International cooperation in AI (IA)

The grant supports international cooperation for the faster uptake, testing, and deployment of tailored Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions in low- and middle-income countries, mainly by empowering local innovation hubs. The aim is to strengthen local innovation ecosystems that foster sustainable socio-economic impact in areas such as education, healthcare, agriculture, and environmental sustainability. Activities include system prototyping, validation, and demonstration in operational environments, particularly aligned with EU digital initiatives and strategies such as the International Digital Strategy for the EU and the AI Continent Action Plan. The programme prioritizes local data, co-creation through Living Labs, adaptation and transfer of AI developed in Europe, and large-scale deployment and validation of these solutions to contribute to global sustainable development goals, including climate, agriculture, biodiversity, health, education, and humanitarian needs.

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Agency	HORIZON (EU)
Region	EUother
Country	N/A
Legal form	Company, NGO, Government organization, Other
Start date	17 Nov 2026
End date	18 Mar 2027
Max funding	1,500,000 EUR per project
Budget	3,000,000 EUR for this topic (HORIZON-CL4-2027-04-DIGITAL-EMERGING-06); budget is part of the broader Horizon Europe 2021-2027 framework.
Coverage	Funding is provided as a lump sum covering eligible costs, in accordance with Horizon Europe regulations.

Grant application conditions

Admissibility Conditions	Proposal page limit and layout must comply with Annex A and Annex E of the Horizon Europe Work Programme General Annexes, and follow the structure in Part B of the Application Form.
Eligible Countries	Applicants from EU member states and associated countries are eligible. Additional non-EU/non-Associated Countries may be funded if specific national provisions allow. See Annex B of the Horizon Europe Work Programme General Annexes.
Other Eligible Conditions	Subject to restrictions for the protection of European communication networks. See Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes.
Legal and Financial Capacity	Applicants must demonstrate required financial and operational capacity; see Annex C of the Work Programme General Annexes.
Application and Evaluation Forms	Applicants must use the standard application form and comply with all call-specific instructions. Evaluation forms and criteria will be as outlined in the call documentation.
Transfer or Exclusive Licensing of Results	Beneficiaries intending to transfer ownership or grant an exclusive licence must formally notify the granting authority (DG-CNECT and HaDEA) before the intended transfer or licensing takes place. The granting authority may object up to four years after the end of the action.
Eligible Costs	Costs covered as a lump sum in line with the Horizon Europe decision of 7 July 2021.
Documentation	https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-CL4-2027-04-DIGITAL-EMERGING-06

Eligible expenses

Evaluation criteria

Reporting

Application process

Application requirements