HORIZON Research and Innovation ActionsForthcomingHORIZON-CL4-2027-04-DIGITAL-EMERGING-11

EU Frontier AI Initiative: Developing frontier AI solutions that are safe and computationally efficient within Apply AI (RIA)

Horizon Europe

Per project€44M

1 phase

Deadline:2027-03-18

💡

Strategic Analysis

This call targets the development of cutting-edge frontier AI solutions, with a strong emphasis on ensuring their safety, computational efficiency, and energy frugality. A winning proposal will demonstrate a clear strategy for advancing state-of-the-art AI models while rigorously addressing ethical considerations, computational demands, and fostering a robust European AI ecosystem.

🔬 Scientific Alignment

🚀

Suggested TRL Range

TRL 2 → 4

Scope Activities (19)

SC1

Advance developments of frontier AI models towards highest-level performance, ensuring energy efficiency, addressing computational constraints, and strengthening safety.

SC2

Develop and train a frontier AI model demonstrating state-of-the-art performance, multimodal capabilities, and optimization for agentic AI capabilities such as tool use, reasoning, and autonomous problem-solving.

SC3

Support research on comprehensive methods to reduce the computational demands of frontier AI models and to ensure their safety, including technical methodologies such as automated testing and interpretability.

SC4

Conduct research in compression and distillation techniques aimed at reducing the complexity of large AI models.

SC5

Innovate in AI architectures with a focus on models that significantly lower computational demands for training and inference.

SC6

Develop algorithmic approaches aimed at minimizing computational load during pre-training, post-training, and inference.

SC7

Address misalignment, particularly unintentional misalignment of large AI models.

SC8

Explore methods to detect and mitigate sophisticated misbehaviour, such as alignment faking, reward hacking of human oversight, and encoded reasoning in chain-of-thought (CoT).

SC9

Enhance robustness against adversarial attacks, jailbreaks, and backdoors.

SC10

Advance AI models transparency and interpretability.

SC11

Consider risks that may arise when embedding frontier models within agentic AI frameworks, significantly contributing to the trust and safe adoption of powerful AI solutions.

SC12

Establish strong links with the Resource for AI Science in Europe (RAISE), ensuring its priorities inform the research topics addressed.

SC13

Involve the European AI research community and attract and retain top AI talent working on frontier models and related areas.

SC14

Incorporate mechanisms for assessing and demonstrating progress, including qualitative and quantitative KPIs, benchmarking, and progress monitoring.

SC15

Build on and reuse public results from relevant previous funded actions when possible.

SC16

Share communicable results with the European R&D community through the AI-on-demand platform.

SC17

Link to the resources offered by the AI Factories and the Data Labs.

SC18

Establish links with European companies developing frontier AI models where relevant.

SC19

Allocate tasks for cohesion activities with the European Partnership on AI, data, and robotics (ADRA) and the CSA HORIZON-CL4-2025-03-HUMAN-18: GenAI4EU central Hub.

Expected Outcomes (3)

EO1

Strengthened European capabilities in the development of frontier AI models.

EO2

Improved computational efficiency of frontier AI models, resulting in reduced computational costs.

EO3

Enhanced safety of advanced AI systems based on frontier AI models through the development and implementation of safe-by-design principles and/or AI agents acting as safety evaluators.

🌍 Impact Strategy

Target SDG Topics

Select the SDG targets (topics) that your future project proposal will actively address to align with EU Policy Impacts.

Expected Impacts (8)

EI1

Consolidate Europe’s world-class research ecosystem through initiatives like the RAISE network of AI science labs.

EI2

Develop safe and efficient frontier AI models.

EI3

Deploy next-generation AI agents and robotics in strategic sectors.

EI4

Reinforce Europe’s excellence across quantum computing, sensing and communication.

EI5

Secure technological sovereignty (in quantum) through new infrastructures and standardisation.

EI6

Ensure Europe’s capacity to innovate, scale and compete globally in photonics and semiconductor technologies.

