The European Commission has announced a €307.3 million investment to strengthen Europe’s leadership in artificial intelligence (AI) and other strategic digital technologies. The funding comes through two new calls launched under the “Digital, Industry and Space” cluster of the Horizon Europe Work Programme.
The largest share, €221.8 million, will support initiatives focused on the development of trustworthy AI services, innovative data services, and the reinforcement of the EU’s strategic autonomy. Funded projects will contribute to AI development under the Apply AI Strategy and extend to related areas such as robotics, quantum technologies, photonics, and virtual worlds. More than €40 million within this call is earmarked for the Open Internet Stack Initiative, which aims to develop both end-user applications and core digital infrastructure to support European sovereign digital commons.
A second call, worth €85.5 million, targets open strategic autonomy in digital and emerging technologies as well as raw materials. This funding will focus on next-generation AI agents, robotics for industrial and service applications, and the development of new materials with enhanced sensing capabilities.
According to the Commission, the new calls are designed to drive sustainable innovation and reinforce Europe’s competitiveness in key technological domains. The initiative aligns with the EU’s Competitiveness Compass, emphasising human-centric, sustainable innovation to secure leadership in strategic technologies.
The “Digital, Industry and Space” cluster—also known as Cluster 4 of the Horizon Europe Work Programme— aims to accelerate Europe’s leadership in areas such as AI, quantum technologies, future digital networks, and virtual worlds. The calls are open to businesses, public administrations, academic institutions, and other organisations from EU Member States and partner countries.
Applications are open until 15 April 2026. Further details are available on the EU Funding & Tenders Portal.
