The second phase of the European Digital Innovation Hub (EDIH) will provide Irish SMEs and Public Sector Organisations with access to an expanded range of services related to AI and data analytics, cybersecurity, IoT (Internet of Things) sensors and systems, IoT networks and HPC (High Performance Computing) and ICT services
ENTIRE 2.0, the next phase of the ENTIRE European Digital Innovation Hub, was officially launched at University College Cork (UCC) on 4 September 2026. The launch marks the beginning of an enhanced programme of supports and services, with a particular focus on helping organisations effectively understand and adopt Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other cutting-edge digital technologies.
ENTIRE is one of Ireland’s four European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs) which have secured a further €23 million in funding for the 2026 – 2029 period and is part of a European-wide network of over 250 EDIHs. The investment will enable the ENTIRE EDIH, in partnership with the three other Irish EDIHs – CeADAR, FactoryXChange and Data2Sustain – to continue helping SMEs and public service organisations in their digital transformation journey.
ENTIRE 2.0, working in collaboration with Ireland’s other EDIHs, will play an important role in delivering the objectives of Ireland’s National Digital and Artificial Intelligence Strategy and supporting the country’s ambition to remain a global digital leader. Through its work with SMEs and public sector organisations, ENTIRE 2.0 will contribute to national targets for 90% of SMEs to achieve Basic Digital Intensity level by 2030, and for 75% of businesses to adopt AI, cloud computing and big data technologies.
At European level, ENTIRE 2.0 will support the EU’s Digital Decade ambition for a successful digital transformation by 2030, contributing across the four pillars of the EU Digital Compass: digital skills, secure and sustainable digital infrastructure, the digital transformation of businesses, and the digitalisation of public services.
The ENTIRE EDIH operates as a one-stop shop for digital transformation services, providing organisations with access to technical expertise, experimentation, financial advice, and training and skills development, through its consortium of Tyndall National Institute, Walton Institute at South East Technological University (SETU), Skillnet Ireland, Munster Technological University (MTU) and University College Cork (UCC).
Building on the success of its first phase, during which ENTIRE supported more than 250 organisations across 33 sectors, delivering over 450 services valued at €5.3 million, ENTIRE 2.0 will significantly expand its focus and scope in AI and further develop its range of digitalisation supports and services available to Irish businesses.
A major focus of ENTIRE 2.0 will be assisting organisations to navigate the rapidly evolving AI landscape and to leverage available and emerging AI tools and solutions to address real organisational challenges, and get access to AI literacy and skills development including responsible and ethical use of AI, as well as understanding the regulatory framework including the EU AI Act.
Dr Paul Galvin, Director, ENTIRE EDIH explains:
“Digital transformation is no longer just a great opportunity, but a necessity for SMEs and public sector organisations. The ENTIRE 2.0 European Digital Innovation Hub, working closely with relevant national and international stakeholders, is specifically tasked with supporting SMEs and PSOs to address these challenges, and to progress their digital transformation to ensure efficiency and resilience, and where possible, to leverage digital tools to enable new products or processes.”
ENTIRE 2.0 has been awarded the prestigious STEP Seal by the European Commission, recognising the quality and strategic importance of the initiative in driving innovation and supporting the development and adoption of advanced technologies and which contribute to the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP) objectives.
Laura Clifford, Senior Programme Manager, European Digital Innovation Hubs, Enterprise Ireland, commented:
“Enterprise Ireland is pleased to support the continued development of the European Digital Innovation Hub (EDIH) network. The launch of ENTIRE 2.0 marks an important milestone in advancing Ireland’s digital ambitions. Through the network, Irish SMEs and public sector organisations can access world-class expertise and support to adopt advanced technologies with confidence. The EDIHs play a vital role in helping organisations build their digital capabilities, enhance productivity and competitiveness, and embrace the opportunities presented by emerging technologies.”
Eligible enterprises and public service organisations can access ENTIRE services at up to 100% discount through De Minimis State Aid process, reducing the financial risk associated with exploring and adopting new digital technologies.
ENTIRE’s participation in the European Union’s Digital Europe Programme is supported by the Government of Ireland and managed by Enterprise Ireland. For more information on Ireland’s EDIH Network visit: https://www.enterprise-ireland.com/en/supports/become-more-innovative/european-digital-innovation-hubs
