European Advanced Digital Skills Competitions

The European Health and Digital Executive Agency (HaDEA) has launched the European Advanced Digital Skills Competitions (DIGITAL-2026-SKILLS-09-COMPETITIONS) under the Digital Europe Programme. The initiative aims to engage young Europeans in cutting-edge digital technologies through a series of six EU-wide competitions in AI, Virtual Worlds, Quantum, Semiconductors, Destination Earth and one additional area chosen by the consortium.

The selected project will design challenges that address key societal, technological and industrial issues, developed in collaboration with leading research institutions and industry. Teams must include students from at least four different higher or vocational education institutions across four eligible countries, with strong encouragement for women’s participation.

Expected outcomes include comprehensive rulebooks, competition roadmaps, communication and outreach strategies, collaboration with initiatives such as ELEVATE, and an Award Ceremony in Brussels. A sustainability plan must ensure the competitions continue beyond the project’s lifetime.

With a budget of EUR 7 million and a project duration of up to 48 months, proposals require at least three organisations from three eligible countries. The call is open until 3 March 2026.

More information can be found here: https://digital-skills-jobs.europa.eu/en/opportunities/funding/european-advanced-digital-skills-competitions-digital-2026-skills-09