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Objective of the call
The objective of this action is to establish at least one new world-class Testing and Experimentation Facility (TEF) dedicated to generative AI (GenAI), enabling large-scale validation of GenAI applications under real-world conditions.
The action supports European innovators in bringing advanced GenAI solutions from laboratory environments to operational deployment in strategic sectors, strengthening European technological leadership and contributing to the digital and green transition.
Access to the infrastructure and results is restricted to eligible country entities. European innovators are entities headquartered in eligible countries. Applicants must reflect this restriction in their infrastructure access policy.
Scope of activities
The 4th set of calls will co-fund one new GenAI TEF with a focus on testing and validation of GenAI applications in real-world environments.
The new TEF must:
• Provide state-of-the-art infrastructure and expertise for testing and validating GenAI solutions already validated in laboratory settings.
• Operate as a network of nodes with critical mass across at least three different Member States or associated countries, including satellite structures.
• Support strategic sectors identified under the GenAI4EU initiative, including agrifood, healthcare, manufacturing, smart cities & communities, robotics and other key ecosystems.
• Ensure compliance of validated solutions with the AI Act, where applicable.
• Establish synergies with relevant initiatives such as AI Factories, AI-on-Demand Platform, European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs), data spaces, EuroHPC, AI regulatory sandboxes and Horizon Europe research results.
• Ensure high levels of trust, security, confidentiality and protection of fundamental rights, given the dual-use and security-sensitive nature of AI technologies.
The TEF must guarantee validation processes that ensure reliability, security and human-centric outcomes before large-scale diffusion of AI solutions.
National co-funding is required. Total public funding covers 100% of eligible costs, with 50% from the Digital Europe Programme and up to 50% from Member States.
Eligible applicants
- SMEs and start-ups
- research and technology organisations
- higher education entities
- TEFs
- Organisations based in EU Member States, EFTA/EEA, or Associated Countries (more info on eligible countries will be published soon)
Specific consortium we are looking for:
The consortium should represent infrastructure providers, AI developers, sectoral end-users from strategic industries, cybersecurity and compliance experts, and national co-funding authorities. Participation must cover at least three Member States or associated countries through a networked node structure.
Funding conditions
Type of action:
Simple grant
Funding rate:
100% of eligible costs (50% Digital Europe Programme + up to 50% Member States)
Indicative budget
€10 million
Indicative duration of the action
24-36 months
Deadline for submission
Q2 2027