EI7

Further strengthen Europe’s position at the cutting edge to make sure Europe does not miss the emergence of new disruptive technologies.

EI8

Secure a cohesive, sovereign and future-proof European industrial base.

EU Policy Alignment

Apply AI Strategy

high

The Apply AI Strategy is central to this call, focusing on the deployment of AI in healthcare to improve screening, diagnosis, and patient outcomes. It emphasizes the creation of a European network of AI-powered screening centres.

💡

Evaluator focus:Evaluators will prioritize proposals that align closely with the Apply AI Strategy, demonstrating how the project will contribute to the European network of AI-powered screening centres, share best practices, and ensure scalability and sustainability of AI solutions in healthcare.

HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027

high

The Horizon Europe Main Work Programme 2026-2027 is a key document that details the specific funding opportunities, topics, and expected impacts for research and innovation activities under Horizon Europe for the specified period. It translates the broader strategic orientations of the Framework Programme and Specific Programme into concrete calls for proposals, providing detailed guidance for applicants.

💡

Evaluator focus:

Proposals must demonstrate a precise alignment with the specific topic description, scope, and expected outcomes as detailed in the Horizon Europe Main Work Programme 2026-2027. Evaluators will assess the proposal's relevance to the call's objectives, its contribution to the expected impacts, and its adherence to any specific conditions or requirements outlined in the Work Programme.

HE Framework Programme 2021/695

high

Regulation (EU) 2021/695 establishes Horizon Europe as the EU's framework programme for research and innovation for the period 2021-2027. It defines the programme's overarching objectives, structure (Pillars, Missions, Partnerships), funding instruments, and general rules for participation, aiming to strengthen the EU's scientific and technological bases and foster competitiveness.

💡

Evaluator focus:

Proposals must demonstrate full compliance with the Horizon Europe Regulation, including its general objectives, ethical principles, and rules for participation. Evaluators expect proposals to articulate how they contribute to the broader strategic goals of Horizon Europe, such as achieving scientific excellence, fostering innovation ecosystems, and addressing EU strategic priorities like digital transformation and strategic autonomy.

HE Specific Programme Decision 2021/764

high

Council Decision (EU) 2021/764 establishes the Specific Programme implementing Horizon Europe, detailing the specific objectives, budget breakdown, and broad lines of activities for each pillar and cluster, including the 'Digital, Industry and Space' cluster. It provides more granular guidance on the types of research and innovation activities to be supported within the broader Horizon Europe framework.

💡

Evaluator focus:

Proposals should clearly align with the specific objectives and expected impacts outlined in the Specific Programme Decision for the relevant cluster (e.g., Cluster 4 'Digital, Industry and Space'). Evaluators will look for how the project contributes to the detailed work programme priorities and expected outcomes, demonstrating a clear understanding of the strategic direction for space research and innovation within Horizon Europe.

EU Financial Regulation 2024/2509

high

This regulation governs the financial management of EU funds, ensuring transparency, accountability, and efficient use of resources. It is relevant for proposals involving large-scale piloting and validation of AI systems in healthcare.

💡

Evaluator focus:Evaluators will look for clear financial planning, cost-efficiency analysis, and compliance with EU financial rules, particularly in demonstrating the economic viability and sustainability of the proposed AI solutions.

Draghi report

medium

The Draghi report, officially titled "Future of European Competitiveness", was commissioned by the European Council and published in 2024. It provides an independent high-level analysis and recommendations on how to enhance Europe's competitiveness and productivity growth in a rapidly changing global landscape. The report emphasizes the need for strategic investments, a deeper single market, and a more agile regulatory environment to foster innovation and economic resilience.

💡

Evaluator focus:

Proposals should demonstrate an understanding of the challenges and opportunities identified in the Draghi report, particularly regarding Europe's competitiveness in frontier technologies like AI. Evaluators will look for how projects contribute to strengthening Europe's strategic autonomy, fostering innovation ecosystems, and addressing barriers to growth and scalability for advanced AI solutions within the EU.

