Fortissimo Plus (FFPlus) announced the launch of two calls for proposals 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.
THE FFPlus is a European initiative Supported by the European partnership for high-performance computing, EuroHPC JU, of which the Foundation for Science and Technology is a member, through FCCN. EuroHPC JU was created to enhance 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 seeking to solve business challenges and develop innovative solutions using advanced technologies. Companies headquartered in EU member states or countries associated with the Digital Europe Program are eligible for these competitions.
Contest Details:
- Business Experiments: Deadline for submission of applications until September 4, 2024, with projects starting in January 2025. Maximum funding of 200 thousand euros per proposal.
- Innovation Studies: Deadline for submission of applications until September 4, 2024, with projects starting in December 2024. Maximum funding of 300 thousand euros per proposal.
Benefits
The aim is to show the business benefits and the impacts of HPC and AI adoption on real business models, including the solution of specific business challenges. Furthermore, the aim is to develop and optimize innovative products or processes and adapt and implement advanced technologies.
Webinars to support applications of European SMEs and startups
To support candidates, the competition promoter has been organizing a series of webinars aimed at European SMEs and startups, as well as supporting organizations (e.g., research institutes, universities, IT providers).
For clarification of doubts and information It is possible to review webinars that have already taken place.
The main objective of the FFPlus project is to raise awareness about the business benefits that technologies related to HPC and generative AI can bring to the industry, especially for SMEs and startups, and to support them in carrying out their innovation projects through financing mechanisms. “Open Calls”.
To find out everything about the initiatives FFPlus see the website.
