Thematic Networks of Excellence for AI in Science (RAISE pilot) (RIA)

The aim of this grant is to establish networks of excellent research laboratories across Europe, dedicated to collaborative research using artificial intelligence (AI) in strategic and promising scientific domains. By piloting the RAISE (Resource for AI Science in Europe) initiative, the grant supports the creation of virtual institutes to pool talent and expertise, reinforce the European AI in science community, and attract top-notch talent. Key objectives include drawing ambitious strategic research agendas, identifying scientific grand challenges for AI, fostering research aligned with defined targets, sharing resources among consortium members, exchanging talent, developing standards for AI models, and collaborating with industry for uptake. The funding aims to expand excellence and expertise in the application of AI to key scientific challenges in Europe.

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Agency	HORIZON (EU)
Region	EU
Country	N/A
Legal form	NGO, Government organization, Company, Other
Start date	6 Jan 2026
End date	21 Apr 2026
Max funding	EUR 15,000,000 (HORIZON-RAISE-2026-01-01), EUR 12,800,000 (HORIZON-RAISE-2026-01-02), Financial support to third parties (FSTP): up to EUR 60,000 per beneficiary
Budget	EUR 15,000,000 (HORIZON-RAISE-2026-01-01) EUR 12,800,000 (HORIZON-RAISE-2026-01-02)
Coverage	Core consortium activities must represent at least 85% of the total financial grant. FSTP recipients may receive a maximum of EUR 60,000 and must be based in an EU Member State or Associated Country.

Grant application conditions

Admissibility conditions	Proposal page limits and layout as described in Annex A and Annex E of the Horizon Europe Work Programme General Annexes; Part B of the Application Form; forms available in the Submission System.
Eligible countries	EU Member States and Associated Countries are eligible; other non-EU/non-Associated Countries may participate under specific provisions. See Horizon Europe Programme Guide.
Eligible organizations	Consortia must be composed of leading European research labs in the thematic area with strong experience in AI applied to scientific research. Participation from expertise in Social Sciences and Humanities is welcomed.
Consortium composition	At least half of the members of the consortium should have a proven track record in developing innovative AI solutions for scientific research.
Beneficiaries' financial and operational capacity	Financial and operational capacity as described in Annex C of the Work Programme General Annexes.
Application process	Standard application forms (HE RIA, IA) to be used; submission and evaluation process described in Annex F.
Legal and financial set-up	Beneficiaries may provide financial support to third parties (only as grants); max EUR 60,000 per recipient. FSTP recipients must be in a Member State or Associated Country.
FSTP allocation	FSTP activities must be integrated into separate work packages and conditions for implementing FSTP must be detailed in the proposal. The core consortium’s activities should represent a minimum of 85% of the total financial grant.
Documentation	https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-RAISE-2026-01-01

Eligible expenses

Evaluation criteria

Reporting

Application process

Application requirements