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European Commission

Accelerating Physical AI: Embodied Intelligence for the Next Frontier of AI-Powered Robotics

Pays physical-AI robotics teams a fixed EUR 300,000 lump-sum grant to validate a prototype and then build it into a real-world-tested system.

ClosedEuropean CommissionEU

The project itself runs in two stages: Stage 1 refines and validates a TRL 4+ prototype in a relevant environment, builds a performance-assessment methodology, and secures end-user commitment; Stage 2 (contingent on Stage 1 milestones and a full follow-on proposal) builds and tests an integrated, autonomous solution up to TRL 6-7, addressing scalability, certification and a commercialisation roadm…

This EIC Advanced Innovation Challenge backs disruptive Physical AI systems — robots and embodied AI that perceive, learn and act autonomously in complex real-world settings — showing at least two of: intelligent perception, adaptive learning, autonomous decision-making, human-AI collaboration, or physical integration innovation (new sensors, actuators, materials). Proposals must target at least one of three application areas: disaster response and civil security robotics, autonomous labs for scientific discovery, or personal/professional robot assistants.

CycleiHow often this grant runs - e.g. annually, on a rolling basis, or a one-off call.No fixed schedule
Next deadlineiThe next date applications are due. Rolling means you can apply any time.-
Decision timeiTypical time from the deadline to the funder's decision.-
Project durationiHow long the funded work is expected to run.-
Award typeiThe form of funding - grant, equity, loan, tax credit, etc.Grant
Match fundingiThe share of project costs you must cover yourself. 0% = fully funded.-
Funding pooliThe total budget available across all awards in this round.€6M

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