Competitiveness Compass

medium

The Competitiveness Compass is a framework or initiative, often associated with specific EU institutions or presidencies, aimed at guiding policy actions to enhance the EU's overall competitiveness. It typically identifies key areas for improvement, such as innovation, digital transformation, skills, and a well-functioning single market.

💡

Evaluator focus:

Proposals should demonstrate how they contribute to the strategic objectives outlined in the Competitiveness Compass, for example, by fostering innovation, strengthening the digital economy, addressing skill gaps, or improving the business environment in Europe to boost overall competitiveness.

📋 Additional Guidance

🏷 Keywords

Artificial intelligenceIntelligent systemsMulti-agent systemsFrugal AIGenerative AISafe AIComputational efficiencyEnergy efficiencyAI safetyAI robustnessAI interpretabilityFrontier AI modelsAgentic AIEuropean AI ecosystemTechnological sovereignty

⚖ Eligibility rules

Minimum partners3

Minimum countries3

Maximum budget€44.0M

⚖ Eligibility — synthesis

"> General conditions 1. Admissibility Conditions: Proposal page limit and layout described in Annex A and Annex E of the Horizon Europe Work Programme General Annexes. Proposal page limits and layout: described in Part B of the Application Form available in the Submission System. 2. Eligible Countries described in Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes. A number of non-EU/non-Associated Countries that are not automatically eligible for funding have made specific provisions for making funding available for their participants in Horizon Europe projects. See the information in the Horizon Europe Programme Guide . 3. Other Eligible Conditions In order to achieve the expected outcomes, and safeguard the Union’s strategic assets, interests, autonomy, and security, it is important to avoid a situation of technological dependency on a non-EU source, in a global context that requires the EU to take action to build on its strengths, and to carefully assess and address any strategic weaknesses, vulnerabilities and high-risk dependencies which put at risk the attainment of its ambitions. For this reason, participation is limited to legal entities established in Member States, Iceland and Norway and the following additional associated countries: Canada, Israel, Republic of Korea, New Zealand, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. In addition, entities established in third countries which may become associated to Horizon Europe during 2026 and 2027 may be eligible to participate in this topic if the third country is identified for this topic as an eligible country in the List of Participating Countries in Horizon Europe at the time of submission of the application[[See the List of Participating Countries in Horizon Europe available at https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/common/guidance/list-3rd-country-participation_horizon-euratom_en.pdf.]]. In any case, the association agreement to the Programme must apply by the time of the signature of the grant agreement. For the duly justified and exceptional reasons listed in the paragraph above, in order to guarantee the protection of the strategic interests of the Union and its Member States, entities established in an eligible country listed above, but which are directly or indirectly controlled by a non-eligible country or by a non-eligible country entity, may not participate in the action unless it can be demonstrated, by means of guarantees positively assessed by their eligible country of establishment, that their participation to the action would not negatively impact the Union’s strategic assets, interests, autonomy, or security. Entities assessed as high-risk suppliers of mobile network communication equipment within the meaning of ‘restrictions for the protection of European communication networks’ (or entities fully or partially owned or controlled by a high-risk supplier) cannot submit guarantees.[[ The guarantees shall in particular substantiate that, for the purpose of the action, measures are in place to ensure that: a) control over the applicant legal entity is not exercised in a manner that retrains or restricts its ability to carry out the action and to deliver results, that imposes restrictions concerning its infrastructure, facilities, assets, resources, intellectual property or know-how needed for the purpose of the action, or that undermines its capabilities and standards necessary to carry out the action; b) access by a non-eligible country or by a non-eligible country entity to sensitive information relating to the action is prevented; and the employees or other persons involved in the action have a national security clearance issued by an eligible country, where appropriate; c) ownership of the intellectual property arising from, and the results of, the action remain within the recipient during and after completion of the action, are not subject to control or restrictions by non-eligible countries or non-eligible country entity, and are not exported outside the eligible countries, nor is access to them from outside the eligible countries granted, without the approval of the eligible country in which the legal entity is established.]] Described in Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes. 4. Financial and operational capacity and exclusion described in Annex C of the Work Programme General Annexes. 5a. Evaluation and award: Award criteria, scoring and thresholds are described in Annex D of the Work Programme General Annexes. 5b. Evaluation and award: Submission and evaluation processes are described in Annex F of the Work Programme General Annexes and the Online Manual . 5c. Evaluation and award: Indicative timeline for evaluation and grant agreement described in Annex F of the Work Programme General Annexes. 6. Legal and financial set-up of the grants described in Annex G of the Work Programme General Annexes. Specific conditions described in the [specific topic of the Work Programme] Application and evaluation forms and model grant agreement (MGA): Application form templates — the application form specific to this call is available in the Submission System Standard application form (HE RIA, IA) Evaluation form templates — will be used with the necessary adaptations Standard evaluation form (HE RIA, IA) Guidance HE Programme Guide Model Grant Agreements (MGA) HE MGA Call-specific instructions Ownership Control Declaration Annex Additional documents: HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 1. General Introduction HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 7. Digital, Industry and Space HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 15. General Annexes HE Programme Guide HE Framework Programme 2021/695 HE Specific Programme Decision 2021/764 EU Financial Regulation 2024/2509 Rules for Legal Entity Validation, LEAR Appointment and Financial Capacity Assessment EU Grants AGA — Annotated Model Grant Agreement Funding & Tenders Portal Online Manual Funding & Tenders Portal Terms and Conditions Funding & Tenders Portal Privacy Statement Guidance on participation in EU calls with ownership and control restrictions

