From 10 to 12 December 2025, the AID4SME consortium convened in Ljubljana, Slovenia, for a highly productive General Assembly, hosted by project partner JSI – the Jožef Stefan Institute. The meeting marked an important moment in the project’s progression toward selecting the SMEs that will receive support under Open Call 1.
The agenda was both intense and dynamic, reflecting the project’s transition into a crucial phase. Partners reviewed the overall project status, aligned on upcoming tasks, and discussed the next steps leading into 2026. In addition to the working sessions, the consortium participated in three technical visits—each offering valuable insights into industrial capabilities relevant to AID4SME’s mission:
- JSI – Robotics and Systems & Control Department,
- ELES – Slovenia’s electric power transmission and system operator,
- LTH – a specialist in complex pressure die‑cast aluminium components.
Final Steps Toward Selecting 10 Innovative SMEs
Following an impressive response to Open Call 1, which attracted more than 200 applications, the project is now in the delicate and exciting phase of selecting the SMEs that will participate in the upcoming solution‑development cycle. Applications have already undergone evaluation by external reviewers, and the final selection of 10 SMEs will be made by the consortium.
Once selected, the SMEs will begin their 14‑month solution‑development period in the early months of the new year — a major step forward in supporting European companies in adopting advanced AI and data‑driven technologies.
The meeting in Ljubljana highlighted the strong collaborative spirit within the AID4SME consortium and reinforced the shared commitment to helping SMEs leverage innovation for improved competitiveness and sustainability.
