Digital Europe Programme: Open Call to fund pilot testing and proof-of-concept (PoC) demonstrations for innovative solutions that address four specific areas: Digital Transformation/AI, Sustainability, Agriculture/Food, and Health

Digital Europe Programme: Open Call to fund pilot testing and proof-of-concept (PoC) demonstrations for innovative solutions that address four specific areas: Digital Transformation/AI, Sustainability, Agriculture/Food, and Health is sponsored by European Commission (Digital Europe Programme). This open call provides funding for pilot testing and proof-of-concept demonstrations for innovative solutions in Digital Transformation/AI, Sustainability, Agriculture/Food, and Health, aimed at helping innovators find their first customers.

AI Research - EU Grants Funding Call for applications to fund innovative applications of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance philanthropic practices April 09, 2026; Non-EU / Global / International Grants ; AI Grants , Digital technologies grants , Innovation grants Call for applications to explore how artificial intelligence can inspire greater generosity and strengthen philanthropic practices.

The initiative seeks to fund innovative projects—including those from nonprofits, mission-driven for-profits, and collaborative consortia—that use AI to help donors move from initial interest to meaningful action. Selected projects are eligible for awards of up to USD 150,000 to develop tools that enhance donor decision-making and streamline the giving process.

Proposals must address at least one of three primary challenge areas to be considered for funding: Donor Connection: Utilizing AI-powered recommendation engines and personalized learning tools to help donors navigate complex cause landscapes and visualize the impact of their contributions; Friction Reduction: Developing systems that simplify logistical barriers, such as cross-border vetting and due diligence, to turn donor intent into actual transactions; Foundational Infrastructure: Building data pipelines and open standards that ensure social impact data is visible, credible, and interoperable with AI agents and daily information systems.

Call for proposals to enhance the security, privacy, and robustness of AI models and systems Call for proposal to bolster the security and resilience of AI systems deployed in critical infrastructure and decision-making processes. With a total funding pool of €21. 2 million, this initiative aims to develop trustworthy AI models capable of withstanding adversarial manipulation, data poisoning, and unauthorized backdoor injections.

Proposals should advance the state of the art in AI security by focusing on one or more of the following domains: Adversarial Robustness: Developing models that remain resilient against adversarial perturbations through techniques such as robust optimization and specialized adversarial training; Data Integrity and Detection: Implementing advanced methodologies to identify and mitigate compromised datasets, including provenance tracking and automated validation mechanisms to prevent backdoor exploitation; and Private AI Deployment: Utilizing privacy-enhancing technologies—such as federated learning, secure aggregation, and quantum-safe homomorphic encryption—to ensure that AI computations remain within trusted execution boundaries for sensitive enterprise and government applications.

Selected projects are expected to receive between €3 million and €4 million. Call for proposals to support the clinical validation and market launch of innovative digital and AI-powered medical technologies Call for proposals aimed at accelerating the market launch of digital and AI-powered medical technologies.

This initiative provides up to EUR 850,000 in funding for collaborative projects to bridge the gap between high-level prototypes and commercial availability. Specifically, the call targets solutions at Innovation Maturity Level (IML) 6 that are ready for pivotal clinical studies, regulatory submission, and the finalization of a robust commercial strategy. Selected projects are expected to deliver significant societal and economic value.

To ensure long-term viability, innovations must be backed by a clear business model and robust Intellectual Property Rights.

Furthermore, the EIT has set ambitious post-funding targets: Patient Reach: The potential to impact at least 150,000 EU citizens; Revenue Target: Achieving a minimum of €10,000 in revenue within three years of the project’s conclusion; and Accountability: Consortia must provide a comprehensive workplan and agree to long-term monitoring of their Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).

Call for proposals to support security-focused demonstration and pilot projects that enhance the protection and resilience of critical infrastructures Call for proposals to fund security-focused demonstration and pilot projects aimed at protecting critical infrastructures, urban environments, and territories.

With a total budget of EUR 1,020,000, the initiative specifically targets the validation of advanced digital technologies—such as Artificial Intelligence, IoT, photonics, and cybersecurity solutions—in real-world operational environments.

The goal is to bridge the gap between research and market uptake by moving technologies from TRL 5–6 to TRL 6–7+, focusing on field testing and performance measurement rather than simple technology acquisition. While the consortium includes an end-user, only the SME partner receives funding, which is provided as a lump sum of up to EUR 60,000 per project.

