New or enhanced Innovative Advanced Materials (IAM) enabled sensing functionality (RIA)

Opened

Code: 39199 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL4-2026-05-MAT-PROD-25 | Programme name: 2939 | Sub-program: Digital, Industry & Space (Cluster 4)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 15/01/2026 | End submission calls: 15/04/2026

Proposals should address at least one of the following two areas.

A. IAM-enabled multifunctional surfaces able to detect and respond to changes in the environment, such as temperature, pH, moisture, microbiological or chemical pollutants, concentration of chemical species in air, gases and liquids, and converting these signals into measurable outputs. Such surfaces should demonstrate high performance in terms of sensitivity, selectivity, response time, durability and cost-effectiveness. Proposals should target applications such as environmental and ecosystems monitoring, as well as health monitoring.

B. The development of enhanced IAM-based sensor demonstrators, that enable miniaturization and integration into application systems e.g. into portable IoT devices, lightweight wearables and wearable systems. These sensors must meet key performance requirements, e.g. compatibility with silicon technology, operation in real conditions with low power consumption, high sensitivity (low limit of detection and/or high signal to noise ratio), high selectivity and fast detection speed.

Developing and demonstrating core technologies for Virtual Worlds and Web 4.0 (IA) (Virtual worlds Partnership)

Opened

Code: 39196 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL4-2026-04-HUMAN-01 | Programme name: 2939 | Sub-program: Digital, Industry & Space (Cluster 4)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 15/01/2026 | End submission calls: 15/04/2026

Proposals will focus on and address the following:

• Asset and scene creation technology evolving in parallel to enable the generation of a human-centric, highly detailed and realistic environments to interact with,
• Use of Generative AI for more personalised and natural experiences,
• Visualisation and interaction through innovative immersive technologies to enhance the user experience through a seamless, inclusive and immersive involvement,
• Full integration and interoperability of XR and immersive domains and applications (including e.g. Digital Twins),
• Integration of XR applications and components with Telco-Cloud-to-Edge Continuum components, addressing challenges related to resource availability and reliability, while also balancing the requirements of rapid response time, spatial computing, contextual awareness and smart network functions.

Open Internet Stack Sovereign Solutions (RIA)

Opened

Code: 39193 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL4-2026-04-DATA-02 | Programme name: 2939 | Sub-program: Digital, Industry & Space (Cluster 4)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 15/01/2026 | End submission calls: 15/04/2026

Proposals should address one or several of the following technology areas:

• Network and Transport technologies including for example routing and virtual private networks, survivable mesh technologies.
• Sovereign operating systems and firmware (including smartphones).
• Open Source software productivity and supply chain technologies such as federated forges, independent and cross-platform development framework.

Efficient and compliant access to and use of data (IA) (AI, Data and Robotics partnership)

Opened

Code: 39190 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL4-2026-04-DATA-06 | Programme name: 2939 | Sub-program: Digital, Industry & Space (Cluster 4)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 15/01/2026 | End submission calls: 15/04/2026

The scope of this topic is to support the deployment of secure, interoperable, and scalable data management systems, ensuring seamless cross-sector data integration, automation of key processes, and compliance with EU frameworks.

Fostering 2-Dimensional Materials (2DM) based emerging and enabling technologies (CSA)

Opened

Code: 39187 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL4-2026-04-DIGITAL-EMERGING-17 | Programme name: 2939 | Sub-program: Digital, Industry & Space (Cluster 4)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 15/01/2026 | End submission calls: 15/04/2026

Proposals should provide key support functions fostering a dynamic R&I community in 2DM-based emerging and enabling technologies, facilitating synergies and collaboration among relevant EU-funded projects – including those of the Graphene Flagship – and associated entities.

Large-Scale Photonic Quantum Computing Platform Technologies (RIA)

Opened

Code: 39184 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL4-2026-04-DIGITAL-EMERGING-18 | Programme name: 2939 | Sub-program: Digital, Industry & Space (Cluster 4)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 15/01/2026 | End submission calls: 15/04/2026

Proposals for this topic are expected to be led by a startup with demonstrated expertise in photonic quantum computing.

The startup should collaborate with relevant academic, industrial, and RTO partners to ensure both technological depth and market orientation.

The consortium should also include at least one major end-user whose operational needs will shape the platform design, and whose infrastructure will host the field demonstration of the project’s results.

