Completion of the initial Network of European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs)

The main goal of this opportunity is to expand the network of European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs) by including organizations from countries that have not yet participated in previous calls. The focus is on supporting the digital transformation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), mid-sized companies, and public sector organizations. There is a special emphasis on artificial intelligence technologies, promoting the adoption of European AI and other key digital tools. The initiative aims to foster innovation ecosystems, advance green digital technologies to help meet climate goals, and strengthen the resilience and independence of European industries. It covers countries associated with the Digital Europe Programme, especially those regions and border areas that have not yet been included.

• Projects must follow the required proposal format and page limits.
• Applicants must be from eligible countries associated with the Digital Europe Programme that have not participated in previous EDIH calls.
• Projects should demonstrate financial and operational capacity.
• Applicants must meet specific exclusion criteria.
• Projects may involve cross-border partnerships to serve neighboring regions.

Example projects:

• A digital hub in a Central European country not yet in the EDIH network, helping local SMEs adopt AI tools.
• A cross-border innovation hub jointly proposed by two neighboring countries to support digital transformation in their shared region.
• An EDIH in a southern European country focusing on green digital technologies for public sector modernization.

• Personnel costs for project staff
• Equipment and software purchases necessary for digital transformation
• Training and capacity-building activities
• Costs for developing and testing digital solutions
• Consultancy and expert services
• Travel and meeting expenses for project-related activities
• Communication and dissemination activities
• Administrative and management costs
• Subcontracting for specialized tasks

Restrictions: All expenses must comply with State aid rules and are subject to aid intensity and notification thresholds.

Total budget of the grant: 2,000,000€

Number of grants available: 2

Budget per grant:  1,000,000€

• Applicants must be from countries associated with the Digital Europe Programme that have not participated in previous EDIH calls.
• Applicants must follow the required application format and page limits.
• Applicants must demonstrate sufficient financial and operational capacity.
• Applicants must not fall under exclusion criteria (such as bankruptcy or conflicts of interest).
• Projects can involve single organizations or cross-border partnerships between eligible countries.
• Compliance with State aid rules is required.
• Applicants must agree to co-financing arrangements if applicable.