This grant covers a maximum of 80% of the total budget, requiring at least 20% in private co-financing.

Call for proposals to support the pilot testing or proof-of-concept demonstrations of innovative solutions for EIC Awardees February 25, 2026; Other EU Programmes ; Agricultural grants , AI Grants , Digital technologies grants , Energy Grants , Food grants , Health Grants , Innovation grants Open Call to fund pilot testing and proof-of-concept (PoC) demonstrations for innovative solutions that address four specific areas: Digital Transformation/AI, Sustainability, Agriculture/Food, and Health.

With a total budget of EUR 2. 28 million, the initiative provides individual grants of up to EUR 60,000 to help innovators overcome the significant barrier of finding their first customers. This programme facilitates market access by pairing technology providers directly with committed public and private buyers to validate solutions in real-world settings.

Successful applicants will enter a structured 12-month support cycle designed to maximize the success rate and future adoption of their technologies.

Call for proposals to support to accelerate scientific breakthroughs using artificial intelligence February 25, 2026; Non-EU / Global / International Grants ; Agricultural grants , AI Grants , Energy Grants , Environmental / Climate grants , Food grants , Health Grants , Innovation grants This is a global initiative offering substantial funding to accelerate scientific advancements that enhance human health and climate resilience.

It invites nonprofits, academic institutions, and social enterprises to propose transformative AI-powered solutions, with a focus on addressing critical scientific questions in health and environmental science. Successful applications must demonstrate scientific ambition, innovative use of AI, feasibility, and potential for scalability and sustainability.

Selected organizations will receive financial support (from $500K up to $3M+) and access to an accelerator program that provides technical expertise and resources. The initiative emphasizes the importance of responsible AI development and encourages collaboration among various organizations to maximize impact.

Call for proposals to support the development of cognitive electronic warfare systems February 24, 2026; European Defence Fund Grants ; AI Grants , Digital technologies grants , Innovation grants , Research grants , Security grants Call for proposals to advance the development of a net-centric and Cognitive Electronic Warfare (EW) system.

This initiative aims to transition from traditional isolated sensors to a networked, multi-sensor approach that leverages artificial intelligence, machine learning, and advanced radiofrequency electronics. By introducing a cognitive layer, the system will enable faster decision-making and automated threat responses, providing a decisive technical advantage in increasingly contested maritime environments.

A budget of EUR 24,000,000 has been allocated to support this development action. By fostering collaboration across the European naval industry, this effort seeks to strengthen the EU’s strategic autonomy and technological superiority.

The project aligns with the STEP objectives for deep and digital technologies, aiming to: Enhance Interoperability: Increase commonality and interchangeability among European naval fleets and defense industries; Improve Maintenance: Utilize AI to enhance the operability and maintainability of EW systems throughout their life cycle, thereby reducing long-term costs; and Reduce Dependencies: Decrease reliance on external navigation signals and third-country technologies, ensuring an independent European response to national and regional strategic trends.

Call for proposals to support the development of an AI framework for military decision-making and training February 20, 2026; European Defence Fund Grants ; AI Grants , Digital technologies grants , Innovation grants , Research grants , Security grants Call for proposals to develop a robust AI-system framework dedicated to advancing military Modelling and Simulation (M&S).

This initiative seeks to create a unified, scalable environment that integrates historical datasets, doctrinal models, and synthetic training environments to provide near real-time tactical intelligence. By automating wargaming scenarios and Course of Action (COA) development, the framework aims to significantly reduce the time and costs associated with operational planning and force readiness.

The call focuses on bridging current research gaps and maturing AI applications within a multi-national defense context.

Key technical requirements include: Advanced AI Integration: Utilizing state-of-the-art methods such as reinforcement learning, graph neural networks, and multi-agent systems to create dynamic, adaptive simulation models; Decision Support: Developing tools that support Command and Control (C2) applications, mission execution, and instructor support for training systems; Standardization and Interoperability: Ensuring all solutions comply with NATO standards and common AI ethics frameworks to allow for seamless collaboration between EU Member States and coalition partners; and Modular Testbeds: Establishing high-performance simulation environments and a library of pre-trained agents to serve as a proving ground for novel tactical concepts.

The project has a total funding allocation of EUR 16,000,000, with individual awards ranging up to EUR 8,000,000.

