Introduction
Cascade funding is a good opportunity for companies to access European funds in a more direct and less bureaucratic way. During the online event held on 2 July 2024, organised by CEEIM and AUSTRALO, it was explained in detail how companies can access this type of funding through specific projects such as CORTEX2, NGI SARGASSO and the EU-LAC Digital Accelerator.
What is Cascade Finance?
Cascade funding allows SMEs and start-ups to access European funds through intermediaries, which are typically innovation projects funded by the European Commission. These intermediaries distribute funds to smaller companies through open calls for proposals, thus facilitating access to funding.
Featured Cascade Finance Projects
CORTEX2
The CORTEX2 project aims to boost innovation in emerging technologies, especially in the field of artificial intelligence and robotics. This project offers grants for the development of innovative solutions that favour remote collaboration and that can be integrated into various industrial sectors.
- Deadline: 15 August 2024.
- Number of projects and budget: 10 projects with an allocation of €100,000 each.
- Requirements: Technology companies, SMEs; Research Centres, with innovative projects in AI and robotics. Potential impact and technical feasibility will be assessed.
The topics of the Open Call 2 of the CORTEX2 project are as follows:
-Ambodied Avatar: Development of avatars that represent users realistically and can interact in virtual environments.
-Smart Generator: Intelligent tools for the automated creation of digital content and environments.
-Virtual Experiences Editor: Advanced editors for creating and modifying immersive virtual experiences.
-Multi Person Reaction Recognition (MPRR): Recognition of multiple person reactions in virtual environments.
Gaussian-splatting-based Reality Capture for VR: Gaussian-splatting-based reality capture for virtual reality applications.
-3D Model Database: Databases of 3D models for easy access and use in virtual projects.
Real-time Voice Translation: Real-time voice translation to improve communication in virtual environments.
Anonymising Meeting's Content for Privacy-Free Data Storage: Anonymising meeting content for privacy-free data storage.
Consultations: https://cortex2.eu/open-calls/open-call-2/ for:
- General information on the call
- Call documents (GfA)
- Access to the application platform
- Access to Info Webinars registration and recordings
Contact: opencall@cortex2.eu
NGI SARGASSO
NGI SARGASSO is part of the Next Generation Internet (NGI) initiative and focuses on the development of decentralised technologies and applications for the web of the future.
- Deadlines: 1 August 2024.
- Number of projects and budget: 2 projects with a timeframe of 3 months and a grant of up to €50,000, 8 projects with a timeframe of 9 months and a grant of up to €100,000,
- Requirements: universities, foundations, technology centres and start-ups. The teams with at least one entity from the European Union and one from the USA or Canada.
- Topics: Trust, Data Sovereignty, Digital Identity, Internet Architecture & Renovation, Decentralized Technology, New Internet Commons, Data, Blockchain and DLTs, Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, 6G & Novel Networks, Open Source Hardware & Software, Software Architecture, IoT
- Link for applicants from Europe: https://ngisargasso.eu/eu-applicants-oc4/
EU-LAC Digital Accelerator
The EU-LAC Digital Accelerator seeks to strengthen digital cooperation between Europe and Latin America and the Caribbean. This programme provides funding for projects that promote digitisation and technological innovation in both regions.
- Deadlines: call open until December 2027.
- Requirements: Companies with proposals for cross-border collaboration that integrate innovative digital solutions. Priority is given to projects that favour digital inclusion and international cooperation.
- Number of projects and budget: 60 challenges with €30,000 of in-kind services
- Contact: https://eulacdigitalaccelerator.com/
How to Access Finance:
Step 1: Identify the Right Project
Analyse the different cascade funding opportunities and select the project that best aligns with your objectives and capacities.
Step 2: Prepare Documentation
Each project has its own requirements and necessary documentation. Be sure to prepare a solid proposal that includes the business plan, the expected impact, and the technical and financial feasibility.
Step 3: Submit the Application
Submit your application within the established deadlines. Make sure you meet all requirements and provide all requested documentation.
Step 4: Monitoring and Evaluation
After submitting the application, actively monitor the assessment process. Be prepared to provide additional information if requested.
Conclusion
Cascade funding represents an opportunity for companies looking to innovate and grow. Projects such as CORTEX2, NGI SARGASSO and the EU-LAC Digital Accelerator offer accessible ways to obtain the resources needed to develop advanced technological solutions. Participating in these calls can be a decisive step to propel your company into the future of construction and technology.
