Innovative solutions for the sustainable and beautiful use of vertical space
Horizon Europe innovation call for pilot and demonstration projects for the development and testing of new, circular concepts for the use of unused or underutilized vertical spaces in cities and municipalities. Submission deadline: 01/12/2026.
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Grant criteria
Funding objective
Development and demonstration of innovative, sustainable, and aesthetic solutions for utilizing vertical space above buildings and streets to make housing more affordable, expand urban green spaces, and integrate circular economy principles.
Eligible expenses
- Personnel costs
- Material costs
- Subcontractor costs
- Travel expenses
- Equipment costs
Non-eligible expenses
- Retroactive costs
- Real estate acquisition
- Debt settlement
Eligible to apply
- Companies
- Non-profit Organizations
- Educational Institutions
- Public Institutions
Funding requirements
- Organization in an EU Member State or associated country
- Experience in transnational research and innovation projects
- Compliance with all exclusion criteria according to Horizon Europe Regulation
Documents required for application
- Application letter
- Project description
- Financing plan/budget
- Ethics evaluation
- Market analysis report
Evaluation criteria
- Innovative content of the concept
- Impact on availability and affordability
- Holistic circular economy approach
- Technical and regulatory feasibility
- Competence of the consortium
Description
The Horizon Europe innovation call supports pilot and demonstration projects for the development of novel, circular concepts for the use of previously unused or underutilized vertical spaces in urban and rural areas. Funding is available for companies, non-profit and public institutions, as well as research organizations from EU member states and associated countries. The funding amount is up to €5 million per project with a funding rate of 70% and a duration of up to 36 months. In the field between urban planning, environmental and climate protection, digitalization, energy efficiency, and regional development, creative solutions are to be developed, such as vertical green facades, modular additions, or urban farms on building rooftops. This creates affordable housing, expands urban green spaces, and integrates circular economy principles already at the planning stage. Submissions are possible until December 1, 2026.
The program targets municipalities, urban planning authorities, collaborative projects from companies, NGOs, and civil society actors, as well as experts from the social and environmental sciences who jointly develop, test, and evaluate prototypes. A prerequisite is an organization with transnational research and innovation experience in EU programs and compliance with the Horizon Europe regulation. Projects must present sustainable concepts that are feasible both technologically and regulatorily and pursue a holistic circular economy approach. Evaluation criteria include the level of innovation, affordable housing effects, environmental and social impacts, as well as the implementation competence of the consortium. The goal is to create attractive, green, and affordable neighborhoods while advancing resource conservation in urban areas.
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