Call for proposals to enhance soldier protection by leveraging AI and advanced robotics to provide accurate tactical awareness, building upon previous research in threat detection February 19, 2026; European Defence Fund Grants ; AI Grants , Innovation grants , Security grants Call for proposals to advance AI-driven tactical situational awareness for ground applications.

With a total budget of EUR 23,000,000 and an award range of up to EUR 4,600,000 per project, this initiative seeks to protect soldiers by deploying coordinated swarms of robots and drones capable of detecting and neutralizing threats in complex environments.

Selected consortia will work over a 48-month timeline to bring technologies up to Technical Readiness Level (TRL) 6, utilizing a common testing environment to ensure objective performance measurements.

Proposals must integrate cutting-edge components to create a unified tactical picture, specifically addressing: Autonomous Swarm Deployment: Coordinated data gathering using multiple unmanned aerial and ground platforms; Real-Time Sensor Fusion: Integrating visual, radar, acoustic, and environmental data into a single operational interface; AI-Driven Analysis: Utilizing machine learning to prioritize threats and adapt to dynamic environmental changes like weather or obstacles; and Human-Machine Interaction: Developing intuitive interfaces that suggest automated actions for operator validation.

Call for applications to support biotechnology and pharmaceutical research February 12, 2026; Non-EU / Global / International Grants ; AI Grants , Biotechnology grants , Innovation grants , Research grants Call for applications for scientists at all career stages who are affiliated with universities, companies, or research institutions worldwide.

This initiative is designed to foster collaboration between academia and industry by supporting cutting-edge research in biotechnology and pharmaceuticals. The program offers significant financial support, with potential funding reaching up to EUR 500,000 for certain projects, alongside unique opportunities for researchers to interact directly with the global scientific community.

For the 2026 cycle, the Call is offering specialized grants across five distinct technical categories: Neuroinflammatory Diseases; AI and Cell Culture; Material Remediation; Screening Assays; and Molecule Synthesis.

Call for proposals to support the establishment of a network of leading European research labs dedicated to collaborative research using AI in agricultural and environmental sciences Call for proposals to establish a network of premier research laboratories focused on applying Artificial Intelligence (AI) to agricultural and environmental pollution sciences. With a total funding allocation of EUR 12.

80 million, this initiative aims to create a virtual institute under the RAISE (Resource for AI Science in Europe) framework. The selected consortium will be responsible for setting an ambitious strategic research agenda, identifying scientific “grand challenges,” and carrying out collaborative research to solve critical issues in these thematic domains.

A significant portion of the project involves spreading expertise across Europe through talent exchange schemes, community-driven data standards, and industry collaborations. To ensure broad impact, the consortium is required to utilize financial support to third parties (FSTP), providing grants of up to EUR 60,000 to external institutes to bring in complementary data or expertise.

By aligning research efforts and piloting the RAISE infrastructure, the project seeks to accelerate scientific progress, attract top-tier talent, and reinforce the European AI-in-science community.

Call for proposals to establish networks of leading European research labs to collaboratively apply AI to strategic scientific areas, piloting the RAISE framework and fostering a strong European AI in science community Call for proposals aimed at establishing thematic networks of excellence for AI in Science. The funded pilot network that will serve as a building block for the RAISE (Resource for AI Science in Europe) virtual institute.

The primary goal is to pool the expertise of leading research labs to address “scientific grand challenges” through the strategic application of AI, specifically focusing on thematic areas such as Materials Science. This action is intended to reinforce the European AI community by creating a “virtual institute” model that aligns research efforts across the continent.

By fostering collaboration between academia and industry, the project aims to accelerate scientific breakthroughs and ensure that AI-driven methodologies are successfully integrated into diverse scientific disciplines. Call for proposals to support innovative AI solutions for advanced manufacturing processes Call for proposals to integrate innovative Artificial Intelligence solutions into advanced manufacturing processes.

This initiative seeks to revolutionize modern factories by enhancing circularity, operational efficiency, and environmental sustainability. With a total budget of EUR 30. 00 million, the call expects to fund projects with an award range between EUR 4.

00 and 6. 00 million. The call focuses on moving beyond the current state-of-the-art by leveraging enabling technologies such as Deep Learning, Large Language Models (LLMs), and Digital Twins.

Successful projects must demonstrate how their AI tools can adapt to real-time data and changing production needs while strictly addressing industrial data confidentiality and secure sharing. This topic is closely linked to the Apply AI Strategy and the co-programmed European Partnerships Made in Europe and AI, Data and Robotics.

