CeADAR to receive €5.675m in funding
Ireland’s National Centre for AI to receive €5.7m funding for phase two of European programme
CeADAR, Ireland’s national centre for applied AI, has secured €5.675 million in funding to support the second phase of the European Digital Innovation Hub (EDIH) Programme, strengthening efforts to help SMEs and public sector organisations adopt artificial intelligence and advanced data technologies.
The funding, which supports the Europe-wide EDIH initiative, is co-funded by the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment through Enterprise Ireland, alongside the EU’s Digital Europe Programme. CeADAR is one of four EDIHs in Ireland, each playing a central role in accelerating digital transformation across industry and the public sector.
Phase Two of the programme will run from 2026 to 2029 and was announced by Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke TD late last month. This next phase will enable a significant scaling of digitalisation activities, particularly among SMEs and public service organisations seeking to build digital capability and competitiveness.
Through the EDIH programme, CeADAR supports organisations by providing access to AI and data analytics expertise, test-before-invest services, skills development, and assistance in securing investment. The new funding will also enhance support for start-ups via CeADAR’s AI Accelerator programme, delivered in partnership with NovaUCD. In addition, CeADAR will collaborate with ICHEC in Phase Two to provide access to advanced computing infrastructure and specialist expertise where appropriate.
Based at University College Dublin, CeADAR enables organisations to access funded training and upskilling, prototype development, and proof-of-concept testing, helping to reduce barriers to AI adoption and demonstrate practical value.
Alongside the funding announcement, CeADAR has also been awarded the European Commission’s Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP) Seal. This quality label recognises high-performing European innovation projects and is designed to support access to further European and private investment, underlining CeADAR’s role in advancing Ireland’s AI and digital innovation ecosystem.
Project News