ENTIRE 2.0 was officially launched at University College Cork (UCC) on Friday, 4th September, marking the second phase of the European Digital Innovation Hub (EDIH) initiative, aimed at accelerating Artificial Intelligence (AI) adoption and digital transformation among Irish Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and public sector organisations (PSOs).
As part of a European-wide network of over 250 EDIHs, Ireland’s four hubs – ENTIRE, CeADAR, FactoryXChange, and Data2Sustain – have secured €23 million in funding for the 2026–2029 period. The programme is backed by the EU’s Digital Europe Programme, supported by the Government of Ireland, and managed by Enterprise Ireland.
The expanded programme provides comprehensive “one-stop shop” digital services, including technical expertise, experimentation, financial advice, and training. It specializes in advanced technologies: AI, data analytics, cybersecurity, IoT sensors, networks, and High Performance Computing (HPC); and AI readiness: Assisting organisations with AI literacy, skills development, ethical usage, and compliance with the EU AI Act.
FINANCIAL SUPPORT
ENTIRE 2.0 aligns with Ireland’s National Digital and AI Strategy and the EU’s Digital Decade 2030 targets and directly supports national objectives for 90% of SMEs to reach Basic Digital Intensity and 75% of businesses to adopt AI, cloud computing, and big data by 2030.
Financially eligible enterprises and PSOs can access these services at up to a 100% discount through the De Minimis State Aid process, drastically lowering the financial risk of tech adoption.
TRACK RECORD AND RECOGNITION
The consortium – comprising Tyndall National Institute, Walton Institute (SETU), Skillnet Ireland, MTU, and UCC – builds on a successful first phase that assisted over 250 organisations and delivered services worth €5.3 million.
Additionally, the European Commission has awarded ENTIRE 2.0 the STEP Seal, recognising its strategic importance to the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform.
