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, a call for expressions of interest has been opened for companies interested in developing high-impact potential technological solutions in the cultural and creative sector. Specifically, available from SPICI as a partner of EDIH-HSL are:

• 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 particular reference to the use of emerging technologies such as: Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Digital Storytelling, Gaming, XR (Extended Reality), Blockchain, Digital Twin.

SERVICES OFFERED

The selected companies will have access to a technical support and consultancy pathway aimed at:

• Assessing the technical feasibility of the proposed solution;

• Testing the main functionalities in a controlled environment;

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

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

The two services are distinguished based on the development stage of the solution:

• Proof of Concept (PoC): experimental activities 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: a more advanced version closer to the final product, developed to simulate real use in concrete application contexts, useful for technical and functional validation. Service value: €70,000

TARGET AUDIENCE AND AID INTENSITY

• Startups, SMEs, and large companies legally constituted;

• Companies active (or under development) 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; Crafts and made in Italy; Tourism.

The activities will have varying aid intensity depending on the size of the company:

• 100% for Micro and Small Enterprises, within the framework of a State aid according 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 a State aid according 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 a State aid under the de minimis regime.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Applications will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

• Consistency with the objectives and intervention areas 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 PROCEDURE

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

Applications are on a "first-come, first-served" basis and remain open until the maximum number of fundable interventions in the EDIH–HSL project is reached (in total 2 Proof of Concepts, 1 Prototype).

For further information or clarifications: hsl_edih@spici.eu