Digital Europe Programme

European funding for digital transformation

Introduction to the Digital Europe program

The Digital Europe (DIGITAL) program is the first European funding initiative exclusively dedicated to accelerating the digital transformation of the European economy and society. Launched for the period 2021-2027, this strategic initiative, with a budget of €7.5 billion, aims to boost investment in essential digital technologies and amplify the deployment of advanced digital innovations across the European continent.

In the ecosystem of European funding programs, Digital Europe stands out due to its strategic position and synergies with other programs. Unlike Horizon Europe, which prioritizes research and fundamental innovation, Digital Europe focuses on the operational implementation, integration, and exploitation of digital technologies. While the Connecting Europe Facility develops trans-European digital infrastructures and cohesion funds strengthen territorial digital equity, Digital Europe addresses a crucial need by targeting strategic digital skills and their practical application.

Digital Europe's strategic ambitions align perfectly with the European vision of digital autonomy and a fair digital transition. The program pursues the following objectives:

Consolidating Europe's technological independence in key digital sectors
Facilitating broader access to cutting-edge digital technologies and expertise
To stimulate the integration of digital solutions by businesses and public institutions
Promoting the compatibility of European digital systems
Strengthening European resilience and digital autonomy in the face of global challenges

Digital Europe is organized around five priority intervention pillars, each with a specific budget allocation:

Supercomputing and high-performance computing (€2.2 billion)
Artificial intelligence (€2.1 billion)
Cybersecurity and digital trust (€1.6 billion)
Specialized digital skills (€577 million)
Deployment and optimization of digital capabilities (€1.1 billion)

Shaping Europe's digital future

Ambitions and areas of action

Digital Europe symbolizes Europe's boldest commitment to strategic digital technologies. This initiative unites the development of technological capabilities with their concrete deployment on the ground, creating a vital bridge between theoretical innovation and real societal impact.

Strategic areas of intervention

The program is structured around five interconnected technological pillars:

Advanced supercomputing technologies

Establishment of a European network of world-class supercomputers
Development of exascale and next-generation systems
Expanding the use of HPC in sectors of public interest
Strengthening the European high-performance computing ecosystem
Industrial applications of HPC for technological innovation

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Establishment of shared European data spaces in priority sectors
Development and consolidation of European AI capabilities
Deployment of AI testing and experimentation platforms
Promoting responsible, reliable, and human-centered AI
Provision of AI solutions accessible to SMEs and government agencies

Cybersecurity and digital trust

Strengthening European cybersecurity capabilities
Deployment of advanced security solutions, equipment and infrastructure
Support for the implementation of the NIS2 directive
Development of cyber defense infrastructure and tools
Securing critical infrastructure and the digital economy

Specialized digital skills

Training in advanced digital technologies (AI, HPC, cybersecurity, blockchain)
Development and deployment of specialized training programs
Internship programs and training in a professional environment
Development of master's programs and training programs of excellence
Retraining and skills development for professionals in the sector

Deployment and optimal use of digital capacities

Digitization of public administrations
Interoperability of European public services
Deployment, integration and use of digital technologies
European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIH) Networks
Large-scale deployment projects in sectors of general interest

Preferred application sectors

Digital Europe gives particular priority to green digital technologies that contribute to climate objectives, in synergy with the Innovation Fund which finances large-scale industrial decarbonization technologies.

Beyond the five fundamental pillars, Digital Europe is focusing its efforts on strategic sector-specific applications:

Connected health and care (digital health systems, telemedicine, diagnostic AI)
Intelligent and autonomous transport (connected vehicles, integrated mobility systems)
Digital replicas for industry and smart territories
Manufacturing 4.0 and connected production
Digital public services and e-government
Sustainable agriculture and a connected environment
Cultural heritage and digital creations
Learning and training in the digital age

The program prioritizes the creation of sector-specific European data ecosystems, optimizing the sharing and secure use of information on a continental scale.

