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

October 2026 (submission deadline, projected)

€10,000 cash prize per selected solution; total pool up to €40,000; typical project duration 5 months

Supports innovative AI-powered solutions to address business and societal challenges across Europe, with a focus on startups, spin-offs, and scaleups.

Forecasted call—dates and details may change; check the official program page for updates.

--- ## Description The EIT AI Community's annual challenge seeks to identify and support the most promising AI-powered solutions addressing business and societal needs across Europe. The competition is designed to foster innovation among startups, spin-offs, and scaleups, particularly those from Regional Innovation Scheme (RIS) countries. Focus areas include, but are not limited to, data sharing and interoperability, process optimization, logistics, generative AI, AI agents, and intelligent systems in sectors such as food, health, and manufacturing. Winners receive financial support and gain access to the EIT Digital pan-European network, enabling international scaling and ecosystem development. --- ## Due Dates - October 2026 (anticipated submission deadline; projected based on annual cycle) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Each selected solution provider receives a €10,000 cash prize to further develop their AI solution and/or support a proof-of-concept with the challenge partner. - The total funding pool for the call is up to €40,000. - Project duration for funded activities is typically 5 months. --- ## Eligibility - Open to innovative startups, spin-offs, and scaleups registered in the EU or associated countries. - Special emphasis on organizations from EIT Regional Innovation Scheme (RIS) countries. - Solutions must address one of the AI challenges defined by industry or public sector partners. - Both public and private sector challenge owners may submit problems to be addressed. --- ## Application Process - Applications are submitted online via the [EU Funding & Tenders Portal](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) or the [AI Challenge 2025 program page](https://ai.eitcommunity.eu/ai-challenge-2025). - The process is single-stage, with an anticipated deadline in October 2026. - Applicants should review the call documentation and prepare a proposal outlining their AI solution, its impact, and implementation plan. - Shortlisted applicants may be invited for interviews or pitches to challenge owners. - Winners are announced after evaluation and receive financial support and access to the EIT AI Community network. --- ## Additional Information - Areas of interest include: data spaces (cities, health, manufacturing), AI & 5G, AI for drones, synthetic data & anonymization, generative AI, process optimization, and logistics. - Winners also join the exclusive AI Founders Club, gaining access to tailored support services and networking opportunities. - The initiative is part of the EIT Cross-KIC Strategic Synergies program, aiming to strengthen Europe's AI innovation ecosystem. --- ## External Links - [EU Funding & Tenders Portal – AI Challenge 2025](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 Program Page](https://ai.eitcommunity.eu/ai-challenge-2025) - [Official Call Document 2025 (reference)](http://ai.eitcommunity.eu/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/EIT_AI_Challenge-2025-Call-Document-1.1.pdf) - [AI Founders Club](https://ai.eitcommunity.eu/ai-founders-club) - [EIT AI Community](https://ai.eitcommunity.eu/) --- ## Contact Information | Type | Details | |--------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | EU Funding Portal | [Contact European Commission](https://commission.europa.eu/about-european-commission/contact_en) | | EIT AI Community | Online contact form at [AI Challenge 2025](https://ai.eitcommunity.eu/ai-challenge-2025) | | Phone (EC main) | +32 2 299 11 11 |

AI Challenge 2025

Sign in to see full grant listing