The H2020 project EUHubs4Data has just launched a new Open Call for Experiments, with support available for 18 selected applicants in the form of a grant of 60.000€ and access to DIH services worth up to 70.000€ (total direct funding available: 1.080.000€). The Open Call is looking for SMEs to submit proposals to use the data services and datasets offered by the DIH federation, to enhance and further their own product development processes, with the expected result of an improved product or service that is closer to the market. You can look at the catalogue of services that are offered through the federation on the project website, to understand better the services and assets that are available for use.

As mentioned, the experiments will be supported by a grant and are expected to last for six months, during which the selected SMEs will work closely with the DIH service providers to access the services and assets that are part of the experiment, and apply them to their design processes. The purpose of the experiments is to show how SMEs, using the catalogue and DIH services, can improve their products and services and therefore enhance their business offer, thereby validating the DIH federation concept. This support is worth the equivalent of 70.000€, so it is a valuable opportunity to access beneficial services.

To apply for the Open Call, an application must be submitted on the application portal, which is now open for submissions. The call will close on the 9 November. Applications are expected to detail several different aspects of the experiment, such as its innovation potential; how the selected services and datasets can lead to an improved product; the impact that a successful experiment will have on your business offer; and the workplan and milestones for achieving a successful experiment. For further information on how to apply, you can read the guidelines for applicants here.

For more information on the Open Call, you can view our workshop on how DIH services can help SMEs innovate on Youtube.

The project will be hosting two webinars to introduce the Open Call (as part of the project’s SME Roadshow):

• September 19^th, 11:00 – 12:00 CEST (register here!)
• October 25^th, 11:00 – 12:00 CEST

Background on EUHubs4Data

The purpose of the EUH4D project is to establish a federation of European Data Driven Innovation Hubs, to become the European reference for data driven innovation and experimentation, fostering collaboration between data driven initiatives in Europe, federating solutions in a common global catalogue of data services, and sharing data in a cross-border and cross-sector basis.

With the objective of serving as reference to the establishment of the Common European Data Spaces, the federation was initially composed of 12 DIHs, covering 10 countries and 12 different regions, and has recently expanded to now include 30 DIHs and over 240 services in the catalogue.

For more information, you can contact James Philpot (j.philpot@digitalsme.eu).