Advanced Local Digital Twins using AI for Early Warning and Preparedness

Official call identifier: HORIZON-CL4-2026-04-DIGITAL-EMERGING-09

Objective of the call

This call supports the development and large-scale validation of AI-powered local digital twins for flood prediction and disaster preparedness. 

It aims to strengthen urban resilience by enabling accurate flood modelling, risk assessment and mitigation planning, in alignment with the Apply AI Strategy and European digital twin initiatives. 

Scope of activities 

Projects are expected to: 

• Develop AI algorithms combining urban morphology, socio-economic and hydrological data 

• Integrate terrain, land cover, weather, river and drainage datasets 

• Build interactive interfaces for scenario testing and urban planning 

• Prototype, test and validate solutions at TRL 5–7 

• Prioritise open-source software, hardware and data access 

• Ensure interoperability with Copernicus services and align with JRC expertise

Eligible applicants 

• Innovative SMEs, startups and enterprises aiming to scale and strengthen competitiveness 
• Public-sector organisations driving transformation and societal impact 
• Research and academic institutions commercialising knowledge 
• Non-profit organisations delivering purpose-driven innovation 
• Organisations based in EU Member States, EFTA/EEA, or Associated Countries (described in General Annex A, General Annex B, General Annex C)
• Minimum 3 independent partners from 3 eligible countries 

Specific consortium we are looking for:

• AI developers and digital twin technology providers 

• Local and regional authorities 

• Urban planners and hydrometeorological services 

• Research organisations and innovation actors 

Eligible costs 

Eligible costs follow standard Horizon Europe Innovation Action (IA) rules and include: 

• Personnel and development costs 

• Software and data integration 

• Pilot testing and validation 

• Infrastructure and demonstration activities 

• Dissemination and replication activities 

Funding conditions 

Type of action: 
Innovation Action (IA) 

Funding rate: 
70% of eligible costs (except for non-profit legal entities, where a rate of up to 100% applies) 

EU contribution per project: 
Around EUR 6 million 

Number of funded projects: 
1 project 

Project duration: 
Typically 36 months 

Technology Readiness Level (TRL): 
Projects are expected to reach TRL 5–7 by the end of the project 

*Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) describe the maturity of a technology, from basic research (TRL 1) to fully deployed, market-ready solutions (TRL 9). TRL 6–7 corresponds to pilot-scale validation and demonstration in relevant operational environments.

Deadline for submission

15 April 2026