[European Commission](https://commission.europa.eu/index_en)

September 3, 2025 (Opens) | October 29, 2025 (Deadline, 17:00 Brussels time)

€40,000 per selected project | 5-month project duration

Supports AI-powered solutions to business and societal challenges, connecting innovators to the EIT AI Community’s pan-European network.

Open to EU spin-offs, startups, and scaleups; emphasis on participation from RIS countries.

--- ## Description The EIT AI Community's 2025 competition seeks to identify and support innovative, AI-powered solutions that address pressing business and societal challenges across multiple sectors. The initiative aims to connect innovators—particularly spin-offs, startups, and scaleups—with markets, investors, and talent, leveraging Europe’s collective strengths to foster collaboration and reduce fragmentation in the AI ecosystem. Selected participants will benefit from financial support and access to the EIT Digital pan-European network, facilitating international scaling and local ecosystem reinforcement. --- ## Due Dates - Call opens: September 3, 2025 - Proposal deadline: October 29, 2025, 17:00 (Brussels time) - Info session: October 3, 2025 - Communication of selected proposals: November 7, 2025 - Pitches to challenge owners: November 10–13, 2025 - Winner announcement: November 14, 2025 - Review of Proof-of-Concept execution: January 26, 2026 --- ## Funding Amount - Each selected project will receive €40,000 in financial support. - Expected project duration is 5 months. --- ## Eligibility - Open to spin-offs, startups, and scaleups established in the EU. - Strong encouragement for applications from participants in Regional Innovation Scheme (RIS) countries. - Solutions should address business and/or societal challenges using AI, with eligible topics including: - Data sharing and interoperability - Process optimisation - Logistics - Generative AI - AI agents - Intelligent systems for the food sector - Applicants must be able to implement and demonstrate their solution within the 5-month project period. --- ## Application Process - Submit proposals via the [AI Challenge 2025 application page](https://ai.eitcommunity.eu/ai-challenge-2025). - Attend the optional info session on October 3, 2025 for guidance. - Proposals will be evaluated in a single-stage process. - Selected applicants will be notified and invited to pitch to challenge owners. - Winners will receive funding and support to execute a proof-of-concept. --- ## Additional Information - Participation offers access to the EIT Digital pan-European network, including markets, investors, and talent. - The initiative is designed to help companies scale internationally and reinforce local ecosystems. - The competition builds on previous successful AI Challenges (2022–2024). --- ## External Links - [AI Challenge 2025 Call Details](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/competitive-calls-cs/11673?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=2&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate) - [AI Challenge 2025 Application Page](https://ai.eitcommunity.eu/ai-challenge-2025) - [European Commission – Funding & Tenders Portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/home) --- ## Contact Information | Contact Type | Details | |---------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Funder Homepage | [European Commission](https://commission.europa.eu/index_en) | | General Inquiries | [Contact the European Commission](https://commission.europa.eu/about-european-commission/contact_en) | | Phone | +32 2 299 11 11 | | Funding Portal Help | [Helpdesk & Support](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/helpdesks) |

AI Challenge 2025

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