Contribution to European strategic orientations

Digital Europe is aligned with Europe's major strategic directions, including:

The European digital agenda and its 2030 targets
The European policy for data valorization
European technological autonomy and strategic independence
The European ecological transition and sustainable digitalization
The European ecosystem of excellence and trust in artificial intelligence
The European approach to cybersecurity
The transformation of European public services

Expected benefits at the European level

Digital Europe initiatives aim to generate substantial benefits:

Consolidation of European strategic digital assets
Democratization of access to advanced digital technologies
Reducing territorial and social digital disparities
Implementation of a functional digital single market
Accelerating the digitalization of SMEs and government agencies
Emergence of a high-performing and autonomous European digital ecosystem
Creation of specialized jobs in the digital economy

Types of projects funded

Digital Europe supports various categories of projects according to their objectives:

Standard projects (Simple Grants):

Digital technology deployment and integration initiatives
Typical duration: 12-36 months
Co-financing: Standard 50% (up to 75% for certain specific cases)
Partnership generally required (exceptions may vary depending on the call for proposals)

European digital infrastructure projects:

Creation and management of continental digital infrastructures
Typical duration: 24-60 months
Co-financing: 50-75% depending on the nature of the initiative
Partnerships generally composed of public or semi-public entities

Public contracts (Procurement):

Acquisition of digital capacities and infrastructures by the Commission
Consultations for specialized services, solutions or equipment
Financing generally total (100%)

European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIH):

One-stop shops supporting businesses and public organizations in their digital transition
Co-financed 50% by the EU and 50% by Member States or territories
Selected via a two-pronged process involving national pre-selections and European consultation

Concrete examples of projects already funded

Here are some examples of projects that have received Digital Europe funding:

Development of a European network of AI experimentation platforms for the manufacturing sector
Creation of a European blockchain services system for public administrations
Establishment of a shared European medical data space allowing secure access to cross-border patient records
Creation of a network of cybersecurity centers specializing in strategic industrial sectors
Launch of an advanced training program in AI and cybersecurity for 20,000 European experts
Installation of a high-performance computing infrastructure reserved for innovative SMEs in priority sectors

Technologies and innovations encouraged

Digital Europe particularly favors initiatives that:

They utilize mature digital technologies that have passed the research phase
They stimulate the adoption and use of European digital solutions
They establish strategic and shared digital infrastructures
They improve the compatibility of European digital systems
They create advanced digital skills tailored to market needs.
They are leveraging digital technology to solve societal and environmental challenges

Priority sector areas

Although Digital Europe covers all economic sectors, some receive increased attention:

Digital administration and connected public services
Digital medicine and personalized care
Connected industry and digitized value chains
Smart mobility and connected transport
Smart territories and communities
Smart energy and sustainable networks
Digital agrifood and traceability
Digital financial services and fintech
Digital training and skills

Innochain Expertise and Support

Specialized expertise in this program

Innochain has developed in-depth expertise in the Digital Europe program, forged through our commitment and success in supporting European public and private organizations. Our team brings together specialists and evaluators who have a thorough understanding of the selection criteria and specific priorities of Digital Europe.

Our consultants combine technical expertise in the five core areas of the program (HPC, AI, cybersecurity, digital skills, deployment), a deep understanding of funding mechanisms, and practical experience in developing complex transnational projects.

Strategic diagnosis Analysis of your technology or digital solution and alignment with Digital Europe priorities
Targeted positioning : Identifying the most relevant area of intervention and type of action for your initiative
Partnership development : Formation of a balanced and complementary European alliance (if necessary)
Project Architecture Definition of work packages, deliverables, and expected impacts
Construction of the file : Development of a comprehensive proposal, harmonized with the selection criteria
Negotiation and formalization : Assistance in the preparation phases of the grant agreement

Eligibility audit and strategic positioning
Technology monitoring of Digital Europe consultations
Identification and mobilization of European partners
Technical and administrative structuring of the initiative
Complete drafting of the application file
Budget preparation and compliance verification
Preparation for the evaluators' questions
Assistance in negotiating the grant agreement
European project management training
Support for technical and financial reporting

countries covered by our network of strategic partners in the European digital ecosystem

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years of combined expertise in the five priority areas of the program

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of our projects establish successful synergies with other European programs

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time saved on the preparation and administrative management of the project

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personalized support to navigate the complexity of transnational projects

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Conditions of access to the program

Organization eligibility criteria

Access to the Digital Europe programme requires compliance with the following conditions:

Legal entities established in an eligible territory:

EU Member States
EEA countries (Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein)
Associated countries that have concluded a specific agreement with Digital Europe
In certain specific situations, entities from non-associated third countries (with restrictions)

Categories of eligible organizations:

Public entities (national, regional, local authorities)
Private organizations (companies, associations, foundations)
International organizations (under specific conditions)

For most actions, a multi-organizational partnership is required, generally with a minimum of 3 independent entities from 3 different eligible territories. Some specific consultations may have separate requirements.

