Innovative solutions for the sustainable and beautiful use of vertical space
- Funder
- European Commission · Horizon Europe
- Award amount
- Up to €5,000,000
- Deadline
- December 1, 2026
- Eligible countries
- European Union, United Kingdom, Norway, Iceland, Switzerland, Israel, Global
Summary
Open EU call topic HORIZON-NEB-2026-01-REGEN-03 · HORIZON Innovation Actions. Part of call HORIZON-NEB-2026-01: Beautiful, inclusive and sustainable neighbourhoods for communities. Next deadline 2026-12-01. Topic page: https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-NEB-2026-01-REGEN-03
Expected Outcome: Project results are expected to contribute to all of the following expected outcomes: - Higher availability of innovative solutions for vertical space[1] use on the market. - The application of innovative solutions for vertical space use allows for a more efficient use of the existing built environment[1] and provides green spaces and/or affordable housing in neighbourhoods[1].
Scope: The increased demand for housing and thus land can conflict with the need to preserve and restore nature and biodiversity in our neighbourhoods. Rethinking the way we use existing buildings and applying a smart and efficient use of space is thus crucial to limit urban sprawl. There is therefore a need to develop solutions that make use of the under-used and un-used vertical space above our streets and buildings. Urban vertical farming, community gardens on rooftops, vertical extensions and other alternative multifunctional structures making use of these spaces might be suitable solutions to high-quality, sustainable[1] and affordable housing and green spaces while limiting land use. However, if not carefully planned and integrated, these solutions might face challenges such as social acceptance, regulatory barriers, and hold risks of excessive densification, neighbourhoods profound alteration as well as environmental risks. Proposals are expected to address all of the following: - Develop and demonstrate at least one innovative solution that makes use of the un-used or under-used vertical space above buildings and/or streets in a beautiful[1] and sustainable manner to improve the availability and affordability of housing and…
Summary as listed by the funder. Always read the full announcement for eligibility, limits and how to apply.
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- Impact: credible pathways to the expected outcomes, and measures to communicate and exploit results.
- Quality and efficiency of implementation: the work plan, resources and the consortium's capacity.
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