MANTRA project was funded under HORIZON-CL4-2024-RESILIENCE-01-41 - 'Innovate to transform' support for SME's sustainability transition (CSA) call. The overall objective of the project is to boost green and digital transition of European manufacturing SMEs through the uptake of advanced technologies and social innovation. The project, which began on 1 November 2024 and will run until 30 April 2028 has a total budget of €5 million. Approximately €2.5 million is allocated to a cascade funding mechanism that supports EU manufacturing SMEs.
In line with the EU’s 2030 vision for manufacturing, which emphasises competitiveness, sustainability, resilient ecosystems, and meeting rising environmental and social demands, MANTRA will support the transformation journeys of 50 manufacturing SMEs.
The MANTRA project invites manufacturing SMEs across the EU, particularly in the plastics, machinery, ceramics, metals, textiles and food sectors, to participate in a transformative initiative that promotes sustainable and innovative manufacturing through digital, green and social transformation. The objective of this call is to select the manufacturing SMEs that will receive support to define and implement their MANTRA Journey plan, with the aim of becoming more sustainable and innovative. Through this initiative, selected SMEs will enhance their capacity to adopt advanced technologies and social innovation for sustainability, by collaboration with tech-savvy SMEs and accessing services provided by EU specialised business support networks and organizations. Financial support of up to EUR 50,000 per SME will be available to implement the recommended transformation. Proposals should focus on a proposed transformation project that is realistic, impactful, and embedded in the SME’s strategy for long-term sustainability and growth through the uptake of advanced technologies. Applicants’ concept must contribute to the green and digital transformation of the SME ensuring reducing environmental impacts while enhancing the competitiveness and resilience of the business. Projects should align with circular economy principles and consider inclusive, socially responsible practices.
Prepare your application by following the Guidelines for Applicants. Be sure to include in the documents of your application your self-assessment and the signed Declaration of Honour. Once all the information is complete, submit your proposal via the MANTRA platform. The MANTRA platform will be the sole channel for submitting proposals. Once a proposal has been submitted, it cannot be modified. No late submissions will be accepted after the deadline.
Summary of the application process step-by-step:
Evaluation
Proposals will be evaluated across five key areas, each scored on a scale from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent):
- Project execution and the relevance of the requested MANTRA support
- Digital approach
- Business approach
- Environmental approach
- Social approach
Please consult the details of the application and evaluation procedures in the guidelines for applicants available on the MANTRA project webpage
For any questions or clarifications related to the MANTRA call for SMEs, please contact the Helpdesk at: info@mantra-project.eu.
The MANTRA Helpdesk team is available to assist you with any inquiries regarding the process, eligibility, information requirements, or technical issues.