Consolidation of the Network of European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs with reinforced AI focus)

Overview

Supports the consolidation of the European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs) network, reinforcing AI-focused digital transformation services for SMEs, mid-caps, and public sector organizations across Europe. Targets existing and new EDIHs to expand regional coverage and enhance AI adoption while fostering cross-border collaboration.

Who Can Apply

Consortia of legal entities (e.g., research organizations, universities, public bodies, SMEs, or industry associations) established in eligible countries. Applicants must demonstrate capacity to act as an EDIH, providing the four core service types (testing, training, investment support, and ecosystem networking) with a focus on AI.

Funding Details

• Total budget: Not specified.
• Funding rate: Up to 50% of eligible costs for non-profit entities; up to 35% for for-profit entities.
• Co-funding: Required (minimum 50% or 65% depending on entity type).
• Grant amount: Not specified; proposals must align with regional digitalization needs and service delivery capacity.

What Is Funded

• Core services:

- Test before invest: Access to AI-related technical expertise, experimentation facilities, and demonstrators. - Training and skill development: Upskilling/reskilling for AI adoption and digital transformation. - Investment support: Facilitating access to public/private funding and investors. - Ecosystem networking: Cross-regional collaboration, referrals to other EDIHs, and coordination with AI innovation infrastructures (e.g., AI factories, TEFs).

• AI focus: Deployment, training, and uptake of European AI technologies, including compliance with the AI Act.
• Green digital technologies: Support for climate and environmental goals.
• Digital maturity assessments: Use of Commission-provided tools to evaluate client readiness.

Technology / Maturity Requirements

• TRL range: 7–9 (system prototype demonstration in operational environment to actual system proven in operational environment).
• Maturity: Applicants must demonstrate existing infrastructure, expertise, and operational capacity to deliver EDIH services, including AI specialization.

Key Dates

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

Application Process (High-Level)

• Single-stage submission: Proposals submitted via the [Funding & Tenders Portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal).
• Evaluation: Based on award criteria outlined in the call document (e.g., relevance, quality, impact, implementation).
• Indicative timeline: Evaluation results expected within 5 months of the deadline; grant agreements signed within 8 months.

Post-Award Obligations

• Reporting: Regular technical and financial reports, including progress on digital maturity assessments and service delivery.
• Dissemination: Public communication of results, participation in EDIH network activities, and coordination with AI innovation infrastructures.
• Compliance: Adherence to EU values, AI Act requirements, and green digital technology principles.

Geographic Scope & Language

• Eligible countries: EU Member States (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) and Associated Countries (Norway, Iceland, United Kingdom, Switzerland).
• Language: English (proposals must be submitted in English).

Notes

• Non-economic activities: Services must primarily target SMEs/mid-caps or public sector organizations conducting non-economic activities.
• Synergies: EDIHs must collaborate with existing regional/national initiatives and EU AI innovation infrastructures.
• Transparency: Services must be provided on an open, non-discriminatory basis.
• Exclusions: For-profit entities may receive lower funding rates; economic activities are not eligible for support.