The SPIDER project in collaboration with the BELLA Programme, launches a Call for Ideas with the aim of collecting innovative proposals that maximize the use and exploitation of BELLA in the context of cooperation in research and innovation (R&I) and digital transformation in Latin America and Europe.
This call seeks to foster collaborative solutions involving multiple actors focusing on well-defined challenges. Three key technological areas have been identified for the call:
1. Artificial Intelligence (AI)
2. Cybersecurity
3. Sharing of digital resources
Proposals may combine various technologies such as supercomputing, cloud services, 5G, Internet of Things (IoT), quantum computing, big data and blockchain.
Structure and development
- Modality: The call will be developed in virtual format with synchronous sessions, including conferences on the thematic axes. In addition, simultaneous activities will be held at the opening and closing of the event.
- Languages: Spanish, Portuguese and English.
- Participation: Open to individuals, groups, companies and consortia. Each participant must submit a strategic concept note for their idea, including details about the proposed solution and its motivation.
- Platform: A website will be enabled with detailed information about SPIDER and the call, conditions of participation, registration and submission form for proposals, as well as results and related activities. This portal will be integrated with the SPIDER and RedCLARA websites.
- Evaluation: A jury of experts in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, sharing of digital resources, EU-LAC cooperation and business development will evaluate the proposals.
Who can apply?
This call is open to individuals and work teams from Europe and Latin America and the Caribbean:
- SMEs and Startups
- Research and innovation centres
- Universities and Academic organisations
- Large research infrastructures (Copernicus, SCALAC, Supercomputing Centres, etc.)
- Collaborative and associative organisations
- Government entities (linked to Innovation and Technology issues)
Evaluation criteria
The ideas will be evaluated according to the following criteria:
1. Innovation and creativity: Does the proposal introduce a novel or disruptive approach?
2. Relevance for BELLA: How does it contribute to the use of BELLA's infrastructure?
3. Technical feasibility: Are there technologies available to develop the idea?
4. Potential impact: Does it have concrete applications with a significant impact on digital cooperation?
5. Maturity of the idea: Identify the maturity level of the idea, project, prototype, or solution according to the TRL scale
Benefits for the selected ideas
- Visibility of your proposals
- Connection with investors and key players in the digital ecosystem
- Participation in 2 webinars: digital maturity diagnosis/assessment and go-to-market strategies
- 2 hours of one-on-one mentoring (pitch deck development tutoring session and pitch deck review + mock individual pitch training)
- Dissemination of service portfolios collected from organisations participating in SPIDER Twinning Programme for EU-LAC digital partnerships
- Top 10 Ideas Presentation at Final Pitching Day
Important dates
- March 10: Registration opens
- March 17- April 2nd: Motivational talks
- April 4: Registration closes
- April 9: Deadline to submit proposals
- April 10-25: Evaluation and selection
- April 28: Publication of selected ideas