Categories of eligible businesses

Digital Europe is open to a wide range of organizations:

SMEs and startups Particularly targeted by certain consultations and EDIHs
Large companies Generally, as partners providing expertise and implementation capacity
Public bodies : Administrations, local authorities, public agencies
Research centers and universities For their advanced technological capabilities
Sectoral associations and clusters Facilitating the integration of digital technologies
NGOs and non-profit organizations : Particularly in projects with a societal dimension

Some consultations may favour specific categories of organisations or require particular combinations in partnerships.

Territorial criteria

The Digital Europe program is primarily aimed at:

27 Member States of the European Union
Countries of the European Economic Area (Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein)
Associated countries that have signed a specific agreement with the program

Entities from non-associated third countries may exceptionally participate without funding in cases justified by the objectives of the project and the interest of the EU.

The program encourages balanced territorial representation in partnerships and pays particular attention to the integration of less digitally advanced territories.

Technical or scientific requirements

Digital Europe projects must meet several technical criteria:

Technological maturity level : Focus on technologies that have passed the R&D stage, generally TRL 6-9
Implementation guidelines : Projects must aim for the concrete adoption, use and deployment of technologies
European dimension : Clear added value at the European level (not just national)
Interoperability : Compliance with relevant European norms and standards
Sustainability Credible strategy for continuity after the end of funding
Security and data protection : Compliance with GDPR and European cybersecurity requirements

Projects must generally demonstrate a balance between technological innovation and deployment feasibility.

Terms of financial support

Funding rates according to organization category

Funding rates in Digital Europe vary depending on the type of action and sometimes on the category of organization:

Standard projects (Simple Grants):

Standard rate: 50% of eligible costs
Possible exceptions up to 75% for certain specific consultations
No differentiation based on organizational category

Actions for European digital infrastructure:

50-75% depending on the specifics of the consultation
Increased funding may be available for critical components

European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIH):

50% funded by the EU
50% co-financed by Member States or territories

Public contracts:

Financing at 100%

Grant ceilings

The amounts of support vary considerably depending on the consultations:

Standard projects : Generally between 1 and 10 million euros
European digital infrastructures : Can reach several tens of millions of euros
EDIH Approximately 1-1.5 million euros per year per center for EU contribution
Training courses in specialized digital skills : Typically 1-5 million euros

Annual work programs and specific consultations define precise budget ranges.

Eligible costs

The categories of costs generally eligible include:

Personnel costs Salaries and expenses of the teams assigned to the project
Subcontracting Outsourced services (with limitations depending on the consultations)
Acquisition of equipment and infrastructure : Often a major position in Digital Europe projects
Travel and accommodation expenses : For project-related meetings, conferences and events
Other direct costs : Consumables, distribution, validation, certifications, etc.
Indirect costs : Flat rate of 7% for eligible direct costs

Digital Europe generally uses the actual cost model, where expenses actually incurred are reimbursed at the applicable financing rate.

Mandatory co-financing

The Digital Europe programme operates on the principle of co-financing:

Most actions require co-financing of at least 50% of eligible costs
This co-financing may come from the beneficiary's own resources or from other sources (national, regional, private)
For EDIHs, co-financing of 50% must come from Member States or territories
Certain strategic actions may benefit from an increased funding rate (up to 75%)
In-kind contributions may be accepted under certain conditions

Innochain can help you identify sources of co-financing and structure your financial plan optimally.

