Brussels: The European Commission has unveiled two new calls under the 'Digital, Industry and Space' cluster of the Horizon Europe Work Programme, with a significant allocation of £307.3 million aimed at enhancing Europe's digital innovation and competitiveness. These initiatives are part of a broader strategy to reinforce Europe's standing in key digital sectors, with applications open until 15 April 2026.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the Commission announced that £221.8 million from this fund will be directed towards the advancement of trustworthy artificial intelligence (AI) services, innovative data services, and the protection of the EU's strategic autonomy. This allocation will support projects that contribute to the development of AI, encompassing initiatives aligned with the 'Apply AI' Strategy. These initiatives include advancements in robotics, quantum technologies, photonics, and virtual worlds.
The calls are open to a wide array of participants, including businesses, public administrations, academic institutions, and other entities from EU Member States and associated countries, aiming to foster collaboration across different sectors.
Additionally, more than £40 million will be allocated to the Open Internet Stack Initiative. This funding supports applications and technologies designed to enhance European sovereign digital commons, promoting a cohesive digital infrastructure across the continent.
Furthermore, the Commission has earmarked £85.5 million for the second call, which focuses on open strategic autonomy in digital and emerging technologies, as well as raw materials. This call targets areas such as next-generation artificial intelligence, robotics for industrial and service applications, and the development of new materials with advanced sensing capabilities.
These initiatives are aligned with the Commission's Competitiveness Compass, promoting sustainable innovation and strategic digital technologies. Through this investment, the Commission aims to secure leadership in strategic technologies through sustainable, human-centric innovation, reinforcing Europe's position in critical digital sectors such as artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, future digital networks, and virtual worlds.