Ireland has announced an additional €23 million in funding for the country’s four European Digital Innovation Hubs as the programme enters its second phase in 2026. The investment reinforces Ireland’s commitment to accelerating digital transformation across businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as public sector organisations.
The funding supports Ireland’s participation in the wider European Digital Innovation Hubs programme, a Europe-wide initiative designed to strengthen competitiveness through advanced digital technologies such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, automation, and data-driven innovation.
A Europe-Wide Network of Digital Support
Across Europe, more than 250 European Digital Innovation Hubs operate as regional “one stop shops” for digitalisation. These hubs provide businesses with access to technical expertise, advice on financing and funding, workforce training, skills development, and insights into emerging technologies and market trends.
The model is designed to reduce barriers to adoption by allowing organisations to experiment with technologies before making significant investments, helping to de-risk innovation while accelerating uptake.
Ireland’s Four Digital Innovation Hubs
Ireland’s EDIH network consists of four hubs located across the country, each with a specific thematic focus and regional footprint.
These include CeADAR, Ireland’s Centre for AI based at University College Dublin; FactoryxChange, led by the Irish Manufacturing Research in Mullingar; Entire, led by the Tyndall National Institute; and Data2Sustain, led by Atlantic Technological University.
Together, these hubs aim to ensure that digital innovation support is accessible across regions and sectors, from manufacturing and AI to sustainability and data.
Ambitious Targets for Phase Two
The second phase of the programme will run until 2029 and significantly expands the scale of activity across the Irish hubs. During this period, the hubs are expected to deliver more than 3,000 engagements with businesses and public sector bodies nationwide.
In addition, they plan to support over 1,100 “Test Before Invest” projects, allowing organisations to trial digital solutions in real-world settings before committing capital. More than 200 training courses are also planned, focused on upskilling workforces and building long-term digital capability.
The funding announcement was made late last month as Ireland prepares to intensify its national digital transformation efforts.
Government and Agency Support
Commenting on the announcement, Peter Burke, Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, said the extension of the programme ensures continued access to world-class digitalisation support for Irish SMEs.
He noted that the four hubs have already delivered transformative results, helping organisations adopt AI, automation, and sustainability practices. By maintaining momentum into Phase Two, he said, Ireland is strengthening competitiveness and enabling enterprises to future-proof their operations across every region.
Enterprise Ireland’s Role
Enterprise Ireland is supporting the continuation of the hubs into Phase Two. Its CEO, Jenny Melia, said the expanded programme will help businesses accelerate productivity, build resilience, and remain competitive in an increasingly digital global economy.
She highlighted the importance of scaling access to Test Before Invest facilities, specialist expertise, and targeted training nationwide as key enablers of sustainable growth.
European Recognition and Quality Signals
Two of Ireland’s hubs, FactoryxChange and CeADAR, have already been awarded the STEP Seal by the European Commission. The seal recognises top-rated innovation projects with strong strategic and technological impact. The remaining two hubs are currently undergoing the STEP Seal evaluation process.
Strengthening Ireland’s Digital Future
With €23 million in additional funding and ambitious delivery targets through 2029, Ireland’s European Digital Innovation Hubs are set to play a central role in supporting digital adoption nationwide. The programme positions Ireland to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving digital economy while ensuring that advanced technologies are accessible to businesses and public sector organisations of all sizes.
