Completion of the initial Network of European Digital Innovation Hubs

The EU-wide call for proposals to complete the network of European Digital Innovation Hubs is aimed at public institutions, companies, cooperatives, start-ups, non-profit organizations, and educational institutions from EU Member States or associated countries that have not previously participated in EDIH calls. Projects that assist small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), mid-cap companies, and non-economic actors in the digital and AI-based transformation of their organizations are eligible for funding. Concepts with a clear AI focus and the integration of green digital technologies are particularly welcome. The call allows for a funding rate of 100% and provides up to EUR 8 million per selected hub. Applications can be submitted between 4 November 2025 and 3 March 2026 through a single-stage submission procedure under the Digital Europe Programme. A prerequisite for funding is proof of financial and operational capacity as well as compliance with the general admissibility and eligibility criteria according to the call documents.

The objective of the measure is to close existing gaps in the EDIH landscape and to provide competent contact points nationwide for test-before-invest services, qualification offers, financing mediation, as well as innovation and networking activities. The selected hubs act as regional multipliers and nodes within the pan-European network, serve as first points of contact for AI infrastructures (e.g., AI Factories or AI-on-Demand Platform), and ensure the ethical and legal compliant application of innovative technologies. Furthermore, cross-border consortia are possible to address common challenges in border regions. With regard to climate and environmental goals, the hubs contribute to the promotion of green digital solutions and support the strengthening of strategic autonomy as well as economic convergence in Europe.