Cybersecure tools, technologies and services relying on AI

This grant supports the development and deployment of innovative, AI-powered cybersecurity tools and services for National and Cross-Border Cyber Hubs, CSIRTs, NCSCs, NIS SPOCs, and other relevant authorities. The aim is to enhance information sharing, automate cybersecurity operations, and promote the secure and trustworthy adoption of AI across the NIS sectors. Emphasis is placed on the mitigation of risk from malicious uses of AI, compliance with EU regulation (including the GDPR and AI Act), and contributions to the standardisation and certification of AI-based cybersecurity solutions.

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Agency	DIGITAL (EU)
Region	EU
Country	N/A
Legal form	Company, NGO, Government organization, Other
Start date	28 Oct 2025
End date	31 Mar 2026
Max funding	3,000,000 - 5,000,000 EUR per grant
Budget	15,000,000 EUR allocated for this topic in 2025
Coverage	Funding rate and coverage to be detailed in the official call documents. Proposals must comply with the EU Financial Regulation.

Grant application conditions

Admissibility Conditions	Proposal page limit and layout described in section 5 of the call document. Use Part B of the Application Form available in the Submission System.
Eligible Countries	Eligibility described in section 6 of the call document. Typically EU Member States and associated countries.
Other Eligible Conditions	Additional eligibility requirements are described in section 6 of the call document.
Financial and operational capacity	Applicants must demonstrate financial and operational capacity. Exclusions described in section 7 of the call document.
Legal and financial set-up	Described in section 10 of the call document.
Consortium requirements	Tool and service providers, Cyber Hubs, CSIRTs, competent authorities, NCCs, public and private entities eligible to apply. Applications as consortia are welcomed.
Application format	Standard application forms and required annexes as specified in the Submission System.
Compliance	Compliance with the AI Act, GDPR, intellectual property legislation, and relevant EU cybersecurity regulations is required. Applicants must ensure security, robustness, and trustworthiness of AI solutions.
Documentation	https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/DIGITAL-ECCC-2025-DEPLOY-CYBER-09-CYBERAI

Eligible expenses

Development and deployment of AI-based cybersecurity tools and services.

Work related to automation of cybersecurity processes (threat detection, vulnerability scanning, malware analysis, incident response, etc.).

Information sharing systems and tools, including CTI feeds/services.

Integration with high-performance computing infrastructure (where justified).

Contributions to standardisation and certification for trustworthy AI technologies.

Expenses outlined further in the call document.

Evaluation criteria

Excellence of the proposed AI-powered cybersecurity solution and its innovation potential.

Impact on the cybersecurity of NIS sectors, critical infrastructure, and national authorities.

Quality and efficiency of the implementation, including operational capacity and expertise of the applicants.

Degree of compliance with EU regulations (AI Act, GDPR, cybersecurity requirements).

Contribution to robust, trustworthy, and certifiable AI technologies.

Business exclusions

Reporting

Application process

Application requirements