28DIGITAL

Their core work

28DIGITAL is a Brussels-based SME that builds and operates digital innovation platforms — from software-defined networking testbeds to manufacturing digital innovation hubs and AI ecosystems. They specialize in creating "one-stop-shop" environments where third parties (SMEs, startups, researchers) can access shared infrastructure, run experiments, and connect with investors. Their work spans platform orchestration, open call management, and ecosystem coordination, essentially acting as the technical and organizational backbone for multi-stakeholder digital initiatives across Europe.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

28DIGITAL started (2016-2018) deep in networking infrastructure — SDN, NFV, 5G testbeds, and federation of experimental facilities. From 2019 onward, they pivoted sharply toward AI ecosystems, IoT data analytics, cybersecurity, and manufacturing digitalization, moving up the stack from infrastructure to platforms and services. Their most recent project (2022) signals a further shift toward investment facilitation and startup scaling, suggesting they are evolving from a technical platform builder into a digital ecosystem orchestrator with a business development dimension.

28DIGITAL is moving from building technical testbeds toward orchestrating full digital innovation ecosystems — combining AI platforms, investment facilitation, and SME scaling — making them increasingly relevant as ecosystem integrators rather than pure infrastructure providers.

How they like to work

28DIGITAL balances leadership and participation nearly equally — coordinating 3 of 8 projects while joining 4 others as a partner. With 227 unique consortium partners across 29 countries, they operate as a well-connected hub rather than a loyal-partner type, which reflects their role as ecosystem builders who need to plug into diverse networks. Their coordinator projects tend to carry the largest budgets (EUR 2.3M and EUR 2.6M), indicating they are trusted to manage substantial multi-partner efforts.

28DIGITAL has collaborated with 227 unique partners across 29 countries, making them one of the more broadly connected SMEs in the digital space. Their Brussels base and ecosystem-building focus give them reach across nearly all EU member states.

What sets them apart

28DIGITAL occupies a rare niche: they are an SME that consistently coordinates large-scale EU platform projects, not just participates in them. Their ability to manage open calls, hackathons, and multi-stakeholder testbeds makes them a practical choice for any consortium that needs an experienced ecosystem operator. Their transition from networking infrastructure to AI and investment facilitation also means they bring both deep technical roots and growing business development capabilities.

Highlights from their portfolio

• MIDIH
  Their largest-funded project (EUR 2.6M) as coordinator, building Manufacturing Digital Innovation Hubs — a bridge between their digital platform expertise and the industrial sector.
• SoftFIRE
  Their first major coordination role (EUR 2.3M), establishing SDN/NFV testbeds with open calls and hackathons — the project that defined their ecosystem-builder identity.
• EIC-EIT_Digital
  Their most recent project (2022-2023, EUR 1M as coordinator) marks a strategic shift into investment facilitation and startup scaling, signaling where the organization is heading next.