Empowering the Next Wave of Digital Talent Across Europe

The European landscape is opening up new opportunities with the launch of the DIGITAL-2026-SKILLS-09 call under the Digital Europe Programme. This initiative aims to strengthen and expand advanced digital competences that will shape Europe’s technological future.

What does the call support?

Part A – DIGITAL-2026-SKILLS-09-COMPETITIONSFunding is available to create six high-level, pan-European competitions focused on frontier technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Virtual Worlds, Quantum Computing, Semiconductors, Destination Earth, plus one additional emerging area.These competitions are designed to engage young talent in practical, project-driven challenges that build real-world expertise.

Part B – DIGITAL-2026-SKILLS-09-LEAGUE-OF-ACADEMIESThis strand supports the development of a Europe-wide governance and coordination framework connecting digital skills academies. It aims to harmonise certification mechanisms and reduce fragmentation across the advanced digital skills ecosystem.

Who can apply?

Universities, research centres, training organisations, public bodies, technology companies and other legal entities established in eligible EU, EEA or associated countries.Projects must be submitted as multi-beneficiary consortia with at least three entities from three different countries.

Key details

Maximum funding: around €7 million per topic (100% funding rate)

Deadline: 3 March 2026, 17:00 CET

Project duration:

• Up to 48 months for the LEAGUE topic

• 36–48 months for the COMPETITIONS topic

If your organisation works in digital training, higher education, technology development, skills policy or ecosystem building, this call represents a strategic opportunity.

It enables you to lead large-scale European initiatives, shape the future digital workforce and collaborate across sectors in projects with measurable and lasting impact.Whether you are looking to run a Europe-wide competition or develop an advanced digital academy, this call provides the framework to do so.

More information: https://lnkd.in/dMCUPeZn