ceramics, metals, plastics, textiles, or food?
Through its 1st Open Call, the MANTRA project will directly support a group of 50 manufacturing SMEs in the form of financial support of €50,000 with a tailored process in which they learn and unlock their digital and technological potential within a sustainable business model, that ensures more resource-efficient and circular processes and infrastructures.
Who can apply to the Open Call for Manufacturing SMEs?
- You are an SME of an EU Member State
- Your SME works with an eligible sector: Manufacturing, textiles, food, ceramics, metals, or food
- You submit your application in English through the MANTRA platform by 15 September 2025.
MANTRA supports the uptake of 16 advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, industrial biotechnology, IoT, robotics, and others.
These innovations are selected based on their potential to enhance sustainability, competitiveness, and resilience.
By addressing key challenges such as low digital maturity and fragmented support networks, MANTRA ensures inclusive access to transformation pathways, with a particular emphasis on women-led and low-tech SMEs.
Beyond financial aid, the project offers a dynamic community platform for peer learning, co-creation, and best practice exchange. It also includes access to a wide range of EU-level innovation services through matchmaking with Digital Innovation Hubs and other key enablers.
For further details, download the guidelines for applicants.
Successful applications will begin their MANTRA transformation journey.
MANTRA (Sustainable and Innovation Manufacturing by Ensuring Digital, Green, and Social SME Transformation) is a 3.5-year Horizon Europe project running from November 2024 to April 2028.
The programme provides up to €2.5 million in cascade funding to support 50 manufacturing SMEs across Europe.