🎯 Call process & Evaluation criteria (Pre-award)

Evaluators will prioritize proposals that clearly articulate a vision for European technological sovereignty in frontier AI, showcasing concrete technical advancements in model performance, energy efficiency, and safety-by-design principles. Strong emphasis will be placed on the integration with existing European AI initiatives (RAISE, AI Factories, Data Labs, ADRA) and the capacity to attract and retain top AI talent within the EU. Measurable KPIs for progress assessment are crucial.

🤝 Possible collaborations

Resource for AI Science in Europe (RAISE)
European AI research community
Top AI talent
Previous funded actions (for building on and reusing public results)
European R&D community (for sharing results via AI-on-demand platform)
AI Factories
Data Labs
European companies developing frontier AI models
European Partnership on AI, data, and robotics (ADRA)
CSA HORIZON-CL4-2025-03-HUMAN-18: GenAI4EU central Hub

🧩 Project backbone

Build your project backbone 🧩

The AI has drafted potential core elements based on the call analysis. To start building your project proposal structure, select the elements that resonate with your consortium's concept. You can refine and rewrite them fully once your project workspace is created.

✨ Problems to be solved

High Computational and Energy Demands of Frontier AI

The development and training of frontier AI models currently require significant computational resources and energy, leading to high costs and environmental impact, hindering broader accessibility and sustainability.

👤 AI Researchers and Developers👤 European AI Companies and Start-ups

Safety and Trust Challenges in Advanced AI Systems

Frontier AI models, especially agentic AI, pose significant safety risks due to potential misalignment, sophisticated misbehaviour, and vulnerability to adversarial attacks, undermining trust and safe adoption in critical applications.

👤 AI Researchers and Developers👤 European AI Companies and Start-ups👤 Policymakers and Regulatory Bodies👤 End-users in Strategic Sectors

Fragmented European AI Ecosystem and Talent Drain

Despite strong research capabilities, the European AI ecosystem faces challenges in cohesion, talent retention, and coordinated development of frontier AI, risking technological dependency and hindering global competitiveness.

👤 AI Researchers and Developers👤 European AI Companies and Start-ups👤 Scientific Community👤 Policymakers and Regulatory Bodies

✨ Target Groups

AI Researchers and DevelopersDirect

Individuals and teams actively involved in the research, development, and training of frontier AI models, including those focusing on computational efficiency, safety, and interpretability.