Web 4.0 architectural framework and Open Internet Stack applications for virtual worlds (RIA)

Opened

Code: 39181 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL4-2026-04-HUMAN-02 | Programme name: 2939 | Sub-program: Digital, Industry & Space (Cluster 4)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 15/01/2026 | End submission calls: 15/04/2026

Proposals should address one of the following areas and should clearly identify the area addressed.

1/ “Architectural Framework” area

Develop a human-centric Web 4.0 architectural framework encompassing interoperable layers from open hardware, web, AI agents, up to immersive and decentralised applications, utilizing cross-platform digital commons developed by European innovators (SMEs, start-ups, academia). Proposals should demonstrate immersive multi-modal user interaction and should enhance trust, privacy, portability, and advanced identity management, facilitating deployment of the EU Wallet while optimizing the balance between decentralization, security, and energy efficiency with verifiable metrics.

2/ “Applications” area

Proposals will cover the one or more of the following technologies:

• Alternative decentralised applications and services such as synchronous and asynchronous messaging, videoconferencing, collaboration and groupware or social media that can be exploited through Virtual Worlds technologies, including immersion and interaction.
• App-stores (incl. web-based) adapted for Virtual Worlds
• Shared, robust and trustworthy cross-technology Virtual Worlds for user and attribute management

Proposals will have to demonstrate (1) technical maturity in terms of scalability, resiliency, alignment with standards (2) critical mass of communities actively supporting the development (3) evidence of interest from users and deployers of the solutions.

Open Internet Stack Support for Scale (CSA)

Opened

Code: 39173 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL4-2026-04-DATA-03 | Programme name: 2939 | Sub-program: Digital, Industry & Space (Cluster 4)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 15/01/2026 | End submission calls: 15/04/2026

Applicants should devise a plan for:

• Cataloguing solutions in a structured and easy to discover way
• Performing security and accessibility audits on the selected solutions under the Open Internet Stack.
• Screening and selecting European funded Open Source projects, including by exploring the relevant Horizon Europe programmes, and devising a strategy for the Open Internet Stack to become a central hub for those solutions.
• Establishing links and mutual support with national, multi-country and pan-European initiatives supporting Open Source sovereign solutions.
• Advising on sustainability models (both for and non-for profit), on standardisation, licencing schemes, or localisation/internationalisation
• Elaborating a common branding with associated marketing and communication tool
• Developing training material on these solutions that stresses their value in terms of EU legislation compliance (GDRP, DSA/DMA, CRA…), security (e.g. reference to security audits, list of dependencies), use cases, funding/business model, deployment requirements (server side, user side), link to repository and community resource (maintainers, community manager, discussion board…). Training material will be tailored to each target audience: Operators of infrastructure, Integrators, Government & verticals IT, end users.
• Implementing measures to identify/attract technology adopters (e.g. services providers, integrators, OSPOs in governments/verticals) to become promoters of these technologies.
• Developing sandbox tools for ensuring smooth compliance-by-design of the Open Internet Stack with relevant existing or futures EU policies.
• Supporting Open Source awards scheme and sustainability models after the action is finished.

Strengthening the cooperation of semiconductor-intensive EU regions (CSA)

Opened

Code: 39170 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL4-2026-04-DIGITAL-EMERGING-15 | Programme name: 2939 | Sub-program: Digital, Industry & Space (Cluster 4)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 15/01/2026 | End submission calls: 15/04/2026

The action should pursue its objectives by means of

• Identifying key local actors in the semiconductor supply chain and their common needs
• Developing a joint strategy to strengthen the cooperation of semiconductor-intensive regions
• Exploring cooperation with the Chips Competence Centres established under the Chips JU
• Evidence gathering on obstacles to semiconductor production investments related to framework conditions such as permitting
• Collecting best practices on overcoming such obstacles and preparing guidelines and their dissemination to the respective regional and national public authorities for accelerating the construction of semiconductor production infrastructures in Europe.

Apply AI: Next-Generation Agile and Intelligent Robotics Platforms for Industrial and Service Applications (Partnership in AI, Data and Robotics) (RIA)

Opened

Code: 39167 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL4-2026-05-DIGITAL-EMERGING-03 | Programme name: 2939 | Sub-program: Digital, Industry & Space (Cluster 4)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 15/01/2026 | End submission calls: 15/04/2026

Dynamic real-world environments require a new generation of agile, cost-effective, and intelligent, and modular robot platforms able to interact in safe and effective manner with humans across diverse industrial and service applications.

These systems should be easily reconfigurable and adaptable, enabling deployment in real-time, high-performance operational contexts with minimal integration effort.

