DIH4CAT

Driving digital transformation in Catalonia through AI and advanced technologies

DIH4CAT supports SMEs, startups, and public sector organisations in adopting Artificial Intelligence (AI) and advanced digital technologies through practical, hands-on services.

As the Digital Innovation Hub of Catalonia, DIH4CAT acts as a one-stop shop, connecting organisations with expert support, testing infrastructures, training, and access to funding to accelerate their digital transformation and competitiveness.

Our technological focus

DIH4CAT has a strong focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a key enabling and cross-cutting technology, while operating across seven core advanced technology areas:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI)
• Advanced Manufacturing & Robotics
• Additive Manufacturing & 3D Printing
• Intelligent Connectivity (including IoT)
• Cybersecurity
• Nanotechnology & Advanced Materials
• Photonics

AI acts as an integrator and amplifier across all these domains, enabling more intelligent, efficient, and data-driven solutions adapted to the needs of SMEs and public sector organisations.

What we offer

Test-before-invest

Experiment with AI and advanced digital technologies before committing to full investment:

• Access to advanced laboratories and testing infrastructures
• Technology diagnosis, prototyping, piloting, and validation
• Development of proof-of-concepts (PoCs) and pilot projects

Reduce technical and financial risk before scaling solutions

AI expertise & advisory

• Guidance on AI adoption and identification of suitable use cases
• First-line support on AI Act compliance and regulatory aspects (with referral to specialised legal services when needed)
• Access to specialised experts and European AI infrastructures, including AI Factories and TEFs

Skills & training

• Tailored training programmes in AI and advanced digital technologies
• Upskilling and reskilling for both technical and non-technical profiles
• Hands-on learning aligned with organisational and sector needs

Access to finance

• Identification of regional, national, and European funding opportunities
• Support for proposal preparation and innovation roadmaps
• Connections with investors and innovation programmes through the ecosystem

Ecosystem & networking

• Access to a strong regional and European innovation ecosystem
• Collaboration with 30+ European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs) and key EU initiatives
• Matchmaking with technology providers, research centres, and innovation partners

Sectors we support

DIH4CAT focuses on high‑impact sectors in Catalonia where AI and advanced digital technologies can deliver tangible results:

• Manufacturing & Industry
• Healthcare
• Agri‑food
• ICT & Digital Solution Providers
• Transport & Mobility
• Public Administration

Why DIH4CAT?

• Strong focus on Artificial Intelligence adoption as a cross-cutting technology
• Access to advanced AI and high-performance computing infrastructures, including the Barcelona Supercomputing Center (AI Factory)

Proven impact:

• 676 advanced technology services delivered
• 2,164 organisations trained
• 290 companies supported in access to finance
• 2,900+ participants in ecosystem and networking activities
• End-to-end support along the digital transformation journey

Use cases & success stories

DIH4CAT supports organisations through real projects applying AI and advanced technologies:

• From visual inspection to vision intelligence (graphic production): A printing SME replaced manual quality checks with a photonics-based AI inspection system, enabling more consistent and objective defect detection, reducing errors and improving efficiency under high production pressure.
• HARVBot: robotic harvesting in hydroponic agriculture: An automated robotic solution was developed to harvest strawberries in hydroponic environments, addressing labour shortages while improving picking precision, reducing damage to fruit, and increasing overall efficiency.
• Adoption of metal Additive Manufacturing for seating components: An industrial SME expanded into metal 3D printing (SLM) to enhance prototyping capabilities, achieving lighter components, reduced costs, and faster product validation cycles.
• ARACNE: AI-based machine vision for zero-defect manufacturing: An AI-driven system was created to detect defects in textile manufacturing in real time, reducing waste and enabling the transition towards automated, zero‑defect production, eventually leading to the creation of a spin-off.

Key takeaways:

• AI is a cross-cutting enabler across sectors
• The test-before-invest approach reduces risk
• Combining technology, training, and funding drives real impact

Get started

Contact us to assess your needs and define the next steps.

Email: info@dih4cat.cat

We guide you from the first idea to testing, validation, and implementation.