Period: October 2026 – September 2030

Funding SOURCE: Horizon Europe – WIDERA (European Excellence Initiative)

TOTAL BUDGET: 4.999,543.75 €

PROJECT COORDINATOR: Bursa Uludag University (Türkiye)

UM COORDINATOR: prof. dr. Domen Mongus (GeMMA)

PROJECT PARTNERS: 12 organisations from 10 European countries, including the University of Maribor

Project website:

LINKEDIN:

AI-CIRCLE

Abstract:

AI-CIRCLE (Excellence for Digital Transformation and Business Modelling Solutions for the Circular Economy) is a Horizon Europe project funded under the European Excellence Initiative (WIDERA). The project officially started on 1 October 2026 and will run for 48 months, until September 2030. It brings together 12 European partners from widening and leading countries with the aim of strengthening research excellence, digital transformation, and sustainable innovation across Europe.

The project focuses on helping higher education institutions modernise research management and governance while supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in adopting artificial intelligence and circular business models. AI-CIRCLE establishes a European excellence network that connects universities, researchers, SMEs, policy makers, and innovation agencies to accelerate the twin digital and green transition.

A central objective of the project is to improve research excellence and innovation capacity in widening countries through AI-enabled research management, advanced capacity building, and knowledge transfer. The project will implement 24 SME pilot projects across several sectors, including food systems, hospitality, mobility, cultural and creative industries, and the built environment. These pilots will demonstrate how AI and circular economy approaches can increase productivity, sustainability, and competitiveness.

The University of Maribor (UM) contributes its expertise in GeoAI, data analytics, and technology transfer, with a leading role in activities related to sustainability and circular economy assessment, AI-supported SME transformation, and the integration of digital and sustainable innovation frameworks.

One of AI-CIRCLE’s key long-term outcomes will be the establishment of the Twin Transition Innovation Hub (TTIH), a European platform that will provide open training resources, AI and circular economy tools, best practices, and collaboration opportunities for universities, businesses, and policy makers. The Hub will ensure the sustainability and long-term impact of the project beyond its duration.