Completion of the initial Network of European Digital Innovation Hubs

Overview

Funding to establish new European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs) in countries associated with the Digital Europe Programme that have not yet participated. These hubs will support SMEs, mid-caps, and public sector organizations in digital transformation, with a focus on AI adoption and alignment with EU values.

Who Can Apply

Consortia from eligible countries (EU Member States, Norway, Iceland, United Kingdom, Switzerland) that have not previously participated in EDIH calls. Applicants must propose a hub with a defined geographical focus and expertise in digital technologies, particularly AI.

Funding Details

• Maximum grant amount: €8,000,000 per project
• Funding rate: 100% of eligible costs (50% from Digital Europe Programme, up to 50% from Member States)
• State aid compliance: Must adhere to applicable rules (e.g., de minimis, GBER)

What Is Funded

• Test before invest: Access to technical expertise and AI-related experimentation facilities
• Training and skill development: Upskilling/reskilling for SMEs and public sector organizations
• Access to finance: Support in identifying and securing funding for digital transformation
• Innovation ecosystem and networking: Collaboration with AI factories, TEFs, and other EDIHs; cross-border hubs encouraged
• AI adoption: Referral mechanisms to European AI Innovation Infrastructures (e.g., AI-on-Demand platform, AI Factories)
• Green digital technologies: Integration of climate and environmental goals

Technology / Maturity Requirements

• TRL range: 7–9 (system prototype demonstration in operational environment to actual system proven in operational environment)

Key Dates

• Open date: 2025-11-03
• Deadline: 2026-03-02

Application Process (High-Level)

• Single-stage submission via the Funding & Tenders Portal
• Proposals must include defined key performance indicators (KPIs) and targets for service delivery, AI adoption, and cross-border collaboration

Post-Award Obligations

• Reporting: Submission of KPIs and digital maturity assessments to the Digital Transformation Accelerator (DTA)
• Participation: Active engagement in DTA-organized events, training, and matchmaking activities
• Interoperability: Use of DTA tools or own tools with network compatibility
• Sustainability: Plans for long-term operation beyond the funding period

Geographic Scope & Language

• Eligible countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Norway, Iceland, United Kingdom, Switzerland
• Application language: English

Notes

• EDIHs must provide all four service types (test before invest, training, access to finance, ecosystem networking) but may prioritize based on local needs.
• Cross-border hubs are permitted, with funding allocated proportionally to each participating country.
• Collaboration with AI Innovation Infrastructures is mandatory but does not require direct consortium integration.
• State aid rules apply; compliance must be ensured by the Member States or associated countries.