Introduction
This is the first Open Call for Experiments under the LAUDS Factories project, co-funded by the European Union. The aim is to fund and support experiments focusing on the collaboration between artists, creative individuals, technology providers, and end-users, following the New European Bauhaus spirit. Hybrid teams will explore and work with LAUDS factories to enhance usability and uptake, aligned with specific conditions and challenges.
Background
Societal transformation and innovation governance are crucial for solving environmental problems. Digital communities and SMEs are innovating with open-source projects and sustainable business models. Transitioning to a low-carbon, resource-efficient bioeconomy involves decentralised, local, and urban manufacturing within existing ecosystems. Small, versatile factories close to consumers promote local production, reducing transportation costs and enhancing sustainability.
Objectives and Challenges
LAUDS Factories aim to create small, versatile factories in urban areas to produce customised products. The project seeks to enhance customer experience, boost local development, and promote open-source hardware solutions. Experiments will address specific challenges in mobility, energy, and agriculture/food production domains.
Timetable
- Call opening: 29 May 2024
- Submission deadline: 29 July 2024, 17:00 CET
- Evaluation: 30 July – 29 August 2024
- Evaluation results: 30 August 2024
- Sub-grant agreement signature: 30 September 2024
- Experiment execution: 1 October 2024 – 30 September 2025
Available Budget
The total budget is 240,000 Euros, with up to 40,000 Euros per experiment. Grants will be paid in three lump sums: 40% at the start, 40% at interim assessment, and 20% upon completion.
Admissibility and Documents
Proposals must be submitted electronically in English by the deadline. Additional documents may be requested from selected applicants.
Eligibility
Proposals must include at least two legal entities from EU Member States or Horizon Europe associated countries. The team must consist of a technology provider and an artist/creative professional.
Selection Criteria
Proposals will be evaluated based on technical approach, innovation potential, technical capacities, and cost-benefit. Each criterion is scored from 0 to 5, with a minimum threshold of 3.
Financial Provisions
Payments are scheduled in three installments: 40% at the start, 40% at interim assessment, and 20% upon completion. Contracts will be signed between the beneficiary and the LAUDS Factories consortium.
Visibility
Beneficiaries must acknowledge the European Union’s contribution in all activities and use the LAUDS Factories logo where appropriate.
Processing of Personal Data
Personal data will be processed according to EU regulations for evaluating applications.
How to Submit an Application
Submit proposals by 29 July 2024, 17:00 CET, via the provided link. Complete the application form, technical annex, and budget template. Confirmation emails will be sent upon successful submission. Queries can be sent to lauds.opencall@inova.business until 22 July 2024.
