Deadline: 04-May-2026
The COP-PILOT Horizon 1st Open Call offers up to €200,000 in funding and 8 months of support to SMEs and consortia developing AI and IoT-based solutions across sectors like mining, smart cities, energy, and agriculture.
Overview
The COP-PILOT 1st Open Call invites innovators to build and test solutions on a collaborative platform designed to address real-world, cross-sector challenges.
The initiative is part of the Horizon Europe programme, focusing on advanced digital infrastructure and intelligent service orchestration.
Programme Objectives
The project aims to:
- Develop an open multi-layer orchestration platform
- Enable collaboration across IoT, edge, and core computing environments
- Simplify AI-based service onboarding and integration
- Ensure automatic SLA (Service Level Agreement) compliance
- Provide auto-pilot tools for infrastructure and cluster management
Key Technology Focus
Advanced Platform Development
- Multi-layer orchestration across heterogeneous domains
- Integration across IoT → edge → cloud (core) continuum
AI and Automation
- AI-powered service onboarding tools
- Automated SLA monitoring and compliance
Infrastructure Management
- Auto-pilot tools for cluster registration and scaling
- Use of standardized TMF data models and APIs
Pilot Clusters
Selected projects will be tested across real-world environments:
- Mining – Sweden
- Real-time operations and predictive analytics
- Smart Cities & Buildings – Valencia
- Urban IoT and infrastructure management
- Energy – Preveza
- Edge intelligence for grid reliability
- Agriculture – Central Macedonia
- Precision farming and supply chain optimization
- Smart Vineyards – Multiple locations
- Multi-domain IoT ecosystems
Funding and Support
- Grant amount: Up to €200,000
- Funding rate: 100% (no co-financing required)
- Duration: 8 months
Additional Benefits
- Mentoring and technical support
- Access to COP-PILOT platform and tools
- Training for integration and deployment
- Opportunity to contribute to a major EU innovation initiative
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be SMEs or SME-led consortia (minimum 2 partners)
- Have an SME as the lead partner
- Be based in:
- EU Member States or
- Horizon Europe Associated Countries
Eligible Partners
- Large enterprises
- Research institutions
- Universities
- Non-profits
- Public entities (where allowed)
Compliance Requirements
- Not bankrupt or under insolvency
- Compliant with tax and social security obligations
Why This Programme Matters
This initiative is important because it:
- Supports cutting-edge AI and IoT innovation
- Enables real-world testing in multiple industries
- Bridges research and practical deployment
- Strengthens Europe’s digital infrastructure
- Promotes cross-sector collaboration
How to Apply
Steps
- Form a Consortium
Ensure SME leadership with at least two partners - Define Use Case
Align with one or more pilot clusters - Develop Proposal
Include:
- Technical solution
- Integration approach
- Expected impact
- Prepare Budget
Ensure alignment with eligible cost coverage - Submit Application
Through the official Horizon Europe / COP-PILOT portal
Key Tips for Applicants
- Focus on real-world applicability and scalability
- Align clearly with pilot cluster needs
- Demonstrate strong technical and AI capabilities
- Highlight consortium strengths and roles
- Emphasize integration with the COP-PILOT platform
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not meeting SME-led consortium requirement
- Weak alignment with pilot use cases
- Overly complex or unclear technical proposals
- Ignoring platform integration requirements
- Incomplete partner roles or documentation
FAQs
1. What is the maximum funding available?
Up to €200,000 per project.
2. Is co-financing required?
No, funding covers 100% of eligible costs.
3. Who can apply?
SMEs or SME-led consortia based in eligible countries.
4. What sectors are targeted?
Mining, smart cities, energy, agriculture, and smart vineyards.
5. How long is the support period?
Eight months.
6. Are partnerships required?
Yes, at least two partners with an SME as lead.
7. What is the main benefit?
Funding, mentoring, and real-world testing opportunities.
Conclusion
The COP-PILOT Open Call is a strong opportunity for SMEs and innovators to develop and test advanced AI and IoT solutions in real-world environments.
With full funding, technical support, and access to pilot sites, it enables impactful innovation across multiple sectors.
For more information, visit COP-PILOT.
