Develop Open Call

Description

Scope of the Develop Call The Develop Call aims to fund small-scale, applied innovation projects that deliver place-based digital solutions addressing rural-urban challenges identified in PoliRuralPlus pilot regions. These projects will also contribute to the technical advancement of the PoliRuralPlus platform and ecosystem. Develop and pilot digital applications that respond to pilot-specific rural-urban challenges, as outlined further and aligned with the overarching policy framework of PoliRuralPlus. Translate innovative concepts into operational prototypes, leveraging advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Internet of Things (IoT), Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and data-driven decision-making tools. Ensure interoperability with existing PoliRuralPlus digital infrastructure, including the JackDaw platform, the Multi-Actor Approach Tool (MAAT), and the Knowledge Space ecosystem (See Guidelines for Applicants, Chapter 4). Demonstrate replicability and scalability, providing documentation (APIs, user manuals, or open standards) to enable adaptation in other EU regions. Embed New European Bauhaus (NEB) values, promoting sustainability, aesthetics, and inclusivity through human-centred design and stakeholder co-creation. Contribute to data integration by feeding collected data into PoliRuralPlus AI tools to enhance geo-intelligence, foresight, and stakeholder decision support. For more information please visit: https://www.poliruralplus.eu/open-calls/develop-call/ Before submitting your proposal, please check carefully: https://www.poliruralplus.eu/docs/179/Annex_2_Guidelines_for_Applicants_DEVELOP.pdf

Beneficiary & submission

Submission Process Online submission: Via https://www.poliruralplus.eu/open-calls/develop-call/. Parts of the proposal: Part A: Administrative Form including documentation verifying the legal status and beneficial ownership of the lead applicant (Coordinator). Part B: Technical Description (PDF format). Evaluation Criteria Proposals will be evaluated based on three main criteria: Objectives (0-5 points) Impacts (0-5 points) Implementation (0-5 points) A minimum score of 3 in all criteria and an overall score of at least 11 is required for funding. In the event of equal overall scores within a region, the proposal with better relevance to PoliRuralPlus will be selected to ensure that the most potentially transformative project is chosen.

Further information

Funding: from 30,000 to 100,000 EUR lump sum for successful proposals Total allocation: 450,000 EUR, expected to fund 5-15 sub-projects Objectives of the Develop Call Develop and deploy practical, place-based digital applications aligned with PoliRuralPlus pilot-specific objectives (see Guidelines for Applicants, Section 2.4) Translate promising concepts into action, moving from ideation to implementation by funding pilot activities that apply advanced technologies such as AI, machine learning, Internet of Things (IoT), geographic information systems (GIS), or data-driven decision tools. Be designed to be interoperable with the PoliRuralPlus digital tools (see Guidelines for Applicants, Section 4) and technical frameworks, allowing for smooth integration and exchange of data if required, including licensing and communication compatibility. Demonstrate replicability and scalability, showing how proposed solutions could be adapted and applied across other regions or contexts in the EU. Support the principles and values of the New European Bauhaus (NEB) by promoting sustainability, inclusion, and aesthetics in the development of rural-urban solutions. Ensure that all data collected during implementation is incorporated into PoliRuralPlus tools, including the JackDaw platform and related AI components, to enhance decision-making capabilities and generate stronger project-wide results. Eligibility Criteria Who can apply? Type of entities: Open to all types with operational and financial capacity. Individual or consortium applications: Single applicants or consortia of up to three entities are eligible to apply. In the case of consortia, one partner must act as the lead applicant (Coordinator). Eligible countries: Legally established in an EU Member State or Associated Country. Other eligibility criteria Third parties: The proposal should not include any subcontracting or transfer of financial contribution to third parties. One proposal per applicant: Only one proposal will be accepted for funding per applicant. Declaration of honour: Applicants must declare their eligibility and no conflict of interest in the online application. Pilot-specific proposals: The proposal must address specific objectives identified within one of the 9 designated pilot regions of the PoliRuralPlus project. Language: English. Compliance: GDPR adherence required. Non-beneficiary clause: Current PoliRuralPlus beneficiaries and their affiliated entities are ineligible. Deliverables commitment: As outlined in Chapter 6 of the Guidelines for Applicants.