RAISE is co-funded by the European Union through the Interreg Central Baltic Programme 2021–2027 (project CB1000544).
Turn your AI idea
into real business value
RAISE helps young revenue-generating companies use AI to improve products, services or operations — through expert mentoring, matched AI suppliers and a structured scaleup programme.
For companies less than 5 years old with revenue and ambition to grow with AI. Spinoffs from older companies may also qualify.
Is RAISE for your company?
Less than 5 years old. Spinoffs from older companies may also qualify.
You already have revenue and real market traction.
You want to use AI to increase value in your product, service or operations.
You are ready to validate, learn, test and scale.
Use AI where it creates the most value
Enhance an existing product or build a new AI-powered product.
Improve or develop an AI-enabled service for your customers.
Make internal operations more efficient and data-driven.
What you get in the RAISE programme
What the programme covers
RAISE is fully funded for the companies that are selected. Here is what that means in practice.
- Up to €14,000 of AI-expert development, mentoring and network — no cost to the company
- AI suppliers bill per hour at their own VAT-inclusive rates; the hours count toward the €14,000 limit
- One or more AI suppliers matched to your idea, plus a mentor shared across your cohort
- A short contract is signed before the cohort starts, so the practical terms are clear
- Goals, KPIs and progress are followed in the platform and presented at Demo Day
From AI idea to tested solution
The programme calendar
- 3 Nov 2026Location to be announcedAI Idea Day
An open event where the programme is presented and companies can talk through their AI challenge before applying.
- 20 Nov 2026OnlineOpen call closes
Deadline for submitting your idea through the form. Applications received later are considered for the next cohort.
- 27 Nov 2026Location to be announcedPre-selection
The project team reviews the applications and shortlists up to 40 companies.
- 11 Dec 2026OnlineOnline interviews
Up to 16 companies are invited to a short online interview with the project team.
- 14 Jan 2027Location to be announcedCohort kick-off
Selected companies start the cohort: goals, expectations, AI supplier and mentor matching, and the practical plan.
- 21 May 2027Location to be announcedMid-term workshop
A progress check halfway through the pilot development, with the other companies in the cohort.
- 1 Oct 2027Location to be announcedDemo Day
The pilot results are presented, and the idea day for the second cohort is held.
Locations marked “to be announced” are confirmed to the companies invited to each step.
Two cohorts, one after the other
Kick-off in January 2027, pilot development through the spring and summer, mid-term workshop in May and Demo Day on 1 October 2027.
The same programme, one year later. Further cohorts follow every twelve months, so an idea that misses one call is picked up by the next.
Which cohort a company belongs to follows from when its application is received — you do not have to choose, and you only apply once.
What the form asks for
Company name, registration number, country, industry, number of employees and website.
Who we talk to, plus two confirmations: the company is five years old or younger, and is generating revenue.
A short description of what your company does today.
The problem you are solving, the solution you propose and what you want the AI development to achieve.
What kind of help you need — validating the idea, technical feasibility, business value, finding the right supplier, building a pilot or a roadmap.
Where you are today, from not using AI at all to AI being fully integrated in how you run the business.
Your agreement that the profile can be shared with the AI suppliers and mentors relevant for matchmaking.
The advantage of joining RAISE
Sound familiar?
“We have data but do not know how to turn it into value.”
“We want to add AI features to our product.”
“We want to automate manual processes.”
“We want to improve customer experience with AI.”
“We want to use AI to make better business decisions.”
“We need help choosing the right AI supplier.”
“We need a roadmap for AI implementation.”
Questions, answered
Who can apply?+
Young companies less than 5 years old that have revenue and want to increase value through AI. Spinoffs from older companies may qualify.
Which countries can apply?+
Companies based in Sweden, Finland, Estonia or Latvia — the countries of the Interreg Central Baltic Programme.
What does it cost?+
Nothing for the company. The AI development and mentoring, worth up to €14,000, are funded by the programme.
When is the deadline?+
The open call for the first cohort closes 20 November 2026. Applications received after that are considered for the second cohort, which runs from 2027 into 2028.
How many companies are selected?+
Up to 40 companies are pre-selected and up to 16 are invited to online interviews before the final selection into the cohort.
Does the AI idea need to be technical already?+
No. You should have a clear business challenge or opportunity, but the programme helps validate and develop the idea.
Can AI be used for internal operations?+
Yes. AI can be used for products, services or operational improvements.
Do companies need to already have an AI supplier?+
No. RAISE includes matchmaking with AI solution providers and mentors.
Is company data public?+
No. Company profiles and application information are private and only visible to authorised users after login.