Horizon Europe Apply AI: EUR 15 million for a large-scale pilot of AI platforms for an affordable, secure and sustainable European energy system, deadline 16 February 2027

The Horizon Europe programme has announced a funding call under the Apply AI initiative, designated as topic HORIZON-BRIDGING-2027-01-12. This call provides financial support for a large-scale pilot deploying next-generation AI platforms designed to foster an affordable, secure, and sustainable European energy system.

The initiative operates with a total topic budget of EUR 15,000,000. Expected EU contributions range between EUR 10 million and EUR 15 million per project, indicating that the call will fund a single substantial initiative or a very limited number of projects.

The application window opens on 20 October 2026. The submission deadline is set for 16 February 2027, giving prospective consortia time to prepare their proposals.

What is funded

Funding is directed toward a large-scale cross-border pilot focused on next-generation AI-driven digital platforms. The objective is to deploy and demonstrate these systems to optimize operations within the broader European energy framework.

Selected projects must showcase how AI-based platforms directly enhance grid operations, support the integration of renewable energy sources, and improve overall energy efficiency. The overarching goal is to achieve measurable improvements in energy affordability, security, and sustainability.

Who can apply

The call is open to a range of legal entities established within eligible jurisdictions, primarily across the European Union. These include higher education institutions, research institutes and R&D organizations, small and medium enterprises, as well as government structures and central authorities.

Participation is structured around collaborative consortia. Given the complex nature of deploying cross-border digital platforms, eligible consortia are expected to unite academic, commercial, and governmental partners to fulfill the operational scope.

Conditions and requirements

The call is designated as an Innovation Action (IA), meaning projects should emphasize demonstration, piloting, testing, and validation of technologies in realistic operational environments rather than purely theoretical research.

Practical tip. Ensure your consortium establishes clear cross-border pilot use cases early, as the expected funding size of EUR 10 to 15 million demands a robust partnership capable of validating AI platform integration at a multi-country scale.

Additional specific evaluation rules or detailed eligibility conditions beyond the standard Innovation Action framework are not fully detailed in the current call summary and will be provided in the official submission documents.

How to apply

Applications must be submitted electronically through the EU Funding & Tenders Portal once the call officially opens on 20 October 2026. Submissions will be accepted until the formal closing deadline on 16 February 2027.

Applicants are required to assemble their proposals in accordance with standard Horizon Europe templates and guidelines. Consortia should monitor the portal for full documentation and submission service activation.

Applications are submitted on the donor’s page: ec.europa.eu.