European Commission (DIGITAL) grants

Expected Outcome: The expected outcomes of this topic are : A common EU evaluation platform for AI chips and racks, with transparent KPIs, workloads and benchmark reports used for Chips JU selection and procurement decisions. First pilot deployments of European AI compute systems validated for EU sovereign partitions of AI infrastructure. Structured collaboration between buyers and suppliers, supporting deployment, integration and optimisation of European AI compute solutions. Stronger EU demand for European AI chips and racks, helping to create a market for deployment-ready solutions. Increased EU technological sovereignty across the AI compute stack for European datacentres.

Expected Outcome: The expected outcomes of this topic are : Functional demonstrators of working AI chip prototypes (PCB-level) designed by EU fabless companies and physically integrated with their system partners. Validation of AI chip solutions on a common EU evaluation platform (provided by the Topic X.B consortium), delivering comparative evidence on key performance indicators. A shortlist of European AI chip solutions awarded the AI Compute Excellence label and qualified to proceed to full rack development under Topic X.A2.

Expected Outcome: Deployment of Artificial Intelligence and various AI-powered technologies as enablers for Cyber Hubs, CSIRTs, NCSCs, NIS SPOCs and others. Novel cybersecurity tools based on AI that have been developed, tested and validated in relevant conditions and made available to Cyber Hubs, CSIRTs, NCSCs, NIS SPOCs and others. Enhanced information sharing and collaboration amongst National and Cross-Border Cyber Hubs, CSIRTs, NCSCs, NIS SPOCs and others relevant stakeholders, supported by CTI produced by AI-powered tools. Tools for automation of cybersecurity processes such as the creation, analysis and processing of CTI, to enhance operations of the Cyber Hubs. Original European CTI feeds or services. Ensure that the most advanced and innovative secure AI solutions are developed and implemented for NIS sectors. Secure AI solutions and tools, complying with EU legislation. Promote the mitigation of risks associated with the misuse of AI by malicious actors, with a focus on AI ethics and secure deployment. Contribution to the standardisation and certification of cybersecure, trustworthy AI technologies. Objective: This topic addresses AI-based technologies (including GenAI)…

Expected Outcome: One or more of the following should be covered: Implementation of guidelines, standardised processes, or manuals – in the EU or multiple EU MS – concerning the most challenging issues, supporting specific stakeholders and sectors addressed by cybersecurity legislation. Develop and implement tools, raise awareness and encourage and facilitate industry uptake, with a focus on SMEs, of conformity assessments of essential cybersecurity requirements for products with digital elements (hardware and software) under the CRA. Support for mechanisms reducing the administrative burden for entities, like single entry point for incident notification. Establish secure communication channels allowing for cooperation and information sharing initiatives. Support the organisation of regular meetings/workshops to identify good practices within specific sectors or emerging areas and facilitate collaborative efforts between different sectors. Support the development of training courses, on the basis of the ECSF and exercises that promote capacity building and internal awareness. Contribution to CR standardisation: Training materials and training actions on cybersecurity certification…

Expected Outcome: Secure Data Sharing Framework: Develop standardised and encrypted communication mechanisms to facilitate seamless data exchange between civilian and military stakeholders. These mechanisms should align with GDPR and other EU regulatory requirements. Early Warning Systems (EWS): Establish a European-level EWS for cyber and hybrid threats. These systems should integrate real-time monitoring tools and predictive analytics to pre-emptively identify and neutralise cyber and hybrid threats targeting critical infrastructure. Collaborative Training Programmes: Design joint training programmes that incorporate AI and cybersecurity scenarios for both civilian (including law enforcement) and military personnel. These programmes should address sector specific needs and hybrid threat scenarios. Integrated Threat Detection Systems: Deploy unified threat detection systems leveraging AI, ZTA, and Digital Twins for cross-sectoral application, targeting current and emerging cyber and hybrid threats. Cross-Sector Security Standards: Develop harmonised cybersecurity standards for dual-use technologies to ensure interoperability and scalability across EU Member States and propose…

Expected Outcome: Support the adoption of market-ready innovative AI-powered cybersecurity solutions, including solutions developed in the framework of EU-supported research and innovation projects. Provide and deploy up to date AI-powered tools and services to organisations (in particular SMEs) to prepare, protect and respond to cybersecurity threats. Integrate AI technologies into cybersecurity processes to improve the security of ICT solutions, including providing innovative approaches to training employees to use AI solutions for cybersecurity. Deployment of cybersecure tools and technologies relying on trustworthy AI; AI driven cybersecurity tools; Integration of tools to protect and secure AI solutions. Objective: To support the market uptake and dissemination of innovative AI-powered cybersecurity solutions (notably in SMEs, possibly using results stemming from Horizon Europe projects or similar) and improve knowledge and auditing of cybersecurity preparedness. SMEs often lack the resources to assess cyber risks, develop cybersecurity strategies and implement solutions, leaving them vulnerable to cyberattacks. The resilience of organisations that fall into this category is…

