MANTRA 2nd Open Call – Support for Manufacturing SMEs

Overview

The MANTRA (Sustainable and Innovative Manufacturing by Ensuring Digital, Green, and Social SME Transformation) 2nd Open Call supports European manufacturing SMEs undertaking practical green, digital and social transformation projects.

The call is designed particularly for traditional manufacturing SMEs seeking to adopt advanced technologies, improve resource efficiency, strengthen resilience and develop more sustainable business models. The programme combines six months of free advisory support with a further six months of implementation support, including financial assistance of up to €50,000.

Funding Available

Up to €50,000 per selected SME as a lump-sum grant.

Under the 2nd Open Call, a maximum budget of €1.25 million is allocated to support up to 26 SMEs.

The financial support is specifically for external services required to implement the SME's transformation roadmap. Eligible services can include feasibility studies, prototyping, pilot testing, demonstrations, specialised consultancy and coaching.

Programme Support

Selected SMEs will receive:

Phase A – Advisory Services | 6 months

• Green and digital readiness assessment
• Matchmaking with technology and innovation partners
• Sustainable advisory services
• Transformation roadmap development
• Coaching and technical support
• Access to training, peer learning and networking

Phase B – Implementation | 6 months

• Up to €50,000 for procurement of eligible external services
• Prototyping, testing and demonstration
• Digitalisation and emerging technology support
• Sustainability and green transition services
• Business process improvement
• R&D and innovation support
• Market development and networking
• Training and skills development

Purpose and Objectives

The call aims to help manufacturing SMEs:

• Accelerate their green and digital transformation
• Adopt advanced technologies and social innovation
• Improve competitiveness and business resilience
• Reduce environmental impacts and resource consumption
• Strengthen circular and sustainable supply chains
• Develop credible transformation pathways linked to measurable business, environmental and social outcomes

Priority Transformation Areas

Eligible projects should address one or more areas such as:

• Raw materials: recycled materials, critical raw-material substitution and second-life solutions
• Safe and Sustainable by Design
• Circular economy
• Clean energy and energy efficiency
• Supply chain resilience
• Digital transformation and advanced technology adoption

Projects must also demonstrate environmental and socio-economic impact, including measurable improvements such as reduced waste, lower energy consumption or emissions, increased recycling, business growth, job creation or workforce upskilling.

Advanced Technologies

Each project must integrate at least one Advanced Technologies for Industry (ATI) technology supported by MANTRA.

These include advanced materials, advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, augmented and virtual reality, big data, cloud technologies, connectivity, industrial biotechnology, Internet of Things, micro- and nanoelectronics, mobility, photonics, robotics and security.

Eligible Applicants

Applicants must:

• Be a registered SME according to the European Commission SME definition or applicable stricter local rules
• Operate within an EU Member State
• Submit the application in English
• Demonstrate that their registered economic activity falls under an eligible NACE C manufacturing code
• Complete and upload the MANTRA Self-Assessment Report
• Submit the required signed Declaration of Honour
• Have no actual or potential conflict of interest in the selection process or project implementation

Horizon Europe Associated Countries are not eligible for this call.

Eligible Manufacturing Subsectors

Eligible SMEs must fall within the specified NACE C codes:

• Food: C10 – Manufacture of food products; C11 – Manufacture of beverages
• Metals: C24 – Manufacture of basic metals; C25 – Manufacture of fabricated metal products, except machinery and equipment
• Plastics: C22 – Manufacture of rubber and plastic products
• Ceramics: C23 – Manufacture of other non-metallic mineral products
• Textiles: C13 – Manufacture of textiles; C14 – Manufacture of wearing apparel; C15 – Manufacture of leather and related products of other materials

Geographic Scope

European Union Member States only.

SMEs established in Horizon Europe Associated Countries are not eligible for this call.

Important Dates

Call opened: 15 June 2026
Application deadline: 15 October 2026, 17:00 CET
Selection process: October–November 2026
Notification of successful applicants: November–December 2026
Sub-Grant Agreement: December 2026–January 2027
Expected project start: January–February 2027

Important Applicant Information

Registration with the MANTRA Community is mandatory before participating in the Open Call. Applicants must complete both the application form and the MANTRA Self-Assessment Tool, then submit the full proposal in English together with the signed Declaration of Honour and supporting documentation.

The €50,000 support cannot be used for internal SME costs such as salaries, internal staff time, travel, accommodation, equipment purchases or infrastructure. It is limited to eligible external services.

Click HERE to visit the official website.