European Network of AI Excellence Centres: Expanding the European AI lighthouse (RIA)

The European Network of AI Excellence Centres funding supports top research talent across Europe to advance Artificial Intelligence. It targets leading researchers and institutions within EU Member States and Associated Countries, aiming to strengthen Europe's position as a global leader in AI while ensuring technology development aligns with human-centred and ethical values.

This funding initiative supports pioneering research in Artificial Intelligence, focusing on foundational and emerging approaches, with an emphasis on advancing the robustness, reliability, and ethical dimensions of AI systems. Projects should target early to mid-stage development, spanning from basic research findings to initial prototypes.

The European Network of AI Excellence Centres provides grant funding for research and innovation actions. While there isn't a specific maximum funding amount per project, the call itself had a substantial budget of 34,500,000 €.

Applicants to the European Network of AI Excellence Centres must adhere to strict eligibility, capacity, and consortium conditions. Key provisions include detailed rules for application submission, budget management, and strong emphasis on transparency and collaboration.

The application process for the European Network of AI Excellence Centres involved a single-stage submission. Evaluation has been completed, and successful applicants have been informed. Grant agreements were expected to be signed in June 2023.

The European Network of AI Excellence Centres program is firmly rooted in the Horizon Europe framework, governed by specific EU regulations and policies to ensure transparency, fairness, and accountability in its operation.