RAISE

ongoing

RAISE

The RAISE project has been created in response to the growing pressure on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Central Baltic region to remain competitive and innovative in an increasingly digital and global market. Although artificial intelligence (AI) offers significant opportunities for growth and efficiency, many SMEs lack the knowledge, resources, and confidence needed to successfully adopt AI-driven solutions. To address this challenge, RAISE focuses on supporting growth-stage companies in Estonia, Latvia, and Sweden through expert mentoring, matchmaking with AI providers, and targeted co-funding opportunities. By enabling SMEs to develop and launch new AI-powered products and services, the project helps improve operational efficiency, increase product value, and expand export potential. Ultimately, RAISE aims to strengthen the competitiveness and scalability of regional companies while driving sustainable revenue growth through practical AI implementation.

Expected results

RAISE will support growth-stage, export-oriented SMEs in Estonia, Latvia, and Sweden by helping them test and implement AI solutions through a structured scaling programme. The project will analyze and validate at least 40 AI pilot ideas submitted by SMEs, from which 16 high-potential companies will be selected to participate in mentoring, matchmaking, practical trainings, and collaboration with AI solution providers. Through cross-border cooperation, workshops, and a final Demo Day, participating SMEs will develop innovative AI-powered products and services while AI providers will gain international implementation experience and visibility. The project will strengthen the competitiveness, investment readiness, and export capacity of SMEs across the Central Baltic region, while also fostering long-term collaboration between businesses and innovation organisations. In addition, the methodologies, training materials, and AI-readiness tools developed by RAISE will be integrated into the permanent service portfolios of project partners, ensuring sustainable impact and continued support for AI adoption beyond the project duration.

Expected results

RAISE will support growth-stage, export-oriented SMEs in Estonia, Latvia, and Sweden by helping them test and implement AI solutions through a structured scaling programme. The project will analyze and validate at least 40 AI pilot ideas submitted by SMEs, from which 16 high-potential companies will be selected to participate in mentoring, matchmaking, practical trainings, and collaboration with AI solution providers. Through cross-border cooperation, workshops, and a final Demo Day, participating SMEs will develop innovative AI-powered products and services while AI providers will gain international implementation experience and visibility. The project will strengthen the competitiveness, investment readiness, and export capacity of SMEs across the Central Baltic region, while also fostering long-term collaboration between businesses and innovation organisations. In addition, the methodologies, training materials, and AI-readiness tools developed by RAISE will be integrated into the permanent service portfolios of project partners, ensuring sustainable impact and continued support for AI adoption beyond the project duration.

Duration 01.04.2026 - 31.12.2028

Total budget

Programme priority

Innovative Business Development

Programme objective

PO2 - More new scaled-up growth companies

Lead partner

Tallinn Science Park Tehnopol Foundation

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