ICT Innovation for Manufacturing Sustainability in SMEs (I4MS2) (Made in Europe Partnership) (IA)

The ICT Innovation for Manufacturing Sustainability in SMEs (I4MS2) program targets European manufacturing companies, particularly SMEs and mid-caps, across the European Union and associated countries. Its overarching goal is to achieve global leadership in clean, climate-neutral, and digitally advanced industrial value chains, contributing to a sustainable and resilient European economy.

This program funds projects focused on integrating advanced digital technologies into manufacturing, construction, and energy-intensive industries to drive sustainability and efficiency. The supported initiatives range from technology experimentation and testing to developing innovative business models, with a strong emphasis on reducing environmental impact and enhancing human-machine interaction. Projects are expected to advance from technology demonstration to system prototype in an operational environment.

The ICT Innovation for Manufacturing Sustainability in SMEs (I4MS2) program provides grant funding with varying rates, prioritizing non-profit entities. It allocates a substantial budget to support innovation actions, especially those involving financial assistance to third parties. This approach ensures broad participation and impactful technological advancement.

Applicants must adhere to general Horizon Europe conditions regarding admissibility, eligibility, financial capacity, and evaluation processes. A key specific condition is the mandatory "do no significant harm" principle, ensuring environmental sustainability. Projects are also encouraged to collaborate internationally and develop robust business cases for industrialization.

The application process for this program follows a single-stage submission and evaluation, with adherence to detailed guidelines provided in various annexes and online manuals. While the deadline for this specific topic has passed, the overall process involved electronic submission and a comprehensive evaluation culminating in grant agreement signing.

This funding program operates under the comprehensive legal framework of Horizon Europe, ensuring adherence to EU financial regulations and promoting ethical research practices. Key documents establish the program's mandate and govern its implementation, with all official texts accessible through dedicated EU portals.