This call is part of the National Growth Fund Programme ‘Self-thinking Molecular Systems’ (also known as Big Chemistry). This call focuses on predicting the physical and chemical properties of complex molecular systems using AI. This call invites companies and researchers to explore this in a joint consortium.

Purpose

This call aims to bridge the gap between experimental chemistry, automation and artificial intelligence. This can be achieved, for example, through the integration of technological reaction platforms for parallel and/or serial experiments, robotic tools for lab automation and the development of chemistry-specific AI models.

Projects in this call serve one or more of the five research lines listed below, and should include both a chemical component and an AI component:

• Polymers
• Emulsions and surfactants
• Coatings and colloids
• Flavour and odour compounds
• Adhesives and electrolytes

Who can apply

Applications are to be submitted by a main applicant and, if applicable, one or more co-applicants. An application is written by a consortium in which besides the applicants, other participants can be involved as well.

There are four categories of participants that can participate in a consortium:

• Main applicant
• Co-applicant(s)
• Cooperation partner(s)
• Co-funder(s)

A consortium should consist of at least a main applicant and a co-funder. Only main- and co-applicants applying under this Call for proposals are eligible to receive funding.

Co-applicants can be employees of:

• the research organisations listed under ‘main applicant’ in Section 3.1.1
• enterprises and other public and private organisations (hereafter: enterprises and civil society organisations) other than the research organisations listed under ‘main applicant’ in Section 3.1.1..

What to apply for

A total of € 2,800,000 is available for this call. Up to seven proposals are expected to be granted.

Per project, maximum € 400,000 grant can be applied for. The maximum duration of the proposed project is 30 months. The applicant and co-applicants can include costs for personnel, equipment, investments and knowledge utilization.

An application requires at least 20% of the requested funding as co-funding.

When to apply

Deadline application: Thursday 20 February 2025 14:00 CET