Apply Now: DUT Call for Urban Innovation Projects

Deadline: 17-Nov-2026

The Driving Urban Transitions (DUT) Call 2026 is inviting transnational research and innovation projects that help cities address complex urban challenges and accelerate the transition towards climate-neutral, resilient, and sustainable urban futures. The call is part of the Driving Urban Transitions Partnership, a European initiative under the Horizon Europe framework programme. It supports collaborative projects involving partners from different countries and sectors to develop innovative solutions for urban transformation. The fifth DUT call focuses on three major Transition Pathways: 15-minute City, Circular Urban Economies, and Positive Energy Districts. Projects are expected to address real urban challenges while contributing to climate neutrality, resilience, sustainability, and improved quality of life in cities.

About the Driving Urban Transitions Partnership

The Driving Urban Transitions (DUT) Partnership is a European research and innovation initiative designed to accelerate the transformation of cities. The partnership brings together national and regional funding organisations and urban stakeholders to support collaborative research and innovation addressing major challenges faced by cities. DUT operates within the Horizon Europe framework and aims to help cities move towards more sustainable, climate-neutral, and resilient development models. The DUT Call 2026 is the fifth call launched under the partnership. DUT Call 2026 Objectives The DUT Call 2026 aims to support transnational projects that develop solutions to major urban challenges. Funded projects should contribute to one or more of the programme’s three Transition Pathways and demonstrate how research and innovation can help cities achieve long-term transformation. The call encourages collaboration between: - Municipalities and local authorities - Research organisations - Companies - Civil society organisations - Urban government authorities - Culture and creative sector organisations - Other relevant urban stakeholders By bringing different types of organisations together, the call seeks to connect research, innovation, policymaking, business, and community perspectives. Three DUT Transition Pathways Projects supported through the DUT Call 2026 should contribute to one or more of three Transition Pathways. 15-Minute City The 15-minute City pathway focuses on creating urban environments where essential services and everyday needs can be accessed within a short distance from where people live. Projects may explore innovative approaches to: - Urban mobility - Accessibility - Local services - Sustainable neighbourhoods - Urban planning - Reduced dependence on long-distance travel - Inclusive and connected communities The pathway aims to support urban models that improve accessibility, sustainability, resilience, and quality of life. Circular Urban Economies The Circular Urban Economies pathway focuses on transforming urban economies so that resources are used more efficiently and waste is minimised. Potential areas of innovation may include: - Resource efficiency - Circular production and consumption - Waste reduction - Reuse and recycling - Sustainable urban resource management - Circular business models - Local resource systems The goal is to help cities move away from linear consumption models towards more circular and sustainable urban economies. Positive Energy Districts The Positive Energy Districts pathway focuses on urban areas that can generate more energy than they consume over a defined period while supporting broader climate and sustainability goals.

Projects may address:

- Renewable energy - Energy-efficient buildings - Integrated energy systems - Smart energy management - Energy communities - Low-carbon neighbourhoods - Urban energy resilience The pathway supports innovative approaches to creating energy-positive and climate-friendly urban districts. Cross-Cutting Topics The DUT Call 2026 also provides opportunities for projects addressing issues that cut across the three Transition Pathways. For cross-cutting topic participation, a private sector organisation is required within the consortium. This requirement is intended to strengthen the connection between research and innovation activities and practical implementation in urban environments. Expected Project Budget Most projects are expected to have a total budget request of approximately €1 million to €2 million. However, there is no fixed minimum or maximum project size specified for the call. The appropriate project budget will depend on the proposed activities, consortium structure, national or regional funding rules, and the scale of the research and innovation challenge being addressed. Applicants should therefore develop a budget that is proportionate to the project’s objectives, activities, partnership, and expected impact. Who Can Participate? The DUT Call 2026 is designed for transnational consortia bringing together organisations from multiple participating countries. Potential consortium participants may include: - Municipalities - Local authorities - Research organisations - Universities and research institutions - Companies - Urban government authorities - Civil society organisations - Culture and creative sector actors - Other relevant urban stakeholders The combination of different types of organisations is intended to ensure that projects address urban challenges from multiple perspectives and have potential for practical implementation. Consortium Requirements Projects must be submitted by a consortium that meets specific minimum participation requirements.

Each consortium must include:

- At least three partners - Partners from at least three different participating countries - A municipality or local authority The municipality or local authority requirement is particularly important because DUT projects are intended to address real urban challenges and support transformation within cities. Applicants should esta