Living labs to enhance soil health in Alpine and Atlantic biogeographical regions

The EU initiative supports the establishment and operation of multiple Living Labs in alpine or Atlantic biogeoregions of Europe to collaboratively develop innovative soil health-promoting solutions with research institutions, farmers, administrations, and civil society, and to test them in real-world application fields. The focus is on co-creative approaches that link locally and transdisciplinarily operated demonstration and pilot projects with ten to twenty sites per Living Lab. In interactive processes, soil indicators are jointly collected, pilot measures implemented, and technological, social, as well as economic impacts analyzed. The goal is the sustainable integration of practical insights into land use strategies and policy recommendations. The measure is open to research and educational institutions, companies, municipal administrations, and civil society organizations cooperating in at least three EU member states or associated countries. The project duration is 48 months with a funding rate of 100% and a funding amount of up to €24 million per call.

The application process is two-stage: outlines can be submitted by 14 April 2026 and developed into full proposals by 15 September 2026. Requirements include registration in the EU Participant Register, a clearly defined biogeoregion profile (alpine or Atlantic), and a multi-actor approach with partners from at least three countries. The evaluation focuses on scientific excellence, the expected impacts on climate and biodiversity objectives, as well as the quality and efficiency of implementation. Eligible costs include personnel, consumables, travel, subcontracting services, and financial support to third parties. Through this initiative, the EU contributes to the Soil Mission goal of establishing 100 Living Labs by 2030 and broadly disseminating expertise on soil health.