Strengthening cybersecurity capacities of European SMEs with cybersecure AI-powered solutions

What is this call about?

The topic funds the development and deployment of AI-based cybersecurity tools and services, such as a software-as-a-service toolkit, that help European SMEs manage cyber risks and respond to incidents.

What does this call fund?

Scope

The topic supports the development and deployment of AI-powered cybersecurity products, tools and services for European SMEs, including tools that detect attack patterns. Proposals should cover the development or adaptation of software or hardware and the validation of the solutions. A central idea is a software-as-a-service toolkit tailored to SMEs that automates basic cybersecurity processes.

Eligible activities

Activities should include at least one of the following:

• uptake of AI-powered cybersecurity tools in organisations that have not yet adopted them;
• development of user-friendly AI-based toolkits that automate main cybersecurity processes in SMEs, for example risk assessment and management, interfaces to infrastructure scanning tools, alerts on vulnerabilities and threats, links to a Cyber Hub for incident reporting and recovery, and an incident reporting interface supported by AI assistants.

Expected outcomes

• Adoption of market-ready AI-powered cybersecurity solutions, including results of EU-funded research and innovation projects.
• Up-to-date AI tools and services that help organisations, in particular SMEs, prepare for, protect against and respond to cyber threats.
• AI integrated into cybersecurity processes, including new approaches to training staff, and tools to protect and secure AI solutions themselves.

When is the deadline?

14 January 2027 (70 days)