Deploying circular systemic solutions through living labs in cities and regions (Circular Cities and Regions Initiative topic)
EU funding to accelerate the implementation and scaling of circular solutions in cities and regions through Living Labs. Two-stage procedure: submission possible until 08.04.2027.
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Grant criteria
Funding objective
The goal is the development, validation, and large-scale replication of circular systemic solutions in real urban and regional environments. Through the establishment of living labs, local ecosystems are to be activated, governance models and business plans developed, innovative products and services tested, and knowledge and experiences compiled for scaling and dissemination across Europe.
Eligible expenses
- Personnel costs
- Material costs
- Travel and accommodation expenses
- Subcontractor services
Non-eligible expenses
- Acquisition of real estate
- Debt settlement
- Retroactive costs
Eligible to apply
- Public Institutions
- Non-profit Organizations
- Companies
Funding requirements
- Consortium with at least five Living Labs (2 demonstration, 3 replication) from at least three countries
- Multi-actor approach: involvement of public authorities, industry, research, citizens, and other stakeholders
- Living Lab in at least one widening country
Documents required for application
- Project description
- Dissemination and exploitation plan
- Financial plan
- Curricula vitae of the project management
Evaluation criteria
- Innovative content of the project
- Strength of the multi-actor approach
- Potential for replication and scaling
- Consortium composition and expertise
- Contribution to EU strategies
Description
The funding under the Horizon Europe Circular Cities and Regions Initiative is aimed at public institutions, non-profit organizations, and companies in EU Member States as well as associated countries, which, together with academia, industry, start-ups, citizens, and other stakeholders, develop circular solutions in Living Labs. The goal of the two-stage selection process is the testing, validation, and large-scale replication of systemic concepts that link climate and environmental protection with digital innovation and regional value creation. With a budget of up to €5 million (Phase 1) and a funding rate between 70% and 100%, a period of 36 months is supported. Eligible costs include personnel expenses, material costs, travel and accommodation expenses, as well as subcontractor services; costs for real estate purchases, debt repayment, and retroactive expenses are not eligible. Applications can be submitted until April 8, 2027.
A prerequisite is a consortium with at least five Living Labs (two demonstration sites, three replication sites) from three countries, including one in a Horizon Europe Widening country. The mandatory involvement of public administrations, industry, research institutions, civil society, and end users in the multi-actor approach ensures practical governance models and business plans. The selected projects activate local ecosystems, test pilot products and services under real conditions, and prepare experiential knowledge for Europe-wide scaling. The jury evaluates the level of innovation, replication potential, quality of cooperation, and expertise within the consortium. By strategically linking Smart Cities, energy efficiency, and rural development, the program significantly contributes to EU climate goals, digitalization strategies, and regional resilience.