<p>The goal of this call is to develop and validate practical guidelines (RegGuides) and technical assessment tools (RegTech) that reduce the burden of AI compliance for businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This will enable organizations to develop, implement, and apply FairTech AI in accordance with the requirements of the EU AI Act.</p><h1>What does an ELSA Lab look like?</h1><p>An ELSA Lab consists of various private and public partners collaborating on AI compliance issues.</p><h2>Core partners</h2><ul><li data-list-item-id="e9b194201091fc5bc277b3996e2444356">form the core foundation of the ELSA Lab;</li><li data-list-item-id="e378d7f56c0f426c9d47155bea74da6f6">commit to the ELSA Lab for four years;</li><li data-list-item-id="e56bc8242095647d14b041acdd5d92e58">jointly determine the substantive direction and develop the RegGuides and RegTech prototypes.<br>&nbsp;</li></ul><h2>Co-partners</h2><ul><li data-list-item-id="ee18948cc5769097274dece70cad5889c">participate in a specific use case (AI adoption process), either as an AI developer or as an AI user;</li><li data-list-item-id="e379f70a969b2af8411f2362f7d8536cd">contribute real-world questions and gain targeted AI knowledge by working on a case;</li><li data-list-item-id="ea50f4069a1366c0c4471f254600e541d">collaborate with a regulator who provides interpretation, reflection, and insights.</li></ul><p>Partners work together on use cases lasting 6 to 9 months. Each use case serves as the real-world context in which the RegGuides and RegTech prototypes are researched, developed, tested, and validated.</p><h2>What is the focus?</h2><p>Each ELSA Lab proposal is structured around two key elements: the AI lifecycle phase and the human role in decision-making and accountability.</p><p>The three phases of the AI lifecycle are:</p><ul><li data-list-item-id="eb5752721d538d415eb2762ffc417961b">Design, also known as compliance-by-design, in which accountability and risk management are built in during the design phase;</li><li data-list-item-id="e0504b26bd2230db4db69466882be31a9">Pre-deployment, also known as “test-before-launch,” in which testing takes place before a system is put into use;</li><li data-list-item-id="e67a4bdc85cfd1ad5848af86457cbe3c6">Post-deployment, also known as “monitor-and-adapt,” in which a system is in use and is monitored for compliance.</li></ul><p>The three levels of human involvement in decision-making and responsibility are:</p><ul><li data-list-item-id="ed23d2ddf0168544547364c9de723374e">the user as assessor, also known as “human-in-the-loop”;</li><li data-list-item-id="e91a0ee7764f136e5e3c4d06df55130af">the user as a monitor, also known as “human-on-the-loop”;</li><li data-list-item-id="e871f263b139bc2a308dd0ceba94906d6">the user as a remote decision-maker, also known as “human-in-command.”</li></ul><p>A proposal may focus on at least one AI lifecycle phase and one human role in decision-making and responsibility. Multiple phases and roles are permitted.</p><h1>Application Sectors</h1><p>ELSA Lab proposals focus on the application sectors prioritized by AiNed:</p><ul><li data-list-item-id="e5cd9d66a603ee047c687069c78d4788c">manufacturing;</li><li data-list-item-id="ebe7006abfe9f51bc21c3c14282428146">energy and sustainability;</li><li data-list-item-id="ed282c98ae1232143d6334fc2fa95e20d">mobility, transportation, and logistics;</li><li data-list-item-id="e0d4fb73608ebeabd1e9161f35b3d7194">health and healthcare.</li></ul><p>A combination of sectors within a single ELSA Lab is permitted. <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://aic4nl.nl/en/onze-ondersteuning/verantwoord-omgaan-met-ai/elsa-labs/">See which ELSA Labs already exist.</a></p><h1>Budget</h1><p>An AiNed ELSA Lab may apply for up to €2,400,000 in AiNed funding over a four-year period. Within this budget, at least €1,600,000 in funding is available for businesses and civil society organizations.</p><p>Businesses and civil society organizations can receive up to 40% AiNed funding toward eligible costs, such as personnel or equipment. In total, there is funding available to support three ELSA Labs.</p><h1>How do you participate?</h1><p>Participation begins with submitting a short proposal to AIC4NL. The template for this will be available on the website in September 2026. After you apply, we’ll invite you to a co-creation session with other initiatives.</p><p><strong>Deadline for the short proposal: October 30, 2026.</strong></p><p>Haven’t found a partner yet or need help with your application? No problem. AIC4NL is happy to help you find partners. AIC4NL’s regional AI hubs and area leaders will assist you in forming a partnership.</p><h1>Important Dates</h1><ul><li data-list-item-id="e59194fc40d47e52097bda9fa3bc47c7c">September 2026: publication of the call for proposals on the AIC4NL website</li><li data-list-item-id="e9bea0e46038e107942cc368c0bce2c5a">September 2026: availability of the template for the short proposal</li><li data-list-item-id="ed88427fd57075b5e2a7d6216bdc57214">October 30, 2026: Deadline for the short proposal</li></ul><p>For questions or more information, please email elsalabs@aic4nl.nl.</p><p>Please note: This information is provided solely as a preliminary announcement and for informational purposes. No rights may be derived from the content in any way. Dates, budgets, and conditions are subject to change at any time.</p>

The third round of AiNed ELSA Labs is coming up