New Horizon Europe calls to boost digital innovation
The European Union is investing more than €307 million in artificial intelligence and related technologies through two new calls launched by the European Commission under the “Digital, Industry and Space” cluster of the Horizon Europe work programme, Economedia reports. The total budget amounts to €307.3 million, aimed at strengthening Europe’s digital innovation and competitiveness.
The first call, worth €221.8 million, focuses on developing trustworthy AI services, innovative data services and reinforcing the EU’s strategic autonomy. Funding will support projects linked to AI deployment, robotics, quantum technologies, photonics and virtual worlds.
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More than €40 million within this envelope will support the Open Internet Stack initiative, targeting both end-user applications and core internal technologies to advance Europe’s sovereign digital commons.
A second call allocates €85.5 million to support open strategic autonomy in digital and emerging technologies and raw materials, with priorities including next-generation AI agents, robotics for industrial and service applications, and advanced sensing materials.
The calls are open until April 15, 2026, and target companies, public authorities, academic institutions and other eligible entities across EU member states and partner countries.
Photo: Arenas Project