‘Building community across generations through media literacy’ – small grants for intergenerational media literacy learning projects

Opened

Code: 39163 | Programme name: 17855 | Start submission calls: 12/12/2025 | End submission calls: 06/02/2026

The overall objective of this call is to build a sense of community and intergenerational trust through creative projects that promote media literacy, with a focus on people living in rural areas and small to medium towns. This is a pilot programme, with the aim of generating insights and ideas that can be employed in other Member States beyond the pilot period.

The specific objectives are to:

1. Build a sense of community and intergenerational trust – Foster dialogue, solidarity, and collaboration across age groups to reduce isolation, challenge stereotypes, and increase participation in community life. Approaches that encourage active participation are encouraged.
2. Increase media literacy and critical thinking – Equip the target groups with skills to critically navigate digital and traditional media, to be aware of responsible media use, and to recognise online scams and disinformation.
3. Encourage the use of trusted local spaces – Project must take place in a setting within a community where community members feel safe and respected and are comfortable meeting, engaging with each other, and discussing different topics. This may be publicly accessible (e.g. library or community centre), or semi-public (e.g. care home, school) provided that the trusted local space can facilitate the building of trust and social connection among its participants.

Standards for Quantum Technologies – Coordination and Support Action (CSA)

Opened

Code: 39160 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL4-2026-04-DIGITAL-EMERGING-12 | Programme name: 2939 | Sub-program: Digital, Industry & Space (Cluster 4)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 15/01/2026 | End submission calls: 15/04/2026

The CSA will coordinate and support standardisation activities for quantum technologies in areas such as quantum computing, communication, sensing, and control. Proposals should include:

• Build on the roadmaps of European standardisation organisations to (i) standardise results from quantum projects funded under Horizon Europe, the Digital Europe Programme, and EuroHPC JU in line with stakeholder priorities, and (ii) foster an active industrial standardisation community to promote engagement and uptake within the European quantum industry.
• Enabling broad stakeholder participation in international standardisation activities (e.g. ISO/IEC, ITU-T, ETSI), promoting EU priorities.
• Support interoperability and integration of quantum systems through standardisation of interfaces, protocols, and benchmarking methodologies.
• Develop explanatory documentation and training material to facilitate adoption and implementation of the developed standards.
• Drafting and developing concrete standards or technical specifications, in cooperation with relevant standardisation bodies, in areas such as:
  • Hardware-software interfaces in quantum computing,
  • Quantum sensing protocols and metrology methods,
  • Control electronics and device modularity for quantum systems,
  • Performance and benchmarking methodologies.
• Supporting the participation of quantum stakeholders in European and international standardisation organisations (e.g. CEN-CENELEC, ETSI, ISO/IEC, ITU-T)
• Coordination with existing European and international standardisation organisations to ensure alignment and avoid duplication.
• Development of support materials such as user guides, training modules, and best practices for the standards developed.
• Organisation of workshops and consultations with quantum stakeholders (including SMEs, start-ups, and large industry) to ensure inclusivity and consensus building.

The proposal must present a clear plan for stakeholder engagement, deliverables, and budget justification, including person-days per task and daily rates. A single proposal is expected. European standardisation organisations (ESOs) are encouraged to lead or be key partners in the consortium.

Advanced Local Digital Twins using AI for Early Warning and Preparedness (IA)

Opened

Code: 39157 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL4-2026-04-DIGITAL-EMERGING-09 | Programme name: 2939 | Sub-program: Digital, Industry & Space (Cluster 4)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 15/01/2026 | End submission calls: 15/04/2026

In line with the Apply AI Strategy, proposals should develop and implement projects that advance innovative AI algorithms and models from concept to large-scale testing and validation.

These solutions will be applied to the creation of Local Digital Twins for flood preparedness, enabling the simulation of flood scenarios, identification of areas at risk, and estimation of potential damage.

Next-Generation AI Agents for Real-World Applications in the Apply AI sectors (RIA) (Partnership in AI, Data and Robotics)

Opened

Code: 39154 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL4-2026-05-DIGITAL-EMERGING-02 | Programme name: 2939 | Sub-program: Digital, Industry & Space (Cluster 4)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 15/01/2026 | End submission calls: 15/04/2026

Next-generation AI agents are autonomous systems powered by large AI language models (e.g., large language models or large multimodal models), that can plan, utilize tools and perform actions autonomously to achieve specified goals based on high-level instructions.

The large AI model acts as the agent’s “brain,” capable of interpreting instructions, generating plans, and using tools. This capability enables agents to autonomously plan and adapt behaviour in real-time to accomplish complex, multi-step tasks.

