Innovative Advanced Materials (IAMs) for product monitoring, smart maintenance and repair strategies in the construction sector

The main goal of this opportunity is to boost the development and use of Innovative Advanced Materials (IAMs) in the construction sector, focusing on product monitoring, smart maintenance, and repair strategies. It aims to cut maintenance costs by at least 30% through advanced monitoring, reduce environmental impacts and resource use, and improve the circularity of materials by at least 30%. Projects should also demonstrate how these materials can be designed to be safe and sustainable, avoiding hazardous substances. The scope covers EU Member States and Associated Countries, with a special encouragement for international collaboration, especially with Japan. Projects in China are not eligible.

• Projects must develop or improve innovative advanced materials (IAMs) that enhance durability, reliability, and recyclability in construction applications
• Proposals must demonstrate integration of monitoring, self-sensing or smart functionalities (e.g., sensors, digital twins, autonomous maintenance)
• At least two R&I activities must be addressed from the defined multidisciplinary list (e.g., accelerated testing, AI models, self-healing materials)
• Proposals must apply or test the “safe and sustainable by design” (SSbD) principles across the innovation cycle
• Digital technologies and data-driven design methods must be used to improve performance, sustainability, and scalability of IAMs
• Safety, sustainability and circularity assessments must be included for all material components during their lifecycle

Examples:

• A project developing smart sensors embedded in concrete for real-time monitoring of structural health.
• An initiative to design construction materials that are easier to repair and recycle, reducing waste.
• A pilot program testing new, non-hazardous building materials in social housing projects.

• Personnel costs for research and development
• Purchase of equipment and materials for testing IAMs
• Software and digital tools for monitoring and maintenance
• Costs for pilot projects and demonstrations
• Travel and collaboration expenses for project partners
• Consultancy and external expertise
• Dissemination and communication activities
• Project management and coordination
• Training and capacity-building related to IAMs

Expenses must fit within a simplified lump sum cost structure. Detailed cost categories and limits may apply as outlined in the program guidance.

• Budget for this Call: 30,000,000€
• Number of Grants attributed: 5
• Budget per grant: 6,000,000€

• Applicants must be established in an EU Member State or an Associated Country.
• International partners are encouraged, especially from Japan.
• Organizations from China are not eligible for Innovation Actions.
• Applicants must meet all specific requirements in the Horizon Europe guidance.
• Proposals must be submitted using the official forms and respect all format rules.
• Blind evaluation rules apply: do not disclose organization or personnel names in the abstract or first-stage proposal.
• Joint Research Centre (JRC) can be a consortium member.