- AIR-Andalusia will launch its first call for service applications for SMEs, mid-caps, and public institutions in April 2026
On 17 February, the UGR AI facilities hosted the kick-off meeting of AIR-Andalusia, the European Digital Innovation Hub (EDIH) from Andalusia specialising in artificial intelligence and applied robotics.
The project, coordinated by the AI Granada Research & Innovation Foundation, has a budget of over €5 million and is 50% co-funded by the European Union under the Digital Europe Programme.
The event brought together representatives from the 20 organisations that make up the consortium, marking the official launch of an initiative that will run until January 2029. Its objective is to accelerate the digital transformation of Andalusia’s productive sector, particularly SMEs, mid-caps, and public institutions.
Services to Open in April 2026
One of the key milestones agreed during the meeting is that, in April 2026 (the third month of the project), the list of services and pricing will be officially validated and the first call for applications will be launched to select companies and public institutions wishing to join the hub.
From that moment on, AIR-Andalusia will formally open access to its services, primarily targeting SMEs, small and mid-caps, Andalusian public institutions, and technology start-ups.
The model foresees five closed calls for applications over the 36-month period, concentrating most of the effort in the recruitment of the initial stage to maximise mentoring time and ensure a greater impact on participating organisations.
A Strategic Consortium for Andalusia
AIR-Andalusia brings together universities, technology centres, science parks, business associations, and key stakeholders of the Andalusian ecosystem:
AI Granada Research & Innovation Foundation (coordinator), University of Granada, University of Málaga, University of Jaén, University of Córdoba, University of Huelva, AICIA, CETEMET, BIC Euronova, Innova IRV, Fidesol, Chamber of Commerce of Linares, Málaga TechPark, Technological Corporation of Andalusia (CTA), Confederation of Andalusian Business Owners (CEA), OnTech Innovation, Granada Health Technology Park, Chambers of Commerce of Andalusia, the Progress and Health Foundation, and the Digital Agency of Andalusia.
Specialised Services to Drive Digital Transformation
AIR-Andalusia is positioned as a regional infrastructure supporting advanced digitalisation. Its operational model combines diagnostics, expert mentoring, and impact measurement. Its main areas of intervention include:
- Test before Invest: Access to advanced technological infrastructures, such as supercomputers and robotics laboratories, enabling organisations to validate solutions before making investment decisions. This area also includes digital maturity assessments, sectoral analyses, technological barometers, and strategic surveys, allowing organisations to identify their starting point and design a data-driven roadmap.
- Training and talent development: Specialised programmes for professionals, with a particular focus on CEOs and public managers, aimed at the practical implementation of artificial intelligence and robotics in real-world environments.
- Investment support: Guidance on access to public and private funding, mentoring organisations in identifying of financial instruments, preparing proposals, and connecting with investors.
- Ecosystem and networking: Integration into the European EDIH Network and connection to strategic infrastructures such as AI-on-demand and AI Factories, strengthening Andalusia’s positioning within the European artificial intelligence landscape. The hub will also organise professional meet-ups, knowledge-sharing sessions, and sector-specific events to foster collaboration among companies, technology centres, universities, and public institutions.
Expected Impact by 2029
AIR-Andalusia has set ambitious targets for the next three years, including mentoring 1,330 organisations in their digital transformation processes and supporting more than 2,ooo SMEs.
The project will cover the entire Andalusian territory and aligns with the regional Smart Specialisation Strategy (S4Andalucía), prioritising sectors such as sustainable agrifood, smart industry, health and biotechnology, sustainable tourism, circular economy, and renewable energy.
Next Steps
Following this technical meeting, the consortium will hold the official public presentation of the project on 23 March, aimed at the Andalusian business and institutional ecosystem.
All information regarding calls for applications, services, and access to the hub will be available on the official website: https://www.airandalusia.es/
About AIR-Andalusia
AIR-Andalusia is the European Digital Innovation Hub (EDIH) from Andalusia specialising in artificial intelligence, robotics, and advanced digital technologies. It supports SMEs, mid-caps, and public institutions in their digital transformation processes, enhancing their efficiency and competitiveness.
It is part of the European Network of European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIH) and has been awarded the European Commission’s Seal of Excellence, consolidating its position as a strategic digital innovation hub in Southern Europe.
The project is 50% co-funded by the European Union under the Digital Europe Programme.