NOTICE TO COMPANIES IN THE CULTURAL AND CREATIVE SECTOR PROOF OF CONCEPT AND PROTOTYPE SERVICES

As part of the activities of the European Digital Innovation Hub – Heritage Smart Lab project, an expression of interest is open to companies interested in developing high-impact technological solutions in the cultural and creative sector. Specifically, SPICI, as a partner of EDIH-HSL, offers:

• 2 Proof of Concepts (PoC)

• 1 Prototype.

These Test before Invest services aim to support the development, validation, and consolidation of innovative technological solutions in the cultural and creative sector, with a particular focus on the use of emerging technologies such as: Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Digital Storytelling, Gaming, XR (Extended Reality), Blockchain, Digital Twin.

SERVICES OFFERED

Selected companies will have access to a technical and consultancy support programme aimed at:

• Verifying the technical feasibility of the proposed solution;

• Testing the key functionalities in a controlled environment;

• Gathering useful evidence for project iterations, industrialisation, or presentations to potential investors;

• (In the case of the prototype) creating a functional prototyping of a solution already validated in the initial phases.

The two services differ depending on the stage of development of the solution:

• Proof of Concept (PoC): experimental activity aimed at demonstrating the technical feasibility of a project idea through the creation of a first simplified and testable version of the product or service. Service value: €40,000

• Prototype: more advanced and closer to the final product, developed to simulate real use in concrete application contexts, useful for technical and functional validation. Service value: €70,000

RECIPIENTS AND AID INTENSITY

• Startups, SMEs, and large companies legally established;

• Companies active (or in the development phase) in the cultural and creative sector, with technological solutions applicable in contexts such as, for example: Visual and performing arts; Museums and cultural heritage; Audiovisual and digital media; Fashion, design, architecture, and creative production; Craftsmanship and made in Italy; Tourism

The activities will have different aid intensities depending on the company size:

• 100% for Micro and Small enterprises, within the framework of State aid pursuant to Art. 28, paragraph 4 of the GBER (General Block Exemption Regulation – not under the de minimis regime)

• 80% for Medium Enterprises, within the framework of State aid pursuant to Art. 28, paragraph 4 of the GBER (General Block Exemption Regulation – not under the de minimis regime)

• 30% for Large Enterprises, within the framework of State aid under the de minimis regime.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Applications will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

• Consistency with the objectives and areas of intervention of the EDIH – Heritage Smart Lab Hub

• Degree of technological innovation

• Clarity, feasibility, and maturity of the project proposal

• Impact and relevance for the cultural and creative sector

PARTICIPATION MODALITIES

Interested companies can submit their application by filling out the form available on the Heritage Smart Lab website at the following link: https://www.heritagesmartlab.it/project/test-before-invest/

Applications are "open-ended" and remain open until the number of interventions financeable in the EDIH–HSL project is reached (a total of 2 Proofs of Concept, 1 Prototype).

For further clarification or insights: hsl_edih@spici.eu