This Horizon Europe call supports international cooperation in AI between European and international partners. It is an Innovation Action under Cluster 4. In addition, it targets north–south cooperation with African countries.
About the International Cooperation in AI
International cooperation in AI is a growing EU priority. The call helps European organisations work with trusted partners abroad on shared AI challenges. Furthermore, it can open doors to new markets and research networks. As a result, it may suit UTA members already active in international development projects. Explore more smart city funding opportunities on the UTA funding page.
Who Can Apply to the International Cooperation in AI
Applicants form a standard Horizon Europe consortium of at least three entities from three EU Member States or Associated Countries. In addition, local innovation hubs in African countries play a central role. Therefore, build these partnerships early.
Focus Areas and Funding
The total budget is €3m, with two projects of about €1.5m each expected. Moreover, proposals must show clear joint value for Europe and its partners. In short, applicants should align their project closely with the expected outcomes and impact described in the call text.
Key Facts at a Glance
- Call: Digital 2027 (HORIZON-CL4-2027-04)
- Topic ID: HORIZON-CL4-2027-04-DIGITAL-EMERGING-06
- Type of action: Innovation Action (IA), funded as a lump sum grant
- Topic budget: €3 million, with around €1.5 million per project
- Expected number of grants: 2
- Submission: single stage, opening 17 November 2026 and closing 18 March 2027 at 17:00 Brussels time
- Target maturity: from TRL 5 to TRL 7
Expected Outcomes
Projects should contribute to one of these outcomes:
- Innovation hubs in low- and middle-income countries take up AI solutions trained and optimised on local data.
- Efficient demonstrations in operational settings make large-scale deployment of local AI easier.
- Local innovation ecosystems grow stronger in education, health, agriculture and the environment.
What Proposals Must Cover
- The topic targets African countries and north–south AI cooperation, in line with the International Digital Strategy and the AI Continent Action Plan.
- Projects collect and open up local data to adapt existing algorithms from the AI for Public Good and GenAI for Africa initiatives.
- Living Labs in local innovation hubs co-create bottom-up solutions for climate, agriculture, biodiversity, health, humanitarian and education challenges.
- Projects build talent pipelines, transfer technology to the hubs and validate solutions in real life.
- Projects seek synergies with the Digital for Development Hub, Global Gateway and Smart Africa.
- Legal entities established in China cannot take part.
Source: the official topic page on the EU Funding & Tenders Portal, checked on 16 October 2026.
Why the International Cooperation in AI Matters
For innovators, the international cooperation in AI opportunity can unlock funding, partners and first customers at the same time. In addition, it gives companies visibility with cities and investors across Europe. Successful projects often become references that open new markets. However, competition is strong, so a clear impact story matters. That is why UTA connects innovators with cities and research partners well before deadlines. Moreover, our network helps teams test their ideas against real urban challenges. As a result, members can build stronger proposals and turn funding into lasting growth.
Deadline and How to Apply
The call opens on 17 November 2026 and closes on 18 March 2027. Apply through the EU Funding & Tenders Portal. For this reason, start partner discussions early. Read the full details on the official call page. Urban Technology Alliance can also connect you with UTA innovators. Contact us to discuss a consortium for this call.