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

The main goal of this opportunity is to strengthen the network of European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs) to support the digital transformation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), mid-cap companies, and public sector organizations across Europe. It aims to ensure broad coverage across all EU regions and associated countries, fostering collaboration between regions and countries, including border areas and outermost regions. The initiative focuses on providing key services such as testing digital solutions before investing, training and skills development, access to financing, and nurturing innovation ecosystems. There is a strong emphasis on integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies to boost adoption, economic growth, and regional development. The opportunity welcomes new hubs, especially in recently associated countries, with activities beginning in 2025.

• Projects must comply with proposal page limits and the required layout.
• Applications should use the official Application Form provided in the Submission System.
• Projects must involve eligible countries within the European Union or Associated Countries.
• Proposals should aim to support digital transformation for SMEs, mid-caps, or public sector organizations.
• Projects should address one or more focus areas: testing before investing, training and skills, access to financing, or ecosystem development, with a special focus on AI.
• Cross-border collaboration is encouraged, especially for hubs involving multiple countries.

Examples:

• A consortium of universities and tech centers in two neighboring countries sets up a hub to help border-region SMEs test and adopt AI solutions.
• A regional innovation center partners with public agencies to provide digital skills training for local government staff in outermost regions.
• A digital hub in a newly associated country launches services to connect SMEs with investors and facilitate access to AI-driven tools.

• Staff salaries and personnel costs for project implementation
• Costs for training and skills development activities
• Expenses for organizing workshops, seminars, and networking events
• Purchase or rental of equipment needed for testing digital solutions
• Development and delivery of digital services, such as testing before investing
• Travel and accommodation for project-related activities
• Costs related to communication, dissemination, and promotion of project results
• Consultancy and external expertise fees
• Administrative and management costs directly related to the project

Note: Projects must describe their co-funding sources and ensure that funding complies with state aid rules and relevant thresholds.

• Budget for this Call: 9,000,000€
• Number of Grants attributed: 8
• Funding available per grant: Around 1,000,000€

   

• Applicants must be established in an eligible country (EU Member State or Associated Country).
• Projects must be submitted using the official Application Form and comply with format and page limits.
• Applicants must demonstrate both financial and operational capacity to carry out the project.
• Applicants must not be subject to exclusion criteria (such as bankruptcy or criminal conviction).
• Proposals must include eligible activities and target digital transformation for SMEs, mid-caps, or the public sector.
• Participation in a network or partnership, especially for cross-border initiatives, is encouraged.
• Applicants must describe their sources of co-funding and plans for economic sustainability.