Europe is putting €60 million on the table to transform cities. A strong action and concrete contribution to support innovation, capable of revolutionising urban mobility through concrete, scalable, and market-ready solutions.

The Strategic Innovation Open Call, launched by EIT Urban Mobility under the Horizon Europe programme, is one of the most significant opportunities for those working in the sustainable mobility sector.

An initiative that comes at a crucial time for European cities. The pressure on transport systems, the environment, and urban quality of life requires immediate and innovative responses that go beyond simple experimentation.

The focus is on operational, market-ready solutions that can be adopted by diverse cities. For those working in sustainable mobility, the message is clear: Europe is investing in those with the vision to think big and the ability to act concretely.

Three formats for three levels of ambition

The call reflects a mature understanding of the urban innovation landscape, offering three distinct formats to accommodate different types of projects:

• Solution Packages target those who have already developed integrated ecosystems of tools or services, tested in various urban contexts. These projects represent the natural evolution of solutions that have moved beyond the pilot phase and are ready for large-scale deployment.
• Value Chain projects aim to resolve systemic inefficiencies throughout the entire mobility value chain. This approach is particularly relevant to those working in urban logistics, where flow optimisation requires coordinated interventions on multiple levels.
• Single Solutions are dedicated to disruptive innovations that require extended validation or must overcome complex regulatory barriers. This format acknowledges that certain innovations need specific development pathways.

This structure demonstrates that Europe has moved beyond the “one-size-fits-all” approach to innovation funding, recognising that different projects require different tools.

Five pillars for building the urban future

The priority sectors identified by the call touch on all the critical dimensions of urban mobility:

• Sustainable urban logistics, particularly focused on last-mile delivery, addresses one of the most urgent challenges for European cities. The growth of e-commerce and decarbonisation policies demand solutions that reduce traffic, emissions, and noise pollution.
• Resilient and multimodal public transport aims to create integrated systems that offer smooth and attractive mobility experiences.
• Tackling zero-emission mobility, the electrification sector is rapidly advancing, thanks to more efficient batteries, alternative fuels, and intelligent charging infrastructure.
• Active mobility and urban health increasingly recognise the link between transport systems and quality of life. Cycling paths, inclusivity, and healthy urban spaces become key components of a strategy for more liveable cities.

This also drives the development of digital and data-driven solutions, able to support planning, governance, and monitoring of increasingly complex mobility systems.

A mature funding mechanism

The financial structure of the call reflects a balanced approach between public support and private commitment. Each consortium can receive up to €2 million, covering 65% of eligible costs.

The multiple deadlines (September 23, 2025 for the first window; February 2027 for the fourth and final one) offer flexibility for projects at different stages of development.

An approach that recognises that innovation progresses at different and often unpredictable paces.

The maximum duration of 24 months (with closure by 31 December 2028) is designed to allow testing, validation, and implementation in real urban environments. A timeframe sufficient to go beyond technological demonstration and deliver measurable results.

The mandatory presence of at least one main commercial partner further emphasises the practical focus of the call. It’s not just about brilliant ideas, but about projects with a credible path to market—a requirement that favors consortia combining technical expertise with commercial capability.

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Source: https://www.greenplanner.it/2025/07/08/bando-ue-trasformare-mobilita-urbana/