The EU to invest over €300 million in AI under Horizon Europe

The European Commission has launched two calls for proposals under the “Digital, Industry and Space” cluster of the Horizon Europe work programme. The objective is to strengthen Europe’s digital innovation capacity and competitiveness. The total budget allocated amounts to €307.3 million.

€222 million is earmarked for an initiative focused on the development of trustworthy AI services. The call will fund projects contributing to the advancement of artificial intelligence, including actions supporting the AI uptake strategy, robotics, quantum technologies, photonics, and virtual worlds.

An additional €85.5 million is allocated under the second call for proposals, which will support open strategic autonomy in the field of digital and emerging technologies and raw materials. Project topics include next-generation artificial intelligence, robotics for industrial and service applications, and the development of new materials with enhanced monitoring functions.

These calls are open to businesses, public administrations, and the academic community.

The application deadline is 15 April 2026. More information is available on the Funding & Tenders Portal.