European Advanced Digital Skills Competitions

Overview

Supports the design and implementation of six European Advanced Digital Skills Competitions, targeting students to engage in cutting-edge digital technologies through challenge-based learning. Focuses on fostering innovation, teamwork, and applied research in key digital domains.

Who Can Apply

Consortia of research institutes, industry partners, and relevant stakeholders in the digital skills ecosystem. Applicants must demonstrate collaboration with Sectoral Digital Skills Academies, the Destination Earth Initiative, or similar entities.

Funding Details

Maximum funding per project: €7,200,000. Total budget and funding rate not specified.

What Is Funded

Development of six challenges in digital areas: Quantum, GenAI, Chips, Virtual Worlds, Destination Earth, and one additional area chosen by the consortium. Activities include:

• Designing competition challenges addressing societal, technological, or industrial issues.
• Organizing local and major tournaments.
• Creating prize schemes and awards.
• Ensuring sustainability of competitions post-project.
• Collaboration with Sectoral Digital Skills Academies and industrial communities for dissemination and communication.

Technology / Maturity Requirements

Projects must target Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 7 to 9.

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 adhere to page limits and layout specified in the call document.

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

Proposals must align with the objectives of the Sectoral Digital Skills Academies and the Destination Earth Initiative. Synergies with other relevant initiatives, such as the Digital Education Hackathon, are encouraged.