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EU programmes · European Commission, DG CONNECT (Directorate-General for Communications Networks, Content and Technology)

Digital Europe Programme

GrantsInnovation procurementDual-useDeep techSecurity
Ticket size
EUR 5m–55m per call topic (2025 calls range from €5m to €55m per thematic area)

About the programme

The Digital Europe Programme (DIGITAL) is an EU funding programme running 2021–2027 with a total budget exceeding €8.1 billion, designed to accelerate the deployment of advanced digital technologies—including AI, high-performance computing, cybersecurity, semiconductors, and digital skills—across businesses, public administrations, and citizens.

  • It funds large-scale deployment and capacity-building actions, complementing Horizon Europe (which targets research) by bridging mature technologies to real-world uptake.
  • The programme also supports the European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIH) network to assist SMEs and public bodies in their digital transformation.

Why it matters

For defence-tech and dual-use SMEs, DIGITAL offers direct access to EU grants and procurement contracts in strategic areas such as AI, cybersecurity, and semiconductors—technologies with clear defence and security relevance.

  • The EDIH network provides a low-barrier entry point for companies seeking technology testing, skills development, and access to larger project consortia.
  • As calls under the 2025–2027 Work Programme are now open (closing September 2025), companies with deployable digital solutions targeting public-sector or cross-border use cases should evaluate eligibility immediately.

Calls & cycles

none tracked
No call cycle on record. Check the official programme page.

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