The RURBANIVE project, in which PREPARE (Partnerships for Rural Europe) is a key partner, is launching an Open Call to fund innovative solutions that enhance rural-urban connectivity. With a total budget of €600,000, this call provides an exciting opportunity for consortia of innovators, technology providers, and end-users to implement groundbreaking projects that strengthen synergies between rural and urban areas.
About the RURBANIVE Open Call
The Open Call is designed to support projects that align with one or more of RURBANIVE’s six Rural/Urban Enablers (RUEs):
- Circular Bioeconomy – Promoting sustainable production and resource-efficient practices.
- Ecosystem & Biodiversity Restoration – Enhancing environmental health and resilience.
- Improved Logistics & Shortened Value Chains – Strengthening local economies through efficient supply chains.
- User Engagement, Empowerment & Territorial Awareness – Encouraging active participation in rural-urban policymaking.
- Culture, Landscape & Heritage Promotion – Leveraging cultural assets to foster connectivity.
- Enhanced Mobility Solutions – Developing sustainable and accessible transportation systems.
Selected projects will be integrated into the RURBANIVE ecosystem, contributing to a digital platform that facilitates collaboration between rural and urban stakeholders.
PREPARE’s Role in RURBANIVE
As a partner in RURBANIVE, PREPARE plays a crucial role in fostering rural-urban cooperation through:
✔ Community Engagement – Facilitating participatory processes in Rural/Urban Co-Creation Labs (RUCLs).
✔ Policy Development – Ensuring that rural perspectives are considered in innovative policy solutions.
✔ Capacity Building – Empowering local actors to co-create sustainable solutions for their communities.
PREPARE’s extensive experience in rural development and stakeholder engagement ensures that the Open Call projects align with the real needs of communities across Europe.
Who Can Apply?
The Open Call is targeted at small consortia (2-4 partners) that include:
✔ Technology or service providers (e.g., startups, SMEs, research institutions).
✔ End-users such as local or regional administrations, NGOs, cooperatives, or community groups.
Applicants should propose solutions that can be tested and implemented in rural areas not currently covered by the project’s existing RUCLs.
Funding and Project Implementation
- Total Budget: €600,000
- Funding per Project: Up to €100,000
- Implementation Period: September 2025 – August 2026
Key Dates
📅 Call Opens: January 13, 2025
📅 Submission Deadline: March 31, 2025 (17:00 CET)
📅 Evaluation & Selection: April – June 2025
📅 Project Start: September 2025
How to Apply
Interested consortia can submit their applications online through the RURBANIVE Open Call platform. Full guidelines, eligibility criteria, and application details are available on the Open Call webpage.
Join the Innovation Movement!
By participating in the RURBANIVE Open Call, you can contribute to the future of rural-urban connectivity while benefiting from funding, mentorship, and collaboration within a cutting-edge European innovation ecosystem.
For more details, visit RURBANIVE Open Call or contact us for further information. 🚀