EU project edih dina: Artificial intelligence and digital innovation for businesses in Bavaria

The European Digital Innovation Hub edih dina (Digital Innovation & Artificial Intelligence) supports small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), start-ups, mid-caps and public-sector organisations in Bavaria in their digital transformation and in the responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI). With almost 100 free services, edih dina helps organisations adopt digital technologies and AI – from assessing their digital maturity and testing new technologies and AI applications to training, funding advice and international networking. As a project partner, the Bavarian Research Alliance (BayFOR) contributes its expertise in EU research and innovation funding, international partner search and the development of successful European projects.

Turning digitalisation and artificial intelligence into practice

Digital technologies and artificial intelligence are fundamentally changing businesses and public administration. They offer new opportunities to make processes more efficient, develop innovative business models and strengthen long-term competitiveness. At the same time, many SMEs, start-ups and public-sector organisations face the challenge of identifying suitable technologies, realistically assessing their potential and successfully integrating them into existing structures.

The European Digital Innovation Hub edih dina helps businesses and public-sector organisations assess their digital maturity, explore digital technologies and AI applications, test them under real-world conditions and successfully put them into practice.

To this end, edih dina brings together the expertise of Bavarian research, technology and innovation organisations and offers a comprehensive range of support services – from practical testing environments and skills development to funding and financing advice and international networking.

edih dina succeeds the two European Digital Innovation Hubs EDIH DInO (Digital Innovation Ostbayern) and EDIH DIBI (Digital Innovation for Bavarian Industry). The project brings together their experience and expertise in a joint innovation hub for Bavaria, with a particular focus on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, digital manufacturing and other key digital technologies.

What are European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs)?

European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs) are regional innovation hubs funded under the EU's Digital Europe Programme. They help businesses and public-sector organisations successfully adopt digital technologies and artificial intelligence and strengthen their capacity for innovation and competitiveness.

EDIHs combine regional advice, practical testing facilities and training opportunities with a Europe-wide innovation network. Businesses gain access to technical expertise, can test new technologies under real-world conditions before investing, develop digital skills and connect with partners from industry, research and the public sector.

The services provided by European Digital Innovation Hubs focus on four main areas:

  • Test before Invest – testing digital technologies and AI applications before making an investment
  • Skills & Training – developing skills in digitalisation and artificial intelligence
  • Support to Find Financing & Investment – facilitating access to regional, national and European funding and financing opportunities
  • Innovation Ecosystem & Networking – connecting with businesses, research organisations and international innovation networks

Through their Europe-wide network, EDIHs contribute to the implementation of the Digital Decade 2030 and help strengthen Europe's competitiveness.

Project objectives

The European Digital Innovation Hub edih dina supports SMEs, start-ups, mid-caps and public-sector organisations in successfully adopting digital technologies and artificial intelligence.

The project aims to strengthen Bavaria's digital competitiveness, accelerate innovation processes and help organisations gain access to advanced technologies, funding opportunities and international innovation networks.

Target groups

The services offered by edih dina are aimed at:

  • small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
  • start-ups
  • mid-caps
  • public administrations
  • public-sector organisations

BayFOR as a partner

As in the predecessor project EDIH DInO, in which BayFOR participated as an associated partner, the Bavarian Research Alliance (BayFOR) supported the consortium during the proposal phase with the strategic and technical development of the EU proposal and with financial and administrative issues.

BayFOR is a project partner in the European Digital Innovation Hub edih dina and advises businesses, start-ups and public-sector organisations on European research and innovation funding programmes.

A particular focus is on the EU programmes Horizon Europe and Digital Europe. BayFOR also supports interested organisations throughout the process – from the initial project idea and the development of international project consortia to the successful submission of an EU funding proposal.

With its extensive experience in European research and innovation funding, BayFOR helps Bavarian stakeholders become more closely integrated into European innovation networks and improve their access to EU funding opportunities.

Funding period

Project duration: September 2026 to August 2029. The project has a total budget of around EUR 6 million, of which approximately EUR 3 million is funded by the European Union through the Digital Europe Programme. The remaining project costs are provided as co-financing by the project partners.

Consortium

Further information

Contact

David Rottenegger

David Rottenegger
Project Manager edih dina
Bayern Innovativ GmbH
Email: david.rottenegger@bayern-innovativ.de

Contact at BayFOR

Dipl.-Ing. Dan Gutu

Dipl.-Wirt.-Ing. Dan Gutu
Scientific Officer Information & Communication Technologies |
Engineering & Natural Sciences
Phone: +49 89 9901888-136
Email: gutu@no-spam-pleasebayfor.org

Competence Centre for Research and Innovation Funding in Bavaria, Europe and the World

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Competence Centre for Research and Innovation Funding in Bavaria, Europe and the World