The SPIDER project (https://spidernetwork.org/), in collaboration with the BELLA Programme (https://bella-programme.eu/en/), 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.
Target Audience
The call is aimed at key actors such as:
- Companies (SMEs and startups)
- Research centers
- Innovators in the academic field
- Entrepreneurs
- Government entities in Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean
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: Is it well structured and does it have a solid approach?
Results and Selection
- It is expected to collect at least 20 proposals within the call.
- A jury, including members of the WP4 - Twinning Programme for EU-LAC Digital Partnerships, will select 10 ideas (five from LAC and five from the EU) to receive support and connections with investors.
- The 10 selected ideas, whether from startups or individual applicants, will present their solutions at an online Demo-Day at the end of the project.
Benefits for the selected ideas
The authors of the outstanding proposals will be able to receive:
• Visibility of their proposals;
• Connection with investors and key players in the digital ecosystem;
• 2 webinars: diagnosis/assessment of digital maturity and go-to-market strategies;
• 2 hours of individual mentoring (mentoring session on pitch deck development and pitch deck review + individual training simulation on pitch); and
• Dissemination of the service portfolios collected from the organisations participating in the twinning programme.
Important dates
Call and registration: 10-21 March.
Conference Week: March 17-21
Deadline for submitting ideas: March 25
Jury evaluation: March 26-28
Evaluation Committee meeting: March 31
Publication of results and selection of outstanding ideas: April 2
Presentation of the best idea at Final Pitching Day: date to be confirmed
