Digital Europe Programme - Accelerating the Best Use of Technologies (SO5)

Calls for proposals in SO5 of the Digital Europe Programme

The Digital Europe Programme (DIGITAL) supports the digital transformation of European society. The aim of the activities under SO5 "Accelerating the Best Use of Technologies" is to support SMEs and public institutions in the digital transformation and to continue activities already initiated under DIGITAL.

What can be funded?

In the 9th call in the Digital Europe Programme, a topic focusing on “Accelerating the Best Use of Technologies” is currently open for submissions. For current information on events and information events organized by the European Commission (EC) on the tender topics, please see the website Shaping Europe's digital future the EC. 

Are you planning a submission and looking for suitable partners? Use that b2match platform for international networking - organized by DEP4ALL, the network of national contact points for Digital Europe. 

Topic overview | Submission deadline: January 20, 2026 – May 19, 2026

With the topic MCP on Innovative and Connected Public Administrations european needs are identified and interoperability solutions for cross-border digital public services are jointly developed and implemented. This is intended to support the implementation of the Interoperable Europe Act and to enable concrete progress beyond strategic control through operational cooperation between the member states. 
EC funding budget: EUR 6 million | EC funding rate: 50%

For this topic, it is possible to apply for national co-funding. A prerequisite is the timely submission of the fully completed and duly signed One pager via email to patricia. trinkl@ffg. at and max. arends@ffg. at no later then 11 May, 2026. Please note that national co-funding is possible for co-funding amounts of at least EUR 100,000. The evaluation will take place after the deadline. In case of a positive evaluation and availability of co-funding, you will receive a “Letter of Intent” before the EC submission deadline. We are available to answer any questions in advance.

Topic overview | Submission deadline: October 9, 2025 – January 15, 2026 (call closed)

The topic Support to the development and certification of EU Digital Identity Wallets supports the further development, certification and introduction of the EU Digital Identity Wallet in the member states. The aim is to create a unified, secure and interoperable digital identity system in Europe that enables easy and trustworthy use of digital services across borders. 
EC funding budget: EUR 10 million | EC funding rate: 50%

With the topic Support the roll-out of EU Mobile Driving Licenses member States, issuers and examiners of driving licenses are supported in the introduction of the EU-wide mobile driving license (mDL) based on the EU Digital Identity Wallet. The aim is to enable the introduction of the mobile driving license in Europe and thus promote the practical use of the EU Digital Identity Wallet in everyday life. 
EC funding budget: EUR 5 million | EC funding rate: 50%

Tip: Use the slides and record the Info session of the European Commission of October 14 for further information. 

For these two topics there is the possibility of national co-financing to request. The prerequisite is that the fully completed and signed form is sent on time One pager by email patricia. trinkl@ffg. at and max. arends@ffg. at until no later than December 1, 2025. 

Topic overview | Submission deadline: November 4th, 2025 – March 3rd, 2026 (call closed)

With the topic Consolidation of the Network of European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs) the network of EDIHs is being expanded. EDIHs support SMEs, medium-sized companies and public institutions in their digital transformation. EDIHs that have already received funding from DIGITAL or have been awarded the Seal of Excellence are eligible to submit. If you require a "Letter of Intent" for your submission, please contact Patricia Trinkl ( patricia. trinkl@ffg. at ) and Andreas Wartak ( andreas. wartak@ffg. at ). 
EC funding budget: EUR 79.2 million | EC funding rate: 50%

The topic European Digital Media Observatory Hubs supports the expansion and operation of the European Digital Media Observatory (EDMO) platform in those countries where funding for the hubs ends in 2026. The German-Austrian Hub project GADMO 2.0 runs until 2027. Submission for these countries is therefore not possible. 
EC funding budget: EUR 6 million euros | EC funding rate: 50% or 75% for SMEs 

Aim of the topic Supporting the Network of National Contact Points (NCPs) of the Digital Europe Programme is to strengthen and network the national contact points of the Digital Europe Program in order to provide more targeted support to applicants, increase awareness of the program and improve the quality and participation in the calls for tenders. 
EC funding budget: EUR 1.8 million | EC funding rate: 100%

Who can be funded?

European consortia are funded, see tender documents from the European Commission.

What is the amount of funding?

The European Commission has a funding budget of a total of 102 million euros available for the five advertised topics. 
 

What are the submission criteria?

The submission criteria are described in the European Commission's tender documents.

How does the submission work?

Submissions are made electronically via the EU Funding & Tenders Portal.

When will a decision be made?

Expected to be available from September 2026

Max ARENDS

Nationale Kontaktstelle
+43 577 55-4206 E-Mail
HACKL Daniela

Daniela HACKL

Nationale Kontaktstelle
+43 577 55-4209 E-Mail
TRINKL Patricia

Patricia TRINKL

Nationale Kontaktstelle
+43 577 55-4213 E-Mail

Call documents

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