Published on September 30, 2026 · Updated on October 18, 2026 · The mitza.es team
On September 21, 2026, the Spanish government presented Plan IA360, a roadmap to boost the adoption of artificial intelligence across Spain's business fabric. Within that plan, the so-called AI voucher stands out: a €600 million fund designed specifically so that SMEs and freelancers can incorporate artificial intelligence solutions into their processes.
What the AI voucher is, in brief
- What it is: an aid under Plan IA360 so that SMEs and freelancers can hire artificial intelligence solutions from European technology companies.
- How much: €600 million in total, aiming to reach around 25,000 companies. How much each one will receive has not been detailed.
- Status: announced on September 21, 2026; no call is open and no regulatory rules have been published yet.
- Expected timeline: a pilot in the first half of 2027 and a general call before the end of 2027.
What the plan is aiming for
The stated goal is for 55% of Spanish companies with ten or more employees to use artificial intelligence by 2030, up from the 21.1% recorded by Spain's National Statistics Institute (INE) in the first quarter of 2025, and for the voucher to reach around 25,000 companies. These are the programme's targets, not beneficiaries who have already been selected.
What the AI voucher actually funds
Plan IA360 is explicit on one important point: it does not fund simple subscriptions to AI tool licences. According to the details known so far, what it covers are solutions and services provided by European technology companies that bring development, integration, sector-specific expertise, data processing or the redesign of production processes with real added value, not a generic tool left unadapted to the business.
When it will be available: the timeline matters
This is the point that causes the most confusion and the most important one to clarify: as of today there is no open call, no regulatory rules and no specific amounts per company. The planned timeline includes a controlled pilot during the first half of 2027, and the general call would be published before the end of 2027. If anyone offers to already manage "your IA360 voucher" for you, be wary: there is nothing to file yet.
How it differs from Kit Digital IA
It's easy to confuse the two because they share a goal, but they are not the same thing. Kit Digital IA consists of specific categories within the existing Kit Digital programme, with vouchers of up to €12,000 for the smallest SMEs and up to €29,000 in the largest segment. It can't be applied for today either: according to Acelera Pyme, the Kit Digital calls have ended, the last one closed on October 31, 2025 and no new one has been announced, although Order TDF/39/2026 keeps the programme in force until funds run out.
Plan IA360 is a new, broader programme that is still in the design phase. Neither of the two grants is open today, so the sensible course is to follow the official communications and have your project ready.
Frequently asked questions about the AI voucher
Can freelancers apply?
According to the government's communications, the plan is aimed at SMEs and freelancers. The specific requirements (size, sector, eligible spending) will be set in the regulatory rules, which have not been published yet.
How much money will each company receive?
That is not known yet: the total budget of €600 million has been announced, but not the individual amount. Be wary of anyone who gives you a fixed figure.
How will it be applied for?
There is no official procedure yet. According to the first reports, the mechanism would be similar to Kit Digital: the company receives an aid and uses it to hire AI services from European technology companies, with a prior diagnosis and milestones to meet. The final conditions will arrive with the rules.
Can I already apply for the AI voucher through an agency?
No: there is nothing to process yet. If someone offers to handle it today, the prudent course is not to pay or hand over data until the official call is published by Red.es or in the BOE.
What you can do in the meantime
- Follow the official communications from Red.es and Acelera Pyme: they are the only reliable sources for knowing when either of the two grants opens.
- Start identifying which processes in your business (customer service, content, data analysis) would benefit most from AI with added value, not just from a generic licence.
- If you want to try tools at no cost before committing budget, there are free options we've already covered in detail.
- Keep the documentation of any digitalisation project you undertake now: it will help you define the use case when the call opens.
From theory to practice
While the definitive timeline for the IA360 voucher is being set, it makes sense not to just sit and wait. You can review which free AI tools already fit your business, see which automations really free up hours or ask us for an audit to find out which processes in your website and business are worth the effort. For the rest of the grants, you can check our guide to Kit Digital 2026.
See all the dates in our digital obligations calendar for SMEs.