Expected Outcome: Depending on the decision of each NCC, one or more of the following should be covered: Network of national initiatives to accelerate the cybersecurity industry and facilitate Access-to-Market. European frameworks for establishing cybersecurity incubators and accelerators. Cybersecurity Community Observatory to inform subsequent policy interventions by the ECCC and NCCs. Matchmaking events to create connections and build trust; platforms and events for Access-to-Finance and Access-to-Market including in the area of dual-use technologies. Strengthened Cybersecurity Community to support the European Cybersecurity Industrial, Technology and Research Competence Centre; Maintained technical registration possibilities for candidates for the Cybersecurity Competence Community; Technical assistance for potential applicants for ECCC calls. Uptake of cybersecurity solutions. Strengthened cybersecurity capacities of stakeholders. Synergetic activities that strengthen the role of NCC. Centralised the many initiatives focusing on raising awareness and work together with other NCCs to support a cross European approach covering education, studies, training courses and awareness…

Expected Outcome: The Regional cable hubs will contribute to enhancing and consolidating collective situational awareness and capabilities in detection, supporting the development of an operational capacities to ensure the security and resilience of undersea cables. The hubs should act as a central point allowing for broader pooling of data and information relevant for the security environment of the cables, enabling the dissemination of threat information and incident detection on a regional scale and among a diverse set of national actors as designated by each Member States (e.g. National Hubs, CSIRTs.) The Hubs should allow a rapid exchange of information, even if classified among participating authorities in a given hub. To that end, the participating authorities shall set procedural arrangements on cooperation and information sharing. Furthermore, regional cable hubs could also benefit from additional solutions for the surveillance and protection of submarine cables, and the detection of malicious activities. For instance, situational awareness performed through the collection and analysis of in-situ, sea-based sensor data as well as relevant satellite imagery or undersea…

Expected Outcome: The types of deliverables are presented in two parts. The first part covers: Enhanced cooperation, preparedness and cybersecurity resilience in the EU; preparedness support services. Threat assessment and risk assessment services. The second part covers: Risk monitoring services Better compliance, coordinated vulnerability disclosure and monitoring Improved skills, via exercises and training courses, organisation of events, workshops. Stakeholder consultations and white papers. Objective: This action covers two actions from the Cyber Solidarity Act, dedicated to the Cybersecurity Emergency Mechanism, namely (1) coordinated preparedness testing of entities operating in sectors of high criticality across the Union and (2) other preparedness actions for entities operating in sectors of high criticality and other critical sectors. Objectives These actions aim to complement and not duplicate efforts by Member States and those at Union level to increase the level of protection and resilience to cyber threats, in particular for critical industrial installations and infrastructures, by assisting Member States in their efforts to improve their preparedness for cyber…

Expected Outcome: World-class Cross-Border Cyber Hubs across the Union for pooling data on cybersecurity threats between several Member States, equipped with a highly secure infrastructures and advanced data analytics tools for detecting, gathering and storing data on cybersecurity threats, analysing this data, and sharing and reporting CTI, reviews and analyses. Sharing of Threat Intelligence between National Cyber Hubs, and information sharing agreements with competent authorities and networks, including CSIRTs. Objective: The former Cross-border SOC platforms were financed during previous calls and such collaboration is envisaged for the Cross-Border Cyber Hubs. They should provide new additional capacity building upon and complementing existing SOCs/Cyber Hubs, Computer Security Incident Response Teams (CSIRTs), ISACs and other relevant actors. This action is aimed mainly at new Cross-Border Cyber Hubs. Supporting activities for the SOCs that were already launched under the previous DIGITAL work programmes (2021-2022 and 2023-2024) 1 could also be included when relevant to ensure collaboration with the Cross-Border Cyber Hubs. In addition to setting up processes, tools and…

Expected Outcome: World-class National Cyber Hubs across the Union, supported by state-of-the-art technology, acting as clearing houses for detecting, gathering and storing data on cybersecurity threats, analysing this data, and sharing and reporting CTI, reviews and analyses, taking into account well-established standards for sharing and automation processes. Threat intelligence and situational awareness capabilities and capacity building supporting strengthened collaboration between cybersecurity actors, including private and public actors. Targeted training courses on the basis of the ECSF to improve the capacity of cyber security roles. Applications for automated notification of private and public actors about compromised or insecure systems Objective: Where a Member State decides to participate in the European Cybersecurity Alert System, it shall designate or, where applicable, establish a National Cyber Hub, a single entity acting under the authority of the Member State. National Cyber Hubs have the capacity to act as a reference point and gateway to other public and private organisations at national level for collecting and analysing information on cyber threats and…