Demonstration projects
In order to increase the digital capacity of Estonian companies, we conduct test before invest demo projects where we test artificial intelligence and robotics solutions to overcome the challenges of companies. Valuing the broad-based creation of innovation, we initiate test before invest demo projects in as many different fields as possible and develop innovative solutions that do not duplicate existing technologies offered by private companies.
AI & Robotics Estonia (AIRE) invites Estonian companies to submit applications to the “Call for ideas for test before invest demoprojects” in order to increase their competitiveness. AIRE’s demo ‘test before invest’ project service allows companies to test Artificial Intelligece (AI) and robotics technologies before investing, encouraging further investment in digital technologies. In this context, the focus is on narrow artificial intelligence — the use of AI with clear accountability boundaries and defined foundations, which supports humans in decision-making.
What are AIRE demonstration projects for?
AIRE enables collaboration with universities and other AIRE consortium partners (knowledge transfer) to test, experiment or validate the technological solution. AIRE does not support applied research and AIRE does not give grants to companies (no cascade/ third party funding allowed). Based on the call for ideas, AIRE’s team provides extensive support for selected demonstration projects, which justifiably leverage AI and AI-enabling technologies (including robotics). The technology, methodology, or prototype tested and validated during the demonstration project must bring novelty and a degree of uncertainty (e.g., a tailor-made solution). The expected results of the AIRE demonstration projects are at least partly reusable in other enterprises and economic sectors.
The objectives of the demonstration projects service are:
– Encourage companies to use EU AI Ecosystem services with potential benefits:
- increased opportunities to secure EU funding for AI innovation projects through facilitated access to relevant calls and proposal writing support;
- expanded market reach through participation in European AI networks and platforms;
- enhanced access to specialized AI talent and expertise through connections with leading research institutions and technology providers; and
- accelerated product development through collaborative partnerships with other European companies.
– Encourage companies to use EU AI technologies;
– Encourage companies to invest into AI technologies to increase their competitiveness.
The Applicant
The eligible Applicant is:
The applicant confirms that, based on the last two closed fiscal years and on consolidated group data where applicable, it has no more than 2 999 employees and the annual turnover does not exceed €300m.
The applicant confirms that it has no outstanding tax debt, is financially solvent, and has sufficient state aid capacity available.
We invite companies to apply that are interested in investing in artificial intelligence and robotics solutions. The use of new technologies must support the achievement of the company’s strategic objectives. A demonstration project is one part of the company’s journey toward adopting new technologies, meaning that the demo project itself does not deliver a final ready-to-use solution. The applicant must see clear economic benefits for the company from adopting new technologies. The applicant should therefore have a clear understanding of why AI or robotics solutions are needed and what impact the adoption of these technologies will have on the company.
For prepring and implementing the demonstration project the Applicant has to involve Development Team among AIRE partner institutions:
- Estonian University of Life Sciences;
- Tallinn University of Technology;
- University of Tartu;
- Innovative Manufacturing Engineering Systems Competence Centre (IMECC);
- Tallinn University;
- Tartu Science Park
What’s the budget for a demonstration project?
For one demonstration project, the company uses €49,500 of state aid, which covers the direct costs of the project (i.e., all costs related to the implementation of the project).
The balance of state aid can be checked in the public state aid registry.
The requirements for participation in the Call for Ideas
To be eligible for AIRE’s services, the Applicant:
– Registers for AIRE services:
– To participate, you must have a technical feasibility study that shows the project can be carried out. This may include, for example, AIRE AI suitability consulting, AI pre-consultation, or an analysis prepared by any service provider.
– Find the development team among AIRE partner institutions
– Fill in the Application form. When filling in the Application form, please follow the Open Call Guidelines
– Submit the Application (including annexes, all in one digital conteiner signed by the authorised person):
- CVs of the Development Team (at least team lead’s CV has to be attached, one can also refer to ETIS database for preseting the CV);
- AI suitability assessment report or any other document presenting the technological solution (if relevant);
- ROI calculations on the template in Annex 2 of the Guidelines.
The project will be implemented preferably within 6 months.
The Call for Ideas is open until available funding is used.
Signed applications (with CVs and other supporting documents) are welcome by 30th of April 2026 by email to demonstration-projects@aire-edih.eu.
For any further questions please consult with the service lead Katre Eljas (demonstration-projects@aire-edih.eu).
Related documents
Appendix 1 Application form
Appendix 2 Example for ROI calculation
Appendix 3 Application evaluation
Appendix 4 User experience
Appendix 5 Final report
Appendix 6 Contract
– Presentation slides introducing the conditions of Demoproject