European AI Companies and Start-upsDirect

Enterprises, particularly SMEs, engaged in developing and deploying advanced AI solutions, including agentic AI and robotics, in strategic sectors.

Scientific CommunityIndirect

The broader academic and research community interested in AI, machine learning, and related fields, benefiting from shared results, methodologies, and talent development.

Policymakers and Regulatory BodiesIndirect

European and national authorities responsible for shaping AI policy, regulation, and strategic initiatives, benefiting from insights into safe and ethical AI development.

End-users in Strategic SectorsIndirect

Industries and public services that will adopt and benefit from next-generation AI agents and robotics, requiring safe, efficient, and trustworthy AI solutions.

✨ Proposed Objectives

Advance Frontier AI Model Performance and Computational Efficiency

To research, develop, and train frontier AI models that achieve highest-level performance, exhibit multimodal and agentic capabilities (tool use, reasoning, autonomous problem-solving), and are significantly optimized for energy and computational efficiency across training and inference phases.

SC1SC2SC4SC5SC6EO1EO2

Ensure Safety, Robustness, and Interpretability of Advanced AI Systems

To develop comprehensive methodologies and architectural innovations that enhance the safety, robustness against adversarial attacks, and interpretability of frontier AI models. This includes addressing unintentional misalignment, detecting sophisticated misbehaviour (e.g., alignment faking), and considering risks within agentic AI frameworks to foster trust and safe adoption.

SC3SC7SC8SC9SC10SC11EO3

Strengthen the European Frontier AI Research and Industrial Ecosystem

To establish strong collaborative links with key European AI initiatives (RAISE, AI Factories, Data Labs, ADRA, GenAI4EU central Hub), involve the broader European AI research community, attract and retain top AI talent, and engage European companies developing frontier AI models. This objective also includes mechanisms for assessing progress and sharing communicable results via the AI-on-demand platform.

SC12SC13SC14SC15SC16SC17SC18SC19EO1

✨ Proposed Impacts

Enhanced European AI Research and Innovation CapacityScientificEconomicPolicy

The project will significantly strengthen Europe's capabilities in frontier AI research and development, fostering a world-class ecosystem and attracting top talent, thereby reducing reliance on non-EU sources.

📏 € value of all trans-national R&I programs (Commonly used)

EI1👤 AI Researchers and Developers👤 Scientific Community👤 European AI Companies and Start-ups

Increased Computational and Energy Efficiency of AI ModelsEconomicEnvironmentalScientific

The development of more computationally and energy-efficient frontier AI models will lead to reduced operational costs and a lower environmental footprint for AI development and deployment.

📏 tCO2e of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions mitigated (IRIS+)

EI2👤 AI Researchers and Developers👤 European AI Companies and Start-ups

Improved Safety and Trustworthiness of Advanced AI SystemsSocialPolicyScientific

Through advanced safety-by-design principles, robust defence mechanisms, and enhanced interpretability, the project will significantly increase the safety and trustworthiness of frontier AI models, enabling their responsible adoption.

📏 Number of cybersecurity breach / incidents (Commonly used)

EI2👤 AI Researchers and Developers👤 European AI Companies and Start-ups👤 End-users in Strategic Sectors👤 Policymakers and Regulatory Bodies

Accelerated Deployment of Next-Generation AI in Strategic European SectorsEconomicSocial

The project will facilitate the deployment of safe and efficient next-generation AI agents and robotics in key European strategic sectors, driving innovation and competitiveness.

📏 % of manufacturing employment on total employment (UN Indicator 9.2.2)

EI3👤 European AI Companies and Start-ups👤 End-users in Strategic Sectors

Strengthened European Technological Sovereignty in AIPolicyEconomic

By fostering a cohesive and future-proof European industrial base for frontier AI, the project will reinforce Europe's capacity to innovate and compete globally, securing technological sovereignty and reducing external dependencies.

📏 tCO2e amount emission per unit of value added (UN Indicator 9.4.1)

EI8👤 European AI Companies and Start-ups👤 Policymakers and Regulatory Bodies