About ReStartSME

The ReStartSMEs project aims to support traditional manufacturing SMEs to adapt to value-chains and demand changed by the Covid-19 crisis, accompanying them in the adoption of new technologies towards the realization of Industry 5.0. The latter is a more resilient and sustainable approach to industry 4.0, combining technologies for energy efficiency and resilience to external shocks. To reach its goals, the project operates on five main lines of action: 

  • Enabling the transnational exchange and mutual learning between traditional manufacturing SMEs: Through the creation of Strategic Alliances – where traditional SMEs can exchange with peer with same needs in terms of technology adoption and learn from tech-savvy SMEs
  • Upskilling and reskilling SMEs’ workforce to adapt to new value chains and a changed competitive environment: Through a training programme focused on technology convergence in Industry 5.0 and dedicated technical and business support
  • Understanding the needs of single SMEs and defining an individual pathway for technology transformation: By assessing the maturity of adoption of Industry 5.0 concepts and technology of each traditional SMEs and defining an individual technology adoption roadmap
  • Creating opportunity for exchange between Strategic Alliances of traditional SMEs and tech-savvy SMEs: Through the organisation of specific events such as Hackathon and virtual Matchmaking
  • Raising awareness and building a sustainable community of all key actors involved in the process: By connecting all the actors involved in events such as Peer Review meeting and final conference and in the ReStartSMEs.

ReStartSMEs is a project funded by the European Commission and implemented by a consortium of five European Clusters (bwconTorino Wireless, Mobinov, ClusteroLinpra), two technology providers (Eurecat and Imec) and a Community of European tech Innovators (FundingBox Accelerator).

Call for EOI for Cluster Associate Partners

ReStartSMEs is opening a call for Expression of interest for Cluster Associate Partners to extend the impact of its activities to European Countries beyond the one already covered by consortium partners. Clusters (or other legal entities) representing traditional manufacturing SMEs, especially from industrial transition regions are eligible and welcome to apply. Cluster Associated partners will act as multipliers to spread the messages and activities of ReStartSMEs in their countries, with the final aim of involving their own SMEs’ members in the project activities, namely:

  • The Strategic Alliances
  • The call for Expression of Interest for traditional manufacturing SMEs and tech-savvy SMEs
  • The five transnational Hackathons
  • The training programme and study visits
  • The peer learning events

Services expected from Cluster Associated Partners

Cluster (or other institution) selected as Clusters Associated Partners of the ReStartSMEs project will set up a contract with a local partner for the entire project duration and will act as service providers. Cluster Associated Partners are expected to deliver the following services: 

  • Promote the Call of Expressions-of-Interest for Manufacturing SME and startups among their members and local/national ecosystem;
  • Onboard Traditional SMEs from their network in the Strategic Alliances,and further projects activities (as Hackathon and Training).
  • Onboard tech-savvy startups/SMEs to ReStartSMEs events.
  • Promote all events organized as part of ReStartSMEs (such as Hackathon, Matchmaking Events, Peer Meetings and Final Event).
  • Attend (physically or virtually) the Peer Meetings to learn from the ReStartSMEs process, methodologies and lessons learned with the final scope to implement similar actions at local level to support the adoption of advance technologies by the traditional sectors.
  • Management and monitoring tasks. Attend webinars and meetings with the ReStartSMEs consortium to get to know the process, KPI, tools available. Contribute to the monitoring process to prove the services offered and the impact at target groups level.

Eligibility criteria

Clusters (or other institutions) of SMEs working in the manufacturing sector are eligible. Priority will be given to clusters in the following areas 

  • Automotive
  • Food
  • Machinery & Equipment
  • Textile
  • Other sectors

Clusters should represent regions in industrial transition and should preferably be based in of the following countries:

  • Austria
  • Bulgaria
  • Croatia
  • Czech Republic
  • Denmark
  • Estonia
  • Finland
  • France
  • Greece
  • Hungary
  • Latvia
  • Slovakia
  • Slovenia
  • Spain

Cross countries cluster or other institutions (with members from different countries) are eligible too but needs to specify in the bid clearly which countries they represent the most.The list of countries above is not exhaustive as all EU Member and Associated States are eligible. Clusters (or other institutions) from Belgium, Italy, Germany, Poland, Lithuania and Portugal are not eligible but are invited to get in touch with the ReStartSMEs to evaluate further opportunities for collaboration for their members. Clusters must provide clear evidence of being able to involve a critical number of SMEs through their actions (e.g., through members’ list, activities performed, results of previous calls for SMEs etc…). Supporting documentation needs to be submitted for this purpose. Only complete offers will be taken in consideration for the selection.

How to apply?

Fill in the form below until 14th April 2022 at 23:59 (CEST).