The European Commission has launched a €9 million call under the Digital Europe Programme to support two large-scale pilot projects focused on using cloud-based AI systems in medical imaging. The call opened on 21 April 2026 and will remain open until 1 October 2026. It is designed to test how artificial intelligence and generative AI can be integrated into real-world clinical environments across Europe.
The pilots will focus on key medical imaging modalities such as MRI, CT scans, X-rays, PET, and ultrasound. AI tools in these projects are expected to assist healthcare professionals by flagging potential findings for review, rather than replacing clinical decision-making. The overall goal is to improve early disease detection, increase efficiency in imaging workflows, prioritise urgent cases, and reduce pressure on radiology services facing growing demand.
Beyond individual pilots, the initiative is part of a broader European strategy to build a connected infrastructure for healthcare AI. Participating medical institutions will become part of the European Network of AI-Powered Advanced Screening Centres, which aims to accelerate the adoption of AI tools in cancer and cardiovascular screening, early detection, and diagnosis. This approach reflects the Commission’s focus on creating coordinated systems rather than isolated experimental projects.
The network component is designed to strengthen collaboration and knowledge sharing across participating centres. Results from the pilots will be exchanged through network events, helping institutions learn from each other and scale successful practices. This gives the initiative a wider policy impact, linking technological development with structured implementation and peer learning.
The pilots will also integrate with existing EU digital health infrastructure, including Cancer Image Europe and HealthData@EU. By connecting new AI tools to established data ecosystems, the Commission aims to support cross-border interoperability and improve access to high-quality medical imaging data across member states.
Overall, the initiative signals a shift in EU health AI policy from funding exploratory research to enabling practical clinical deployment. The emphasis is not just on innovation funding, but on building repeatable, scalable models for using AI in medical imaging, particularly in high-impact areas such as cancer and cardiovascular care where early and accurate diagnosis is critical.
