Towards networked Local Digital Twins in the EU

Overview

Funding for consortia developing new Local Digital Twins (LDTs) to address shared urban challenges like mobility, energy, and sustainability, fostering replicable and interoperable solutions across European cities and regions.

Who Can Apply

Public administrations (local, regional, national), European Digital Infrastructure Consortia (EDICs), businesses, technology developers, research institutions, academia, NGOs, and non-profits. Consortia must include at least two local/regional authorities from different eligible countries and one private-sector partner. Members of the LDT4SSC Consortium are ineligible.

Funding Details

• Total EU contribution: €5.8 million (distributed across 5–7 consortia).
• Maximum grant per consortium: €1,000,000.
• Maximum grant per third-party (across multiple projects): €500,000.
• Funding rate: Up to 50% of eligible costs; consortia must co-finance at least 50%.
• Payment structure: 30% pre-financing upon Grant Agreement signing, with remaining 70% paid in two instalments based on midterm and final reporting.

What Is Funded

Development of new LDTs addressing shared urban/regional challenges (e.g., mobility, energy, sustainability) with a focus on:

• Interoperability with EU data spaces (e.g., Data Space for Smart Cities and Communities, Green Deal Data Space).
• Alignment with policy initiatives (e.g., New European Bauhaus, Urban Agenda for the EU).
• Reusable tools, shared data models, and collaborative cross-border/cross-sectoral pilots.
• Integration with Regional Innovation Valleys and Smart Specialisation Strategies (S3).

Technology / Maturity Requirements

Target Technology Readiness Level (TRL): 4–6.

Key Dates

• Open date: 2026-02-01.
• Deadline: 2026-04-01.

Application Process (High-Level)

Details not specified, but applicants should refer to the Call for Pilots Manual on the [LDT4SSC website](https://ldt4ssc.eu/opencalls/). Info sessions may be announced.

Post-Award Obligations

• Submission of an official Ownership Control Declaration (OCD) within 14 days of award notification (for non-public entities).
• Midterm and final reporting to receive remaining grant instalments.
• Compliance with state aid rules and prevention of double funding.

Geographic Scope & Language

Eligible countries: EU Member States (including outermost regions/overseas territories), Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and listed EEA/DEP Associated countries (UK, Switzerland). Application language: English.

Notes

• Consortia must demonstrate co-financing capacity via a Letter of Commitment.
• In-kind contributions are not admissible unless monetized in the budget.
• Security restrictions apply: entities controlled by ineligible countries may participate only with an approved guarantee.
• Pilots must align with EU-wide data standards and policy frameworks.