In 2011, the European Commission launched a public-private partnership project called Future Internet. The project intends to provide grants totalling EUR 500 million to help businesses and public administration bodies utilise the revolution in mobile internet and data and to expedite innovation and the creation of jobs in the European digital sector.

The aim of future internet partnerships is primarily to modernise infrastructure and business processes through greater integration with internet network capacities and computer technologies.

As part of the project, the European Commission announced the third and final call for the submission of applications for grants totalling EUR 130 million on 28 June 2013. Support is primarily targeted at beginning, but also already functioning small and medium-sized enterprises developing innovative applications and other digital services in transportation, healthcare, advanced manufacturing technologies, media, etc.

Funds will be allocated through 20 consortia (groups active in the field of internet business) that include: catalysers, group financing platforms, venture capital providers, platforms for cooperation, regional financing organisations and associations of technological companies and small and medium-sized enterprises. Consortia will be selected on the basis of how they can ensure maximisation of the economic impact of the funds provided in the internet environment.

Grant applications can be submitted until 10 December 2013 on the prescribed electronic form. You will find the form, together with other documents and more detailed information on the European Commission’s official website at the following link:

http://ec.europa.eu/research/participants/portal/page/cooperation;efp7_SESSION_ID=JfvgST1QN5vW0y26Cl92ycGc2rmhcnS5vVnFbPt1rT1CG0JflfLY!51455273?callIdentifier=FP7-2013-ICT-FI#wlp_call_FP7

For more information, please contact K&A partner, Mgr. Jiří Kučera, e-mail: jkucera@kuceralegal.cz; tel.: +420604242241