Smart Era 2026

The second Open Call for Followers Micro-Pilots under the SMART ERA project will open on 12 June 2026. With this call, SMART ERA aims to transfer its results, methodologies and validation strategies to 4 new ‘follower regions’ engaging new local communities and demonstrating the replicability and potential impact of the project’s approach. (cf. the Guide for Applicants).

SMART ERA is set to breathe new life into rural areas by providing smart innovation packages (SIPs) to combat depopulation and address socio-economic and environmental challenges. SMART ERA is spearheading  a community-centric transformation encompassing technology, governance, business, society, and policymaking.

Selected applicants will act as micro-pilots, replicating the SMART ERA methodology by identifying their own regional needs and co-designing new ‘smart innovation packages’. These are tailored toolkits, co-designed with rural communities, that combine digital technologies with non-technological strategies, such as innovative business and governance models. 

Successful applicants will receive up to €90,000 in funding and participate in a twelve-month mentoring and support programme.

Followers micro-pilots

This funding will support four individual or consortium-based FSTP projects targeting follower regions. Each consortium will comprise a community activator (eligible for up to €30,000 in funding) and an SME or tech developer acting as a pilot orchestrator (eligible for up to €60,000 in funding). Individual applicants may also apply, covering both roles and receiving up to €60,000 in funding. The objective of this call is to transfer SMART ERA results to new pilots, engage new local communities and demonstrate the project’s potential impact . These new pilots will utilise SMART ERA methodologies to identify regional needs and co-design new SIPs based on the project’s innovative solutions.

Application period: 12 June 2026 - 15 September 2026, 13:00 CEST

More information SMART ERA