EUACC
GrantTRL 7-9

Digital Europe Programme — AI & Supercomputing

€1M–5M for deploying AI and building Europe's digital infrastructure

Funding Amount
€1M–5M per project
Success Rate
15–25% across deployment calls
Timeline
6–10 months (submission → grant agreement)
Companies Funded
2,500+ organisations in funded projects since 2021

Overview

The Digital Europe Programme (DIGITAL) is the EU's €7.6B programme for deploying digital technologies across the economy. Unlike Horizon Europe (which funds research), DIGITAL funds deployment and adoption. Its AI component supports AI-on-demand platforms, AI factories, common European data spaces, and the adoption of trustworthy AI. With 7 specific AI topics in its current work programme, it's the primary funding source for companies deploying AI solutions at scale in Europe.

2026 Budget€1.3B (2025–2027 work programme allocation)
Average Grant€2.5M average per project

Eligibility

  • 1Consortia or single entities from EU Member States and associated countries
  • 2Must focus on deployment (not research) of AI, HPC, cybersecurity, or digital skills
  • 3Topics defined in annual work programmes — 7 AI-specific areas in 2025-2026
  • 4Both public and private entities eligible

How to Apply

  1. 1

    Check the Digital Europe Work Programme for current AI deployment topics

  2. 2

    Identify the most relevant topic (AI factories, data spaces, trustworthy AI, etc.)

  3. 3

    Build a consortium if required, or apply as a single entity where allowed

  4. 4

    Submit via the EU Funding & Tenders Portal by the topic deadline

  5. 5

    Evaluation focuses on deployment readiness, European added value, and operational capacity

Typical Budget Breakdown

Technology deployment35–45%
Personnel25–35%
Infrastructure & cloud10–20%
Training & dissemination5–10%
Indirect costs7–10%

2026 Deadlines

Varies by topic — check Digital Europe Work Programme 2025–2027

Key Features

€7.6B total programme budget (2021-2027)
Focus on deployment, not research
7 AI-specific deployment topics
Supports AI factories, data spaces, and AI-on-demand platforms
Aligned with EU AI Act and European Data Strategy

Frequently Asked Questions

Horizon Europe funds research and innovation (TRL 1-7), while Digital Europe funds deployment and adoption of mature digital technologies (TRL 7-9). If you're still developing your AI, apply to Horizon Europe. If you have a working AI solution and want to deploy it, Digital Europe is your programme.

The current Digital Europe work programme covers AI topics including: AI-on-demand platform, AI factories and supercomputing for AI, common European data spaces, trustworthy AI and AI Act compliance, AI for public sector, digital twins, and GenAI for Europe.

Yes, startups and SMEs can apply, either individually (where single-entity applications are allowed) or as part of consortia. The programme values entities that can deploy AI solutions at scale and demonstrate clear European added value.

Related Programmes

GrantTRL 6-8

AI TEFs

Varies by TEF (services and access, not direct grants)

View programme →
GrantTRL 3-7

Horizon Cluster 4

€2M–5M per project

View programme →

Explore Further

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