Official call identifier: HORIZON-NEB-2026-01-REGEN-03
Objective of the call
This call aims to increase the availability of market-ready solutions that enable sustainable and beautiful use of under-used vertical space above buildings and streets.
It supports solutions that improve the efficient use of the existing built environment and contribute to green spaces and/or affordable housing in neighbourhoods, helping to limit urban sprawl and reduce land-use pressure.
Scope of activities
Proposals must address all of the following:
- Develop and demonstrate at least one innovative solution that uses unused or under-used vertical space above buildings and/or streets in a beautiful and sustainable manner, improving the availability and affordability of housing and/or providing more green spaces
- Integrate circularity principles into the solution(s) developed
- Assess the life cycle environmental, social and economic impacts using appropriate methods
- Where relevant, minimise and mitigate negative effects of densification
- Assess the potential of the proposed solutions to reduce demand for land use
- Identify and address regulatory, technical and societal barriers to implementation, and propose solutions to overcome them
Projects must follow a participatory and transdisciplinary approach, involving local communities in the co-creation of solutions. Where relevant, cultural and creative industries should be involved.
Proposals are expected, where possible, to contribute to urban greening goals under the Nature Restoration Regulation.
International cooperation is encouraged.
This topic requires the effective contribution of Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH) disciplines, including the involvement of SSH experts and institutions.
Proposals must allocate at least 0.8% of the budget to engage with the Horizon Europe-funded “New European Bauhaus hub for results and impact” to share findings and contribute to impact assessment.
Eligible applicants
- Innovative SMEs, startups and enterprises aiming to scale and strengthen competitiveness
- Public-sector organisations driving transformation and societal impact
- Research and academic institutions commercialising knowledge
- Non-profit organisations delivering purpose-driven innovation
- Organisations based in EU Member States, EFTA/EEA, or Associated Countries (described in General Annex A, General Annex B, General Annex C)
- Minimum 3 independent partners from 3 eligible countries
Specific consortium we are looking for:
- Urban planning and architecture organisations
- Construction and retrofit companies
- Developers of modular or multifunctional vertical structures
- Urban greening and nature-based solution providers
- Housing organisations, including social and affordable housing actors
- Local authorities and city agencies
- Community organisations and local stakeholders
- Cultural and creative industry actors (where relevant)
- Research organisations and SSH experts
Legal entities established in China are not eligible to participate under this destination.
Eligible costs
Eligible costs follow the Horizon Europe Lump Sum Grant model and may include:
- Design and engineering of vertical-space solutions
- Demonstration and piloting in real neighbourhood settings
- Life cycle environmental, social and economic impact assessments
- Community engagement, co-creation and participatory processes
- Regulatory analysis and barrier-mitigation measures
- SSH activities supporting acceptance, governance and inclusion
- Engagement with the NEB hub for results and impact (minimum 0.8% of budget)
Funding conditions
Type of action:
Innovation Action (IA)
Funding rate:
70% of eligible costs (except for non-profit legal entities, where a rate of up to 100% applies)
EU contribution per project:
Around EUR 5 million
Number of funded projects:
3 projects
Project duration:
Typically 36 months
Technology Readiness Level (TRL):
Activities are expected to achieve TRL 6-8
*Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) describe the maturity of a technology, from basic research (TRL 1) to fully deployed, market-ready solutions (TRL 9).
Deadline for submission
1 December 2026