DigitMAK – The European Digital Innovation Hub invites micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), small mid-caps, and public sector organizations across North Macedonia to express their interest in using digital transformation and artificial intelligence (AI) adoption services.

DigitMAK operates as a one-stop shop, assisting organizations in assessing their needs, testing technologies before investing, developing digital skills, and identifying relevant financing opportunities.

Who Can Apply?

·       Micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)

·       Small mid-caps

·       Public sector organizations, including eligible public enterprises, public institutions, municipalities, and public administration bodies

·       Startups and scale-ups meeting the criteria for SMEs or small mid-caps

Special Focus

The call is open to eligible organizations nationwide across all sectors. DigitMAK will place a special focus on organizations operating in underserved regions outside the capital city, as well as those active in the following priority sectors:

·       Smart Agriculture and Food with Higher Added Value

·       Information and Communication Technologies (ICT)

·       Electro-Mechanical Industry – Industry 4.0

·       Sustainable Materials and Smart Buildings

Note: A special focus does not constitute automatic approval or a formal advantage. Applications will be assessed based on eligibility, identified needs, available capacity, and applicable programme guidelines.

What Support Does DigitMAK Offer?

·       A meeting or on-site visit followed by a needs assessment

·       A digital maturity assessment

·       Formulation of a roadmap and action plan for digitalization and AI integration

1.     Test Before Invest

·       Digital upgrades powered by AI integration

·       Laboratory services, prototyping, and testing

·       Short-term pilot testing in controlled or real-world environments

·       Support for developing and upgrading digital and AI products

·       Access to specialized equipment, testing facilities, and technical expertise

2.     Skills and Training

·       Tailored training programs

·       Access to online resources and e-learning platforms

·       Thematic workshops on digitalization, AI, sustainability, innovation, circular economy, and access to finance

·       Participation in specialized workshops and "Test Before Invest" events

3.     Support to Find Investment

·       One-on-one investment advisory services

·       Guidance and information on national, EU, public, and private funding sources

·       Support in preparing grant and funding applications

·       Matchmaking with investors, financial institutions, and potential partners

·       Participation in investment events

4.     Innovation Ecosystem and Networking

·       First-line AI Help Desk support

·       Foundational guidance on AI readiness, practical deployment, and compliance

·       Innovation audits and advanced sustainability assessments

·       Technology transfer and digital innovation workshops

·       Networking events and integration with other European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs), AI Factories, EuroHPC, and related European infrastructures

1.     Completion of the Expression of Interest form.

2.     Initial eligibility screening and introductory discussion.

3.     Needs analysis and, where applicable, a digital maturity assessment.

4.     Preparation of a tailored service package and cooperation plan.

5.     Delivery and monitoring of the agreed activities.

Submitting an expression of interest does not guarantee automatic approval for services. The type, scope, and duration of support will depend on organizational eligibility, identified requirements, available hub capacity and budget, as well as relevant programme and state aid regulations.

This call is exclusively for accessing DigitMAK services and does not provide direct financial grants.

EXPRESS INTEREST