Driving Urban Transitions: New Call for 2026 on Sustainable Urban Transition within a European Partnership
Formas funds research on sustainable urban transitions in Europe, focusing on circular economies, energy districts, and 15-minute cities to foster climate-neutral and resilient urban futures.
Funder: Formas
Due Dates: November 17, 2026 (Stage 1 / Pre-proposal) | April 15, 2027 (Stage 2 / Full proposal)
Funding Amounts: Typical project budget €1–2M; Swedish partners: up to €300,000 (or €400,000 if coordinator); max project duration 36 months.
Summary: Transnational research and innovation funding for sustainable urban transitions, focusing on circular economies, energy districts, and 15-minute city concepts.
Key Information: Consortia must include at least three partners from three countries, including a municipality/local authority.
Description
This funding opportunity, co-launched by Formas and the Swedish Energy Agency within the European partnership Driving Urban Transitions (DUT), supports transnational research and innovation projects that accelerate sustainable urban development. The 2026 call focuses on three main pillars: Circular Urban Economies, Positive Energy Districts, and the 15-Minute City, along with a cross-cutting innovation topic. Projects should integrate interdisciplinary approaches, involve diverse stakeholders (including municipalities and private sector organizations), and prioritize user needs. The initiative aims to help cities transition to more sustainable, climate-neutral, and resilient futures, and is co-funded by the European Commission under the Horizon Europe program.
