The European Digital Innovation Hub Dortmund (EDIH-DO) was honored with the “EDIH Network Award for Excellence 2026” at this year’s EDIH Summit in Brussels. On Tuesday evening, EDIH-DO prevailed over the other two finalists with its project “AI Instead of Waste.” A total of 69 projects were submitted. The award recognizes outstanding European digital transformation projects that have been funded by the European Commission.
The award underscores EDIH-DO’s role as a key partner in the digital transformation of small and medium-sized enterprises, startups, and public institutions in North Rhine-Westphalia. Competing against numerous submissions from across Europe, the project stood out for its innovative approach, its tangible impact, and its transferability to other fields of application. “This award is a special recognition of the work of our entire network and our partners. It shows that digital innovations from Dortmund and the region can set standards across Europe,” explains Maria Beck, Director of EDIH-DO.
About the “AI Instead of Waste” Project
As part of the “AI Instead of Waste” transfer project, the EDIH-DO team helped Stattküche in Münster reduce food waste in school meal programs in a sustainable way. With the help of an innovative, artificial intelligence-based solution, the actual consumption of meals can be predicted with precision. This allows procurement to be aligned much more accurately with actual demand. The result is a noticeable reduction in food waste, a more efficient use of resources, and, at the same time, a sustainable reduction in costs.
Added Value for Small and Medium-Sized Businesses Through Digitalization
Projects like “AI Instead of Waste” demonstrate how digital technologies can create tangible added value and serve as a showcase to inspire other companies to drive digital transformation. Kamar Aden Omar, the project’s operations manager, adds: “We are very pleased to receive this award because it demonstrates the potential of collaboration between companies and the EDIH-DO. We hope this success story will encourage many more companies to take advantage of the opportunities offered by digital technologies. Companies can easily reach out to us at any time—our support services for small and medium-sized enterprises and public institutions are free of charge.”
About EDIH-DO
EDIH-DO is supported by seven partners from academia, business studies, and regional innovation promotion organizations. Together, they pool their expertise to support companies in their digital transformation and to further expand the network in the region. For more information, visit: edih-do.eu(Opens in a new tab)
Funded by the European Union. However, the views and opinions expressed herein are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.