A community update on the next phase of activities for 2026–2028
The EIT AI Community is evolving into the EIT AI & Robotics Community, reflecting an expanded scope for the next phase of activities planned for 2026–2028.
This update aims to inform our community and stakeholders about this evolution, the rationale behind it, and the direction of upcoming activities currently under development. Further details on programme launches, open calls, and participation opportunities will be shared at a later stage through the appropriate official channels.
Expanding the scope: from AI to AI & Robotics
The evolution towards EIT AI & Robotics Community reflects the increasing convergence between artificial intelligence and robotics across Europe’s innovation landscape. It also responds to the growing need to better support the journey from strong research capabilities to scalable, market-ready solutions.
In this next phase, the community will continue to build on its foundations while expanding its focus towards areas that strengthen entrepreneurial capacity, cross-sector collaboration, and the practical deployment of advanced technologies. This includes supporting innovation pathways that connect research excellence with industrial application and market opportunities.
Supporting Europe’s innovation and competitiveness
The updated direction is designed to contribute to Europe’s competitiveness in frontier domains such as advanced AI systems, intelligent robotics, and deep tech innovation. It also aligns with broader European priorities, including strengthening technological sovereignty, improving access to scaling support, and fostering trusted and responsible innovation practices.
Particular attention is being given to how regulatory leadership in Europe, including frameworks such as the EU Artificial Intelligence Act, can be leveraged to support innovation in a compliant and responsible way.
The approach is also aligned with wider European initiatives supporting strategic technologies and scaling, ensuring coherence with the broader innovation ecosystem.
Shaping a portfolio of upcoming activities
The portfolio of activities for the coming phase is currently being shaped and is expected to include a combination of initiatives focused on venture building, entrepreneurial talent development, industry collaboration, and ecosystem strengthening.
Among the concepts under development is a structured venture building approach that would support high-potential AI and robotics startups across different stages of maturity. This may include tailored support in areas such as business model development, market entry, investment readiness, and regulatory compliance, combined with sector-specific expertise in domains such as healthcare, manufacturing, food systems, biotechnology, and robotics.
In parallel, activities aimed at activating new entrepreneurial talent are also being explored, including formats that support early-stage teams and founders through structured development journeys.
Further initiatives are expected to focus on strengthening connections between research and industry, with the objective of facilitating the validation of technologies in real operational environments and accelerating pathways towards adoption and scaling.
Strengthening the community dimension
A key element of the future direction is the continued development of a strong pan-European community bringing together entrepreneurs, researchers, industry actors, investors, and policymakers.
This includes further development of community-building initiatives designed to foster collaboration, knowledge exchange, and long-term ecosystem growth. Particular emphasis is expected to be placed on inclusiveness, cross-border collaboration, and the engagement of underrepresented groups within the innovation landscape.
A coordinated and evolving approach
Overall, this evolution represents a step towards a more coordinated and integrated approach to innovation in artificial intelligence and robotics, connecting research, entrepreneurship, and market deployment within a broader ecosystem perspective.
As the programme continues to develop, more detailed information on specific activities, participation opportunities, and timelines will be shared in due course through coordinated official communications.
