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Grant Analysis

Purpose & Target

The core objective of this grant is to establish a Digital Skills Academy specifically focused on Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI). The academy aims to develop and deliver comprehensive educational and training programs in AI to equip students and professionals across Europe with essential skills for developing, deploying, and applying AI models. This initiative targets organizations capable of developing and implementing large-scale educational programs, such as universities, research institutions, and industry associations. It is a SECTOR-SPECIFIC grant, focusing on digital skills, Artificial Intelligence, and education. The geographic scope is Europe-wide, intending to benefit individuals and entities within EU Member States and associated countries. Key filtering criteria for initial screening include a clear focus on GenAI, the capacity to deliver extensive training, and the ability to form strong partnerships across academia, industry, and research. This specific academy call is part of the 2025 Digital Europe Programme initiatives, indicating a recurring program context for similar digital skills academies.

Financial Structure

Total budget allocated for this specific topic: 7,000,000 EUR.
Expected number of grants to be awarded: 1.
Funding type: DIGITAL Lump Sum Grants (DIGITAL-LS).
Currency: EUR.
Minimum funding per project: Not explicitly specified, but given that one grant is expected, it would encompass a significant portion of the total budget.
Maximum funding per project: Not explicitly specified, but given that one grant is expected, it would encompass a significant portion of the total budget.
Co-financing requirements: Not explicitly mentioned as required for a Lump Sum grant, as costs are covered by the agreed lump sum for completed activities.
Eligible costs: Not detailed in the provided information, but typically covers activities necessary to achieve the expected outcomes of the academy, such as curriculum development, training delivery, partnership building, awareness campaigns, and operational expenses.
Ineligible costs: Not detailed, but generally would exclude non-project related expenses or costs not aligned with the agreed lump sum work plan.
Financial reporting: Subject to standard EU grant financial reporting requirements for Lump Sum grants.

Eligibility Requirements

Organizational Type and Structure

Applicant is expected to be an educational institution, research organization, or industry association with a strong track record in AI or digital skills training. The grant documents do not provide exact definitions for these types but imply entities capable of establishing an 'academy'.
The project requires the establishment of partnerships and collaboration frameworks between academia, industry (including SMEs), and research institutions.
The applicant must be able to set up a 'one-stop-shop' for educational and training schemes in GenAI.

Geographic Location

Eligible countries are EU Member States and countries associated with the Digital Europe Programme. While a specific list is referred to in 'section 6 of the call document' (not provided), the nature of the grant implies EU-wide relevance.

Financial and Operational Capacity

Applicants must meet financial and operational capacity requirements as described in 'section 7 of the call document' (not provided).

Compliance

Applicants must not be subject to exclusion criteria as described in 'section 7 of the call document' (not provided).

Application Process

Application Deadline

The submission deadline for proposals is 2025-10-02 00:00:00+00:00.

Submission Process

Applications must be submitted via the Funding & Tenders Portal using the Electronic Submission Service.
The submission model is 'single-stage'.
The submission session became available on 2025-04-15.

Required Documentation

Applicants must submit a Standard application form (DEP).
Part B of the Application Form, which is specific to this call, must be completed and is available in the Submission System.
A Detailed budget table (DEP LSII) is required.
Proposals must comply with specific page limits and layout requirements, which are described in 'section 5 of the call document' (not provided here).

Evaluation and Award

The indicative timeline for evaluation and the grant agreement process is described in 'section 4 of the call document' (not provided here).
Award criteria, scoring, and thresholds are detailed in 'section 9 of the call document' (not provided here).

Support

Applicants can access an Online Manual for step-by-step guidance through the Portal processes.
An IT Helpdesk is available for questions related to technical aspects of submission, access rights, and other IT issues.
General FAQs regarding the Funding & Tenders Portal are also available.

Evaluation Criteria

While detailed evaluation criteria are referred to 'section 9 of the call document' (not provided), analysis of the grant's objectives and expected outcomes suggests the following key scoring factors: Strategic Relevance and Impact

Contribution to AI Innovation Package and Apply AI Strategy: Demonstrated alignment with and advancement of these key EU initiatives.
Empowerment of Target Groups: The effectiveness and reach of proposed activities in providing basic and advanced AI skills to identified beneficiaries, including undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate students, as well as sector and ICT specialists in SMEs, startups, and the public sector.
European-wide Roll-out: The potential for the proposed academic programs and short-term trainings to be widely disseminated and adopted across Europe.

Quality of Activities and Implementation

Comprehensiveness of Curricula: The design of academic curricula across different levels and for various target groups, whether as complete academic programs or modular components within larger programs.
Modularity and Piloting of Training: The development and piloting of modular short-term training curricula for sector specialists, including targeted training for SMEs and the public sector.
Strength of Partnerships: The establishment of robust and effective collaboration frameworks between academia, industry (including SMEs), and research institutions.
Practical Educational Initiatives: The facilitation of joint practical educational initiatives, such as on-the-job experiences, mentorship schemes, internship programs, summer schools, bootcamps, and facility visits.
Support and Inclusion Schemes: The measures implemented to support, integrate, and ensure visibility for female students and female professionals in education and training, as well as talented young people from disadvantaged backgrounds and people with disabilities.
Teacher Training: The inclusion of training initiatives addressing teaching staff, such as 'Teach-the-teacher' modules.
Communication and Awareness: The effectiveness of communication and awareness-raising activities, including social media engagement, career orientation activities, and 'technology deep dive sessions'.
Dedicated Platform Integration: A clear plan for integrating a dedicated landing page for the academy on the Digital Skills and Jobs Platform.
Impact Reporting: A robust plan for reporting on the impact of the academy's activities based on a KPI assessment scheme and providing recommendations for policy and investments.

Technical Approach and Coordination

Coordination with AI Factories: Demonstrated ability to work in close coordination with and support the work of AI Factories.
Coordination with Existing Initiatives: The capacity to cooperate effectively with existing initiatives such as the AI-on-Demand Platform, Networks of Excellence in AI, European Digital Innovation Hubs, and EuroHPC Factories.
Responsible AI: The inclusion of educational components on how to use AI and GenAI technologies safely and responsibly.

Compliance & Special Requirements

Regulatory Compliance

Applicants must adhere to DEP Regulation 2021/964 EU and EU Financial Regulation 2024/2509.
Compliance with rules for Legal Entity Validation, LEAR Appointment, and Financial Capacity Assessment is required.

Ethical and Responsible AI

A critical component is the academy's commitment to educating the general public on how to use AI and GenAI technologies safely and responsibly.

Data Protection

Data protection is highlighted as a key consideration, implying adherence to relevant EU data protection regulations.

Inclusivity and Diversity

Special attention is required for fostering the participation of female students and female professionals in education and training activities.
Support and integration schemes must be implemented for talented young people from disadvantaged backgrounds and people with disabilities.

Strategic Collaboration

Close coordination and potential utilization of services and facilities from AI Factories, the European High Performance Computing Joint Undertaking (EuroHPC JU), the AI-on-Demand Platform, Networks of Excellence in AI, and European Digital Innovation Hubs are expected.

Reporting and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Successful applicants will be required to provide reports on the impact of the academy's activities, based on a defined KPI assessment scheme, and offer recommendations for policy and investments.

Grant Details