Digital4Business, a European Commission-funded initiative tackling Europe’s digital skills gap, has officially opened fully funded applications for the January 2026 intake of its Joint Professional Master’s in Advanced Digital Technologies for Business. The announcement was made on 26 November 2025 at a special launch event attended by partners from across Europe, including Matrix Internet CEO Jeff.

Bringing together 13 academic, industry and innovation partners from six EU member states, Digital4Business offers one of the most ambitious and comprehensive digital education programmes currently available in Europe.

The Master’s degree aims to narrow the continent’s digital skills gap by enabling learners to study advanced technologies with four leading higher education institutions in Europe — with no fees for those enrolling in the January 2026 intake.

To be jointly delivered online by National College of Ireland, Sweden’s Linköping University, Portugal’s NOVA Information Management School (NOVA IMS), and Italy’s University of Bologna, the programme focuses on the skills employers urgently need, including:

• AI for Business
• Data Science
• Cybersecurity
• Cloud Computing
• Internet of Things (IoT)
• Blockchain
• Generative AI
• Digital Transformation

Ireland is strongly represented in the Digital4Business consortium, with partners including National College of Ireland, Skillnet Ireland, Digital Technology Skills Limited, Matrix Internet, and Terawe. Matrix Internet leads Work Package 5 for the project, with responsibility for communication and dissemination across Europe.

Speaking at the launch, Minister of State for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, with special responsibility for Trade Promotion, AI and Digital Transformation, Niamh Smyth TD, said:

“I’m genuinely delighted to see Ireland playing such a strong role in this European partnership, and I’d encourage anyone who is curious about the digital space to give this programme serious consideration. It could open many doors. This is a fantastic opportunity for anyone who wants to build real digital skills without the usual cost getting in the way. The programme is practical, flexible and designed with real workplaces in mind, which makes a huge difference.”

Jeff, CEO at Matrix Internet, added:

“We’re incredibly proud to be part of the Digital4Business consortium and to lead the communication and dissemination work package. At Matrix, we see every day with our clients just how critical advanced digital skills are becoming — from AI and data to cybersecurity and cloud. This Master’s gives people a real chance to build those skills without financial barriers, and we’re committed to helping make sure as many potential learners as possible hear about this opportunity.”

The programme offers flexible learning pathways — including Full-Time, Part-Time and Accelerated formats, as well as micro-credentials — designed to fit around professional and personal commitments.

The deadline for applications is 19 December 2025, with the programme commencing on 19 January 2026. There are no registration, tuition or exam fees for entrants beginning in January 2026 only.

Further information and application details are available at:
digital4business.eu.