Application Process

Calendar and consultations

Digital Europe operates according to a system of consultations published regularly:

Work program : Strategic document defining priorities over 2 years
Consultations Published on the Commission's Funding & Tenders portal
Frequency Several rounds of consultations each year, covering different priorities
Submission deadlines Generally 2-3 months after the publication of the consultation
Assessment 3-5 months after the consultation is closed
Contractualization : 2-3 months after the assessment results
Project launch Generally 8-9 months after the publication of the consultation

Documents to provide

The Digital Europe application requires the preparation of several essential documents:

Administrative forms (Part A):

General information about the initiative
Administrative data of participants
Detailed budget
Ethical and Safety Self-Declarations

Technical description (Part B):

Detailed description of the initiative (context, objectives, impact)
Work plan (work packages, deliverables, milestones)
Description of the partnership and resource allocation
Communication strategy, dissemination and exploitation

Annexes (as per consultations):

CVs of key people
Letters of support
Descriptions of existing infrastructure
Specific documents required for certain consultations

Innochain supports you in the preparation of each of these documents, paying particular attention to harmonization with the evaluation criteria and specific objectives of Digital Europe.

Submission Steps

The Digital Europe submission process includes the following steps:

Identifying the relevant consultation on the Funding & Tenders portal
Create an account and register your organization (if not already done)
Prepare the proposal according to the provided templates and guidelines.
Partnership formation and partner information collection
Collaborative drafting of the different parts of the proposal
Verification of compliance with all administrative requirements
Electronic submission before the deadline (early submission recommended)
Automatic confirmation of receipt by the system

For certain specific consultations, such as EDIHs, the process may include preliminary national pre-selection stages.

Proposal evaluation criteria

Digital Europe projects are evaluated according to three main criteria:

Relevance:

Alignment with the objectives and priorities of the consultation
Contribution to European policies and strategies
European added value

Implementation:

Quality and efficiency of the work plan
Operational capacity and complementarity of the partnership
Appropriate allocation of resources
Risk management and quality assurance

Impact (Impact):

Short, medium and long-term effects of the initiative
Measures to maximize impact (dissemination, exploitation)
Sustainability and prospects for larger-scale deployment

Each criterion is generally marked out of 5 points, with a minimum threshold of 3/5 per criterion and an overall threshold of 10/15.

Innochain optimizes your application to maximize your score on each of these criteria, with particular attention to demonstrating concrete impact and European added value.

Success rates and key factors

Success statistics

The relatively recent Digital Europe program has the following characteristics in terms of success rates:

Overall average success rate : Approximately 15-20% on a European scale
Variation by domain :
- Supercomputing technologies: 10-15% (very competitive)
- Artificial Intelligence: 15-20%
- Cybersecurity: 15-25%
- Specialized digital skills: 20-30%
- Capacity Deployment: 15-25%
Variation by type of action European infrastructures are generally more competitive (10-15%) than standard projects (20-25%)
Competitiveness : Increasing trend with the ramp-up of the program
Territorial distribution : Slight over-representation of Western and Nordic European countries, but efforts to balance

Common pitfalls to avoid

Our experience has allowed us to identify the main errors that penalize Digital Europe applications:

Excessive emphasis on R&D Propose a research project rather than an implementation project.
Insufficient European dimension : Failure to clearly demonstrate transnational added value
Unbalanced partnership : Lack of complementarity or absence of key players in the value chain
Neglected interoperability Insufficient consideration of European standards and norms
Impact too general : Lack of precise metrics and KPIs to measure success
Sustainability poorly addressed Unconvincing strategy for continuity after funding
Weak political alignment : Insufficient connection with European digital policies and strategies
Inadequate budget : Unbalanced or insufficiently justified allocation of resources

Innochain takes care to correct these weaknesses before submission to maximize your chances of success.

