Pre-Announcement I4MS regional Hubs

ICT Innovation for Manufacturing SMEs (I4MS) is a key component of the EU Strategy for digitising the European industry. I4MS aims at improving the competitiveness of the EU manufacturing sector by increasing the uptake of advanced ICT, with a specific focus on SMEs in the industrial sector.

I4MS supports the uptake and adoption of a number of key technologies including: Robotics, HPC cloud based simulation services, laser based applications, and cyber-physical systems (IoT). I4MS involves both Innovation and Support Actions to promote the active engagement of SMEs to these technologies.

In early November 2015 I4MS will open a call to request proposals for the establishment of Regional Innovation Hubs in regions not currently participating in the I4MS initiative. The aim of the call is to expand the coverage of the I4MS to regions that show limited activity in the field of I4MS. The proposals should contain a solid plan for creating a digital innovation hub in the regions by a consortium of relevant organisations and should include a plan for financing such a hub. I4MS will provide mentoring and coaching services to the selected innovation hubs.

The call aims at consortia of organisations that show expertise, infrastructure and a preliminary network in the I4MS domain in regions where there is no I4MS competence centres planned or present. Funding will be provided up to €50,000 for direct costs and travel and  a total of 20-30 hubs are planned. The project time frame including mentoring and coaching and the development of a solid plan for the regional hub will be 6 months. The call will be open from early November 2015 until early March 2016.

Full details will be available from early November at the following URL: www.i4ms.eu