Official call identifier: HORIZON-NEB-2026-01-REGEN-01
Objective of the call
This call aims to develop and demonstrate sustainable, inclusive, affordable and beautiful solutions for achieving thermal comfort in buildings while significantly reducing life cycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and energy use.
It supports solutions inspired by vernacular knowledge, nature-based approaches, bioclimatic design and frugal innovation, contributing to the New European Bauhaus (NEB) objectives and the EU Green Deal.
Scope of activities
Proposals must address all of the following:
- Develop and demonstrate at least two solutions for achieving thermal comfort in buildings, based on vernacular principles, nature-based solutions, bioclimatic design and/or frugal innovation
- Demonstrate the two solutions in new and/or existing buildings, including at least one cultural heritage building
- Implement demonstrations in at least two different climatic zones located in different Member States and/or Associated Countries
- Evaluate and quantify reductions in life cycle GHG emissions and life cycle costs compared to solutions currently dominating the market
- Ensure improved affordability and accessibility, particularly for groups in vulnerable situations such as elderly people and low-income households
- Ensure the aesthetic appeal of the developed solutions
- Identify regulatory, technical and market barriers to implementation, scalability and replicability, and provide guidance and recommendations to overcome them
Projects must follow a participatory and transdisciplinary approach, integrating multiple actors and disciplines across the construction ecosystem.
Synergies with relevant initiatives, including the EU Mission on Adaptation to Climate Change, should be explored.
Proposals must allocate at least 0.8% of the project budget to engage with the Horizon Europe-funded “New European Bauhaus hub for results and impact” for knowledge sharing and 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:
- Architects and bioclimatic design experts
- Construction companies and renovation specialists
- Nature-based solution providers
- Cultural heritage experts
- Material developers and technology providers
- Research organisations specialised in life cycle assessment and building performance
- Public authorities and housing organisations
- Social sciences and humanities 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 development of thermal comfort solutions
- Construction and renovation demonstrators
- Life cycle GHG and cost assessments
- Social inclusion and participatory engagement activities
- Barrier analysis and policy recommendations
- Knowledge sharing and impact monitoring
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 4 million
Number of funded projects:
3 projects
Project duration:
Typically 36 months
Technology Readiness Level (TRL):
Activities are expected to achieve TRL 5-7
*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