This Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Action (RIA) aims to develop and demonstrate advanced AI-based solutions that can significantly improve the competitiveness, sustainability and resilience of Europe’s process industries.

The call targets the use of emerging AI approaches, including multimodal generative AI, foundation models and agentic AI, to move beyond conventional applications such as predictive maintenance and quality control. Projects should focus on one or more of three areas: faster and more effective development of new materials and processes; more competitive and sustainable production through AI-supported optimisation of plants and value networks; or reducing health, safety and environmental risks in process industries.

AI solutions should be designed with reliability, security, trustworthiness and user acceptance in mind, while also considering integration into companies’ existing IT/OT environments and appropriate training of users. Proposals are expected to demonstrate a clear business case and exploitation strategy, and to collaborate with relevant European initiatives under the Processes4Planet and AI, Data and Robotics partnerships. The total indicative budget is €30 million, with an expected EU contribution of €4-6 million per project and approximately six projects expected to be funded.

The call uses a two-stage application procedure, with the second-stage deadline on 13 October 2026.