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The TEF (Testing and Experimentation Facilities) program is an initiative of the European Union, as part of the Digital Europe program, to strengthen the capacity for experimentation and testing of advanced digital technologies, in particular artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics. This program, co-financed by the European Commission and the Member States, helps AI developers to bring reliable solutions to market and facilitate their adoption in Europe.
What are the TEFs?
The Testing and Experimentation Facilities (TEFs) are reference platforms open to all technology suppliers across Europe for large-scale testing and experimentation of solutions incorporating artificial intelligence (products and services). TEFs combine physical and digital infrastructures to enable technology suppliers to test their latest AI-based software and hardware innovations, including robotics.
They provide essential technical support for the integration, testing and experimentation in real environments, of AI technologies to solve specific problems or improve solutions.
The Digital Europe programme has four sectoral TEFs: Agri-food, Healthcare, Manufacturing and Smart Cities and Communities.
TEF objectives and sectors concerned
The EU-wide network of testing and experimentation facilities (TEFs) will enable the development of trustworthy AI in Europe, by giving companies access to tests and trials of products including AI or robotics under real conditions.
The TEF aims to:
- set up networks and test platforms for artificial intelligence,
- support European suppliers of artificial intelligence solutions,
- develop testing methods and resources on a European scale, making it possible to qualify the performance, reliability and robustness of AI systems,
- establish whether AI systems can be trusted.
Organised into projects in defined sectors, the TEFs bring together European partners with expertise in AI evaluation. These projects make it possible to work in collaborative mode with all the European partners, to offer companies a subsidised testing and experimentation system, accessible via a single portal.
The services offered as part of the TEF also aim to prepare SMEs and start-ups to comply with the requirements of the AI Act and associated standards. These services can also lead to CE marking of their products.
TEF focuses on 4 high-impact business sectors:
- Agrifood “AgrifoodTEF”
- Healthcare “TEFHealth”
- Manufacturing “AI-MATTERS”
- Smart Cities and Communities “CitCom.AI”
Funded TEF services
The TEFs bring together a group of partners offering testing and experimentation services in one or more of the sectors defined in the programme. They enable collaborative working with all the European partners, and thus the development of new evaluation methods and new testing resources to meet the needs of the market.
Under the European programme, these services can be subsidised.
The subsidy takes the form of an attractive discount applied directly to the price of the services offered.
What services are subsidised?
- Evaluation of AI-based systems :
- Simulation testing of the digital engineering of a device according to adapted test scenarios, in order to confront the product with multiple environments
- Virtual reality testing to test the product's control characteristics in a given environment
- Tests in a real environment to put the device to the test and check its resistance to physical constraints (mobility, obstacles, etc.)
- Database assessment of the reliability of AI algorithms and embedded systems
- Assistance in defining the evaluation plan for your AI-based system
- Cybersecurity testing to ensure the security of the components used
- Certification of AI processes
- Certification of AI functionalities
- Certification of management systems
- Technical and regulatory assistance
- Help in defining the specifications of the AI-based solution
- Training in AI evaluation
How can I benefit from a subsidised service?
Any company or organisation based in Europe and developing innovative solutions incorporating AI or robotics can apply for a TEF service.
Who is eligible for the grant?
The eligibility criteria for obtaining a grant for the services offered as part of the TEF program are:
- Be a start-up or SME, according to EU SME criteria (turnover, balance, FTE and ownership), profit-making, active and privately owned
- Have an AI prototype, robot or drone with a target TRL level of 6-8
- Be based in Europe and belong to the EU
- Confirm eligibility before purchasing a service
- Be related to the TEF theme in question*
How to apply for a subsidised service
LNE coordinator of 3 TEF projects
LNE is involved in 3 projects as coordinator of the French partners and their activities:
- Health: TEF-HEALTH
- Smart Cities & Communities: CITCOM.AI
- Agri-food: AGRIFOODTEF
Find out more
TEF PAGE on the European Commission website
Contact us
Would you like to evaluate your product or solution and check its eligibility for the TEF program?
