European Digital Innovation Hubs in Ireland

The European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIH) Network is a pan-European partnership established by the European Union to accelerate digital transformation across all sectors.

European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs) support micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), mid-caps, and public service organisations (PSOs) to adopt advanced digital and AI technologies. Each EDIH operates within its regional ecosystem, providing localised support while benefiting from the collective expertise of the EDIH network. This structure ensures that organisations receive tailored assistance relevant to their specific contexts. There are four EDIHs as part of the national network in Ireland, CeADAR EDIH for AI, Data2Sustain, ENTIRE and FactoryXChange.

By integrating the following types of services, EDIHs help SMEs and PSOs by equipping them with the essential digital tools and skills to improve their competitiveness and boost their overall digital capacities:

• Test Before Invest- allows organisations to experiment with digital and AI technologies before investing e.g., prototype development and testing.
   
• Support to Find Investment - assists in identifying, preparing and strategic development for funding and investment opportunities for digital projects at national and EU level.
   
• Skills Development - provides education and skills development to enhance digital competencies, e.g., online or in person.
   
• Ecosystem Building & Networking - facilitates connections and helps to navigate relevant opportunities within the EDIH network, national and European agencies and other stakeholders.

EDIH services are funded through the European Union’s Digital Europe Programme and the Government of Ireland, managed by Enterprise Ireland.

Enterprises are eligible if they have De Minimis State Aid available and have a total of less than 3,000 employees. De Minimis Aid is the form of State support which can be approved by any State Body, Agency, or Government Department to a company (Undertaking). It cannot exceed €300,000 over a rolling three-year period to any company irrespective of size or location in Ireland. The EDIHs can guide you through this.

Exporting and non-exporting enterprises are eligible for EDIH services. All Public Sector Organisations are eligible.

EDIH services are up to 100% discounted to eligible enterprises and PSOs.

De Minimis Aid is a form of financial support provided to companies by government authorities. EDIHs may offer service discounts of up to 100% to eligible enterprises through De Minimis Aid, subject to a cap of €300,000 over three fiscal years per company.

You should check with any agencies from which you have received De Minimis support in the current 3-year period as to the amount of support received. It is important to check with all agencies, as EI does not have access to their records. The total De Minimis support granted in the three-year period should be totalled and subtracted from the ceiling amount of €300,000 to arrive at your remaining De Minimis balance. For Enterprise Ireland or LEO awarded De Minimis grant values, you can email edih@enterprise-ireland.com.

If your company is part of a group structure, De Minimis aid for the entire group should be included when calculating your De Minimis usage and balance.

If your company has used €300,000 of De Minimis Sate Aid over a rolling three-year period, or your remaining balance does not cover the cost of support you wish to avail of, it may not be eligible for up to 100% discounted services. Your local EDIH will be happy to discuss this further with you.

When signing up to EDIH services, you will be asked to confirm you have reviewed the privacy policy for your EDIH, outlining how personal data is collected, used, and disclosed. This policy will be disclosed in the sign-up process.

The terms & conditions of services may differ between the four EDIHs in Ireland. Your EDIH representative will be happy to discuss this further with you.

You agree to the terms when booking a service with an EDIH. Updates to terms and conditions will be communicated by your EDIH, and any changes will be implemented according to EU guidelines and best industry practices.

The booking process may vary between the four EDIHs in Ireland. Start by contacting your local EDIH and a representative of their team will take you through the process. 

Yes, you can view the services available from each EDIH on our websites.

• CeADAR [https://ceadar.ie/edih/]
• Data2Sustain [https://data2sustain.ie/our-services]
• ENTIRE EDIH [https://entire-edih.ie/]
• FactoryXChange [https://www.factoryxchange.ie/services]

Organisations can book multiple EDIH services. However, as EDIHs aim to support as many organisations as possible, the level of support available to any one enterprise or PSO will be agreed in consultation with your EDIH representative.

Yes. The EDIH you first select will be happy to discuss this further with you and identify services from other EDIHs that suit your needs.

There are four EDIHs located across Ireland, each with different expertise across a range of sectors, and digital and AI technologies.  Start by contacting your local EDIH. 

If your organisation is eligible for EDIH Test-Before-Invest services, the first step will be to complete a Digital Maturity Assessment. This ensures your EDIH understands your current capabilities before proceeding to book further services.

The DTA initiative actively fosters collaboration among EDIHs, businesses, and policymakers. It facilitates cooperation between EDIHs and provides them with training and expert guidance to accelerate digital transitions.

No. EDIHs focus on helping companies explore, experiment with, and validate advanced digital and AI technologies in a low-risk environment. The outcome of Test-Before-Invest services is typically a prototype, proof of concept, or demonstrator that illustrates how a technology could address your business challenge — not a finished, market-ready product.

In general, the generation of new intellectual property (IP) falls outside the scope of the services provided by EDIHs. If IP considerations are relevant to your project, this can be discussed directly with your EDIH coordinator.

EDIHs aim to support as many organisations as possible. The level of support available to any single organisation is determined in consultation with the relevant EDIH coordinator.

To access EDIH services as a sole trader, you must be trading, i.e. doing tax returns to Revenue and you must supply your tax number when requested by your EDIH. If you are not yet trading, but have a Tax Clearance Certificate, you are eligible for services.

Yes. EDIHs are designed to support SMEs and public sector organisations, including those supported by IDA Ireland, in their digital transformation journey. Any organisation with up to 3,000 employees globally is eligible to access EDIH services. If your company does not meet the eligibility criteria, your local EDIH can still guide you towards alternative funding and investment opportunities.

Yes. As a self-employed farmer, you are eligible to access EDIH services up to a value of €20,000 under the De Minimis rule. When requested, you will need to provide your VAT number, or if you do not have one, you may use your PPS number on the declaration form.