The National Research Council (CNR) has launched a major call targeting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) involved in industrial research and experimental development. With a total funding of 20 million euros, the call aims to promote innovation and the use of sustainable technologies for biodiversity conservation.

The call is targeted at micro, small and medium-sized enterprises wishing to develop innovative projects in the field of biodiversity.

Funding, up to €1 million per project, will be allocated to support innovation in low-cost green technologies, Internet of Things (IoT), and Artificial Intelligence (AI) for the conservation, monitoring, restoration, and enhancement of biodiversity in various contexts: marine, terrestrial (including freshwater), and urban. Projects can be developed in different contexts, including marine, land, and urban areas, falling under one of the ten topics specified in the call. For more information you can contact Maria Carmela Basile Head of the Research Enhancement Unit of the National Research Council (CNR), and Principal investigator of NBFC Spoke 8 email: mariacarmela.basile@cnr.it tel. 06/49932617.

The goal is to expand the horizon of innovation and active participation of SMEs in the development of novel technologies and applications aimed at biodiversity conservation and development. Selected projects will benefit from the support of the CNR Research Enhancement Unit and the NBFC Hub to ensure development in line with the goals of the National Biodiversity Future Center. This initiative represents a concrete opportunity for the support of SMEs that will be able to actively contribute to biodiversity protection and sustainable development, opening up new business opportunities nationally and internationally. The full call for proposals can be found at: https://www.cnr.it/it/promozione-marketing-risultati-ricerca. Applications for funding can be submitted no later than 6 p.m. on March 14, 2024.