Our Open Call has launched! In this article you can find information about the programme and phases of the Open Call together with the submission requirements.  

In light of the current COVID-19 crisis, it is essential to further stimulate the development of digital innovations which can tackle the challenges currently faced by the Agrifood sector. Considering this, SmartAgriHubs has investigated the possibilities for funding innovation that helps our sector in these trying times. Can digital innovation help mitigate the consequences of COVID-19? For this reason, we are launching our RESPOND open call, which is open between the 12th of May and the 3rd of June 2020.

The SAH Open Call will consist of a three-phase programme. The first phase is the RESPOND phase. Thereafter, the second and third will follow, namely the RESTART and EXPAND phase will provide more opportunities for applying for the open call. The SAH Open Call programme shall help to mobilise initiatives, either by further expanding regional and international networks supported by Digital Innovation Hubs (DIHs) or by supporting hackathon activities. For now, the SmartAgriHubs RESPOND open call focuses on the organisation and realisation of hackathon type of activities and the proposal of immediate technological solutions that will RESPOND to the effects of the COVID-19 crisis, and use potential opportunities to fight against the pandemic.

 

What is the RESPOND phase?  

As of this week, the first phase with Open Calls is open, bringing possibilities for funding related to the COVID-19 crisis. During the RESPOND phase, the SAH community will directly tackle the challenges faced in the agri-food sector due to the current crisis. The focus of the RESPOND Open Calls is on hackathon type of activities proposing solutions to minimise the effects of the current crisis.  Additionally, these activities will help identify what role digital innovations can play to mitigate the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic in the agri-food domain. 

What are the criteria for presenting a PROPOSAL?  

If  parties want to participate in this open call, there are two possibilities, either for Digital Innovation Hubs (DIHs) or SMEs:

 

• For Digital Innovation Hubs:
  Proposals must include at least one DIH. SmartAgriHubs considers that proposals requesting a contribution from 10.000 to 30.000 Euros would allow to support the realities of activities appropriately.
• For Small and Medium Enterprises, including Start-ups:
  Proposals are submitted by SMEs/Start-ups aiming at the direct realization of digital innovations mitigating the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in the agri-food sector. SmartAgriHubs considers that proposal requesting a contribution from 30.000 to 50.000 Euros would allow to support the realization of activities appropriately.

If you want to learn more on how to submit a proposal, or you have any other questions regarding the Open Call you will need to register on to our Innovation Portal. This is free and only takes up to two minutes. Subsequently, once registered you can post under the relevant thread in the forum.