Differentiating factors for a winning application

The factors that make the difference in obtaining Digital Europe funding are:

Perfect strategic alignment with the specific objectives of the program and consultation
Concrete and measurable impact demonstrated by clear and realistic metrics
A balanced partnership including users, developers and facilitators
Demonstration of implementation with a precise adoption plan by end users
European dimension with clear cross-border added value
Interoperability and openness in accordance with European standards and principles
A credible sustainability plan for the post-funding period
Synergy with other European, national and regional initiatives

Feedback from Innochain

Our experience in supporting Digital Europe projects has enabled us to identify best practices:

Early involvement of end users and stakeholders is critical to success
Projects that demonstrate concrete synergies with other initiatives have a competitive advantage
Accurate quantification of the expected impact, with relevant KPIs, significantly strengthens the application
A judicious balance between ambition and realism is crucial – evaluators value ambitious but achievable goals
The clear articulation with national and regional digital strategies reinforces the credibility of the project
Effective visualization of concepts and expected outcomes significantly improves evaluators' understanding
Projects that take into account territorial diversity and the integration of less digitally advanced areas are generally better evaluated.
A well-targeted communication and dissemination strategy demonstrates the ability to maximize the project's impact

FAQ on the Digital Europe programme

Frequently Asked Questions by Businesses

How does Digital Europe differ from Horizon Europe?

Digital Europe focuses on the implementation and adoption of mature digital technologies (TRL 6-9), while Horizon Europe funds basic research and innovation. Digital Europe aims to bridge the gap between research and the practical application of digital technologies.

Can an SME apply individually or is a partnership mandatory?

For most Digital Europe actions, a transnational partnership is required, generally with a minimum of three independent entities from three different eligible territories. However, certain specific consultations, particularly within the framework of the Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIH) or certain actions directly targeting SMEs, may allow individual applications. Furthermore, SMEs can still benefit from the services offered by the EDIH even without directly participating in a funded project. Innochain can guide you towards the opportunities best suited to your situation.

What level of technological maturity is required?

Digital Europe primarily targets technologies that have already passed the R&D stage, generally at a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 6 to 9. The program does not fund the development of new technologies, but rather their implementation, adoption, and use. Therefore, your solution must already be tested and validated, ready for wider implementation or application in new contexts.

How can Digital Europe support innovative startups?

Although Digital Europe is not specifically designed for direct startup funding like the EIC Accelerator, it offers many opportunities through Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIH) which provide support, technology testing and market access services for innovative young companies.

How are national/regional funding coordinated with Digital Europe?

Digital Europe funding can complement national and regional funding, particularly for EDIH projects, which are explicitly co-financed under 50% by Member States or territories. For other actions, the rules on combining public aid apply in accordance with European regulations. An effective strategy often involves combining different funding sources to maximize the impact of your digital project, while ensuring compliance with State aid rules.

How do the European Digital Innovation Centres (EDIH) actually work?

EDIHs are single access points that support businesses and public sector organizations in meeting digital challenges and strengthening their competitiveness. Their operation is based on four pillars:

Test before investment : Opportunity to experiment with advanced digital technologies (AI, HPC, cybersecurity) before investing
Training and skills development : Training programs to improve employees' digital skills
Support for digital transformation : Advice, expertise and methodologies for implementing technologies
Networking and ecosystem : Connection with the innovation ecosystem, investors and other companies

Each EDIH typically has a sectoral or technological specialization and operates in a network with other European centers. They are selected through a two-stage process (national pre-selection followed by European selection) and are co-financed under 50% by the EU and 50% by Member States or territories.

How can synergies with other European programs be optimized?

To maximize the use of European funding, several strategies are possible:

Time sequencing : Leverage Horizon Europe for R&D, then Digital Europe for implementation
Thematic complementarity : Funding different aspects of a global digital strategy through multiple programs
Territorial expansion : Deploy a validated solution in new regions via structural funds
Financial leverage : Using Digital Europe as a catalyst to attract InvestEU or EIB funding
Capacity building : Combine Digital Europe with Erasmus+ or ESF+ for training aspects

Innochain can help you develop a coherent long-term European funding strategy by identifying optimal synergies between different programs.

Maximize your chances of success with our expertise

Launch your Digital Europe application with confidence

Innochain supports you at every stage, from initial analysis to final submission, to optimize your chances of obtaining Digital Europe funding and actively participating in the European digital revolution.

Feel free to contact us with any questions or to discuss your digital project. Together, let's contribute to strengthening European digital capabilities and building an autonomous and inclusive digital future.

Make an appointment with one of our experts for a free evaluation of your project