The DIGITAL-2025-SKILLS-08-GENAI-ACADEMY-STEP call under the Digital Europe Programme invites proposals to establish a Digital Skills Academy in GenAI, a key initiative aimed at addressing Europe’s growing need for advanced AI skills. This initiative aligns with the AI Innovation Package and supports the EU’s forthcoming Apply AI Strategy, with a particular focus on general-purpose AI (GenAI) technologies.

The academy will act as a one-stop shop for education and training on GenAI and will support two main objectives: (1) the development of skills aligned with the AI Factories and EuroHPC supercomputing infrastructure, and (2) the promotion of GenAI uptake and deployment in key economic sectors, particularly among SMEs, start-ups, and public authorities.

Deliverables will include:

• academic curricula and modular short-term training programmes tailored to students, sector professionals, and ICT specialists;
• practical training initiatives such as mentorship schemes, internships, bootcamps, and on-the-job experiences;
• inclusive participation schemes targeting women, young talent from disadvantaged backgrounds, and people with disabilities;
• “teach-the-teacher” modules to build capacity among educators;
• awareness-raising and public outreach activities, including career orientation and GenAI literacy initiatives;
• a dedicated landing page on the Digital Skills and Jobs Platform;
• KPI-based impact reports and policy recommendations.

The academy will collaborate with AI-on-Demand, Networks of Excellence in AI, European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs), and EuroHPC AI Factories, leveraging their resources and infrastructure to deliver high-quality, accessible training.

The call is open under a single-stage submission model, with a deadline of 2 October 2025 at 17:00 Brussels time. Funded projects will receive a lump sum.