Horizon Europe TEF AI-Testing Access Broker for SMEs
One-Liner
A paid broker service that packages EU SME access to Horizon Europe AI Testing and Experimentation Facility testbeds, handling paperwork, compliance framing, and follow-on grant applications.
AI Thinking Process
Thread 15: Horizon Europe TEF €220M over 5 years. 4 TEFs for AI. SME access takes 4-7 months due to bureaucracy (Science|Business audit 2025). Broker service at €3-5K/engagement or success fee on follow-on Horizon grants.
EDIHs (150 across EU, state-funded) occupy this as public service. PNO/Zabala/Ayming absorb commercial layer. No margin for standalone paid broker.
Kill Reason
European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs) — approximately 150 across the EU, state-funded — provide TEF access coordination as a free public service. Grant consultancy firms (PNO, Zabala, Ayming) would absorb the commercial layer as an upsell to their existing SME clients. Both displacement forces prevent a standalone paid broker from finding margin.
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