Fortissimo Plus (FFPlus) has announced the launch of two calls to support European small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with High Performance Computing (HPC) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) projects. Portuguese companies are eligible and encouraged to participate and can apply now.
FFPlus is a European initiative supported by the European Partnership for High Performance Computing EuroHPC JU, which includes the Foundation for Science and Technology, through FCCN. EuroHPC JU was created with the aim of boosting the performance and industrial competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through transformative technologies such as High Performance Computing (HPC) and Artificial Intelligence (AI).
The launch of these two FFPlus competitions, with a financial allocation of 4 million euros, highlights the adoption of HPC and AI for SMEs and startups across Europe looking to solve business challenges and develop innovative solutions using advanced technologies. Companies based in EU member states or countries associated with the Digital Europe Program are eligible for these calls.
Tender details:
- Business Experiments: Deadline for submitting applications is September 4, 2024, with projects starting in January 2025. Maximum funding of 200,000 euros per proposal.
- Innovation StudiesDeadline for submitting applications is September 4, 2024, with projects starting in December 2024. Maximum funding of 300,000 euros per proposal.
Benefits
The aim is to show the business benefits and impacts of adopting HPC and AI in real business models, including the solution of specific business challenges. In addition, the aim is to develop and optimize innovative products or processes and to adapt and implement advanced technologies.
Webinars to support applications from SMEs and European startups
To support applicants, the promoter of the calls has been organizing a series of Webinars aimed at European SMEs and startups, as well as support organizations (e.g. research institutes, universities, IT providers).
For clarification and information, you can review the webinars that have already taken place.
The main objective of the FFPlus project is to raise awareness of the business benefits that technologies related to HPC and generative AI could bring to industry, especially SMEs and startups, and to support them in carrying out their innovation projects through "Open Calls" funding mechanisms.
To find out more about the FFPlus initiatives visit the website.
