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

March 18, 2027

Total budget: €3,000,000 (2027); typical grant: ~€1,500,000; 2 grants expected.

Funds projects accelerating responsible, locally relevant AI solutions in low- and middle-income countries to strengthen innovation ecosystems and support sustainable digital transformation.

--- ## Description This grant, under the Horizon Europe programme, supports the acceleration, deployment, and adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) solutions in low- and middle-income countries. The focus is on leveraging local innovation hubs, data, and applied research to develop, test, and demonstrate AI systems in real-world operational environments. The initiative aims to strengthen local AI ecosystems, foster responsible AI development, and promote north-south digital cooperation. Projects are encouraged to build synergies with ongoing EU digital initiatives, support Living Labs for co-creation, and develop AI-based solutions tailored to local community needs in areas such as education, healthcare, agriculture, and environmental sustainability. The overarching goal is to empower communities, drive sustainable socio-economic impact, and facilitate large-scale deployment of resilient, relevant AI technologies. --- ## Due Dates - March 18, 2027: Full application submission deadline (by 17:00 Brussels time) --- ## Funding Amount - Total call budget: €3,000,000 (2027) - Expected number of grants: 2 - Typical grant size: approximately €1,500,000 per project - Funding is provided as a lump sum under Horizon Innovation Actions (HORIZON-IA) --- ## Eligibility - Open to consortia including organizations from EU Member States, Horizon Europe Associated Countries, and eligible non-EU countries (see [Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/wp-call/2026-2027/wp-15-general-annexes_horizon-2026-2027_en.pdf)). - Proposals must involve actions in low- and middle-income countries, with a focus on local innovation hubs and communities. - Applicants must demonstrate financial and operational capacity. - Restrictions may apply for the protection of European communication networks. - All participants must comply with Horizon Europe admissibility and eligibility rules. --- ## Application Process - Single-stage submission via the [EU Funding & Tenders Portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-CL4-2027-04-DIGITAL-EMERGING-06?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=4&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate). - Application templates and detailed instructions are available in the Submission System. - Proposals must follow the page limits and layout as described in the application form and [Annex A/E](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/wp-call/2026-2027/wp-15-general-annexes_horizon-2026-2027_en.pdf). - Evaluation criteria, scoring, and timelines are detailed in [Annex D/F](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/wp-call/2026-2027/wp-15-general-annexes_horizon-2026-2027_en.pdf). - Proposals should address expected outcomes, including strengthening local AI ecosystems, supporting Living Labs, and enabling large-scale deployment of AI solutions. --- ## Additional Information - Projects must notify the granting authority before any transfer of ownership or exclusive licensing of results; the authority may object for up to four years after the project ends. - Proposals should align with EU digital strategies and may leverage initiatives such as the Digital for Development Hub and AI for Public Good. - Lump sum funding simplifies financial reporting. - For further guidance, see the [Horizon Europe Programme Guide](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/guidance/programme-guide_horizon_en.pdf). --- ## External Links - [Call details & application (EU Funding & Tenders Portal)](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-CL4-2027-04-DIGITAL-EMERGING-06?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=4&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate) - [Horizon Europe Work Programme General Annexes](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/wp-call/2026-2027/wp-15-general-annexes_horizon-2026-2027_en.pdf) - [Horizon Europe Programme Guide](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/guidance/programme-guide_horizon_en.pdf) - [Online Manual (Application process)](https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/funding-tenders-opportunities/display/OM/Online+Manual) - [Partner Search Tool](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/how-to-participate/partner-search?order=DESC&pageNumber=1&pageSize=50&sortBy=lastModified&isExactMatch=true&type=ORGANISATION,PERSON&frameworkProgramme=43108390) --- ## Contact Information | Type | Details | |----------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | General EC Info| [European Commission Contact Page](https://commission.europa.eu/about-european-commission/contact_en) | | Phone | +32 2 299 11 11 | | Research Qs | [Research Enquiry Service](https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/contact-us/research-enquiry-service_en) | | National Contact Points | [Find your National Contact Point](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/ncp) | | IT Helpdesk | [IT Helpdesk Contact Form](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/helpdesks/contact-form) |

International cooperation in AI (IA) - European Commission

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