Join the Develop Open Call – Funding Now Available for Digital Innovation in Rural-Urban Development

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The PoliRuralPlus project is excited to launch the Develop Open Call – open from 30 May to 31 July 2025!

If you’re working on a digital solution that can tackle the real challenges facing Europe’s rural and urban communities, this is your chance to secure up to €100,000 in funding to bring your project to life.

What is the Develop Call?

The Develop Call is the third in a series of open calls by PoliRuralPlus, designed to support applied, small-scale innovation projects that:

  • Address rural-urban challenges in one or more of 9 designated pilot regions
  • Use advanced digital tools such as AI, GIS, IoT, and data analytics
  • Align with the New European Bauhaus (NEB) values: sustainability, inclusion, and aesthetics
  • Integrate with the PoliRuralPlus digital ecosystem, including tools like the Jackdaw GeoAI Chatbot, Map Whiteboard, and PoliRuralPlus Hub

Projects should deliver real impact, engage stakeholders, and offer solutions that are scalable and transferable across the EU.

Key Information

  • 📅 Call opens: 30 May 2025
  • ⏳ Deadline to apply: 31 July 2025 at 17:00 CEST
  • 💶 Funding available: €30,000–€100,000 per project
  • 🌍 Eligible applicants: Legal entities from EU Member States or Horizon Europe-associated countries
  • 🔗 Apply via: https://www.poliruralplus.eu/open-calls/develop-call/

Who Should Apply?

We welcome applications from:

  • Technology SMEs and startups
  • Universities and research institutions
  • NGOs and community-based organisations
  • Local and regional public authorities
  • Cross-sector consortia (up to three partners)

Applicants must align their proposals with the objectives of at least one of the PoliRuralPlus pilot regions, covering diverse themes including:

  • Circular economy
  • Smart farming and agritech
  • Regional foresight and digital monitoring
  • Cultural heritage
  • Event-based rural economies
  • Agritourism
  • Entrepreneurial capacity building

How to Apply

  1. Review the Guidelines for Applicants available on our website: https://www.poliruralplus.eu/open-calls/develop-call/
  2. Complete the application form through the PoliRuralPlus online platform: https://www.poliruralplus.eu/open-calls/develop-call/
  3. Submit your proposal by 31 July 2025 at 17:00 CEST

Why Apply?

  • Receive direct funding to implement your innovation
  • Test and deploy your solution in a real-life pilot region
  • Access tools, data, and platforms from the PoliRuralPlus digital ecosystem
  • Join a Europe-wide network of rural and urban development innovators
  • Contribute to a more connected, resilient, and inclusive future for European communities

Need Help?

For further information or technical assistance, please contact:
📧 opencalls@poliruralplus.eu