Call for proposals to support innovative AI solutions to boost competitiveness, sustainability, and working conditions in process industries Call for proposals to develop and demonstrate transformative AI-driven solutions tailored for the process industries. With a total budget of EUR 30. 00 million, this initiative aims to move beyond basic predictive maintenance toward intelligent, adaptive, and creative industrial systems.

The call expects to fund projects with an award range between EUR 4. 00 and 6. 00 million.

The call emphasizes the use of advanced AI architectures—including multimodal generative AI, foundation models, and agentic AI—to deliver value across the entire industrial lifecycle. Successful projects are required to ensure high user acceptance by actively engaging workers in the design and development of these systems.

Furthermore, solutions must be seamlessly integrated into the existing Operational Technology (OT) and Information Technology (IT) landscapes of companies. This topic implements the co-programmed European Partnerships Processes4Planet and AI, Data and Robotics.

It is also linked to the Apply AI Strategy, meaning applicants should seek collaboration with relevant European initiatives and include a robust business case and exploitation strategy.

DIA Open Innovation Challenges November 20, 2025; Other EU Programmes ; AI Grants , Digital technologies grants , Innovation grants Call for applications to participate in an open challenge, aiming to leverage private investment and foster joint research and development between industry, innovative SMEs, and academic members.

The fund’s mission is to advance Datacom technologies and their applications across multiple vertical sectors by allowing industry members to define specific, real-world technological challenges. Funding awards of up to EUR 60,000 are available for projects.

Call for applications for health innovation organizations to participate in chat and AI related technology accelerator program July 21, 2025; Non-EU / Global / International Grants ; Accelerator programs , AI Grants , Business development / Entrepreneurship , Health Grants , Innovation grants , Sustainability funding Call for applications for health innovation organizations to participate in chat and AI related technology accelerator program, in order to design, test, and scale impactful digital health services.

Leveraging Europe’s Expertise to accelerate Cell Therapy for Type 1 Diabetes Call for proposals to support projects that accelerate cell therapy for type 1 diabetes, in order to improve healthcare quality, accessibility, and sustainability.

Understanding how infections foster and induce non-communicable diseases Call for proposals by the European Commission to support projects that contribute to the better understanding of the potential causal links between infections and non-communicable diseases and their accompanying biomarkers. The maximum financial contribution is up to EUR 7 127 000.

AI-Powered Signal Detection in Pharmacovigilance Call for proposals to develop AI-powered algorithms and methods for faster and more accurate signal detection in pharmacovigilance. The maximum financial contribution is up to EUR 8 906 000.

Towards precision medicine: platform for transdiagnostic stratification of brain dysfunction Call for proposals to develop sustainable and collaborative large, multimodal data platform that is build on an existing federated data platform, which can identify novel transdiagnostic candidate markers and endpoints for the symptom domains of reward/motivation (including anhedonia) and impulsivity (RM&I) in neuropsychiatric, neurodegenerative, and physical health disorders.

The maximum financial contribution is up to EUR 20 202 000. Facilitating the conduct of multinational clinical studies of orphan devices and/or of highly innovative (“breakthrough”) devices Call for proposals to support projects that focus on multinational clinical studies of orphan devices and/or of highly innovative (“breakthrough”) devices, including digital and Artificial Intelligence (AI) based tools and techniques.

It is estimated that a contribution of between EUR 6. 00 and 8. 00 million would allow these outcomes to be addressed appropriately.

Advancing innovative interventions for mental, behavioural and neurodevelopmental disorders Call for proposals to support projects that facilitate the advancing of innovative interventions for mental, behavioural and neurodevelopmental disorders, that include for example severe depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, psychosis, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), addictive behaviours (drugs, alcohol, gaming and others), obsessive-compulsive disorder, eating disorders and autism spectrum disorder.

It is estimated that a contribution of between EUR 6. 00 and 8. 00 million would allow these outcomes to be addressed appropriately.

Subsidized Testing and Validation Services for AI and Robotics in Healthcare May 05, 2025; Other EU Programmes ; AI Grants , Health Grants , Innovation grants Call for applications for European SMEs developing healthcare AI and robotics solutions to receive subsidized support. Funding: up to €300,000.

Call for expression of interest to select financial intermediaries for equity products in the InvestEU programme Call for expression of interest in order to select financial intermediaries to provide equity investments in support of innovation, growth and social impact.