New approaches for decentralized, federated and sustainable AI data processing (RIA)

Overview

Funding for research and innovation projects developing decentralized, federated, and sustainable AI data processing approaches to overcome EU AI compute capacity bottlenecks. Targets consortia advancing distributed AI architectures, energy-efficient computing, and secure data management across cloud-edge-HPC infrastructures.

Who Can Apply

Consortia of legal entities established in EU Member States, Iceland, Norway, or associated countries (Canada, Israel, Republic of Korea, New Zealand, Switzerland, United Kingdom). Entities controlled by non-eligible countries may participate only with approved guarantees demonstrating no negative impact on EU strategic interests. High-risk suppliers of mobile network communication equipment are excluded.

Funding Details

Maximum grant amount: 44,000,000 EUR. Funding rate and co-funding requirements follow Horizon Europe rules for Research and Innovation Actions (RIA).

What Is Funded

Projects must address:

• Distributed, decentralized, and federated AI architectures beyond federated learning, integrating model compression and scalable mechanisms.
• AI workflows across heterogeneous infrastructures (edge, cloud, HPC), including neuromorphic/quantum computing and hardware efficiency enhancements.
• Tools for data quality, volume optimization, and distributed data management with privacy protections (e.g., post-quantum cryptography).
• Energy efficiency and sustainability metrics for AI data processing across the compute continuum.
• Demonstration of developments in at least two complementary real-world use cases in different domains, emphasizing reproducibility and sectoral impact.

Technology / Maturity Requirements

Technology Readiness Level (TRL): 7–9.

Key Dates

• Open date: 2026-11-16
• Deadline: 2027-03-17

Application Process (High-Level)

Single-stage submission via the Funding & Tenders Portal. Evaluation follows Horizon Europe criteria (Annex D) with an indicative timeline for grant agreement provided in Annex F.

Geographic Scope & Language

Eligible countries: EU Member States, Iceland, Norway, and associated countries (Canada, Israel, Republic of Korea, New Zealand, Switzerland, United Kingdom). Application language: English.

Notes

Proposals must include a completed Ownership Control Declaration Annex if entities are controlled by non-eligible countries. Use cases must demonstrate real-world impact and reproducibility. Participation of entities from third countries not listed is restricted unless association agreements apply by grant signature.