Enabling user-centred and open innovation initiatives to enhance soil health in Ukraine

The European funding initiative enables educational institutions, non-profit organizations, companies, and public bodies from EU and associated countries to implement participatory innovation projects to strengthen soil health in Ukraine with a 100% grant of up to €5 million. The focus is on user-centered, open approaches: researchers, farmers, foresters, local authorities, civil society, and companies cooperate in interdisciplinary networks to establish sustainable soil protection management. At least three independent partners from different EU countries, demonstrated expertise in research, innovation, or capacity building, and activities exclusively in undisputed areas of Ukraine are prerequisites. The submission deadline is September 23, 2026.

Funding covers coordination and support measures, travel expenses, as well as workshop and event organization. A systematic analysis of existing actors, initiatives, and knowledge ecosystems in Ukraine is required to build capabilities for transdisciplinary soil research communities. Based on this inventory, regional knowledge hubs for networking are established, skills transfer strategies implemented, and policy and administration recommendations for innovative technologies and sustainable practical approaches derived. Project selection is based on innovation content, implementation quality, as well as relevance and impact, aiming to significantly increase the resilience of agroecological systems in the context of war consequences and climate change.