AI Agents hold significant promise in numerous applications areas such as data analytics and coding.

Challenge-Driven GenAI4EU Booster in Apply AI prioritised sectors (RIA) (AI/Data/Robotics Partnership)

Opened

Code: 39151 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL4-2026-04-DIGITAL-EMERGING-19 | Programme name: 2939 | Sub-program: Digital, Industry & Space (Cluster 4)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 15/01/2026 | End submission calls: 15/04/2026

Generative AI (GenAI) promises to transform most industry sectors. This challenge-driven initiative aims to boost both Europe’s developer community and the adoption of powerful trustworthy generative AI solutions in the strategic sectors of aerospace, pharma/drugs and telecommunication networks, key for their competitiveness.

In pharmaceuticals, it can, for instance, accelerates drug design by rapidly creating target-specific molecules, reducing development time from years to seconds, and potentially preventing prolonged health crises like COVID-19.

In aerospace, generative AI can for instance optimize aircraft design, streamline manufacturing processes, predict maintenance needs through sensor data analysis, route optimisation, and enhance pilot training with diverse, realistic simulations.

By embracing generative AI, telecom companies can position themselves at the forefront of a new era of intelligent and automated telecommunications. Specific use-cases include for instance network management, network optimization, network slicing, network healing, predictive maintenance, network mapping and optimization.

Apply AI: Robotics for Manufacturing: Advancing Core Skills through Technical Challenges (RIA) (Partnership in AI, Data and Robotics)

Opened

Code: 39148 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL4-2026-04-DIGITAL-EMERGING-08 | Programme name: 2939 | Sub-program: Digital, Industry & Space (Cluster 4)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 15/01/2026 | End submission calls: 15/04/2026

The proposed project aims to significantly enhance robotics capabilities in manufacturing by developing advanced robotics skills (for example, task and environment aware autonomous pick and place with high precision and speed, human-robot collaboration, etc).

Grand Challenge on Quantum Sensors for Inertial Navigation

Opened

Code: 39145 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL4-2026-04-DIGITAL-EMERGING-11 | Programme name: 2939 | Sub-program: Digital, Industry & Space (Cluster 4)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 15/01/2026 | End submission calls: 15/04/2026

The Grand Challenge on Quantum Sensors for Inertial Navigation aims to advance the development of quantum-enabled navigation systems for use in GNSS-denied or contested environments. Q-INS combines quantum sensors with classical inertial measurement subsystems to deliver reliable, resilient, and sovereign positioning capabilities.

The topic supports the EU’s ambition to strengthen technological sovereignty in strategic navigation infrastructures, aligned with the objectives of the STEP and the Digital Decade.

Networking and Future Photonics Strategy (CSA) (Photonics Partnership)

Opened

Code: 39142 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL4-2026-04-DIGITAL-EMERGING-14 | Programme name: 2939 | Sub-program: Digital, Industry & Space (Cluster 4)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 15/01/2026 | End submission calls: 15/04/2026

Apply AI: Pilot of the “Science for AI” Pillar of RAISE (“Resource for AI science in Europe”) (RIA)

Opened

Code: 39140 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL4-2026-04-DIGITAL-EMERGING-01 | Programme name: 2939 | Sub-program: Digital, Industry & Space (Cluster 4)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 15/01/2026 | End submission calls: 15/04/2026

Ensuring Europe’s technological sovereignty in AI requires reinforcing and leveraging Europe’s strengths, particularly its world-class AI research community.

The selected consortium should be composed by leading European AI research institutions. These AI research institutes should be entities with legal structure, dedicated facilities and, a significant number of research teams focusing on AI research. This category also includes multidisciplinary research institutions that host AI-focused branches meeting these criteria. The consortium will pilot a network of excellent European AI research institutes that will collaboratively address fundamental AI research topics, pushing the frontier of the domain. Participants will cooperate within a virtual institute, attracting talents, stimulating industrial initiatives, providing inputs for moonshot projects and developing research agendas for the ones retained by the EC. A substantial share of the project effort should be dedicated to advancing research.

Mapping and service finder for Technology Infrastructures (CSA)

Opened

Code: 39137 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL4-2026-01-MAT-PROD-46 | Programme name: 2939 | Sub-program: Digital, Industry & Space (Cluster 4)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 06/01/2026 | End submission calls: 21/04/2026

For many innovative startups, finding and accessing highly specific research and technology infrastructures services is a major hurdle. Information about the available services is limited, especially on infrastructures located beyond their local ecosystems.