Press Release: Launch of the Develop Open Call: Funding AI-driven solutions to bridge rural-urban challenges across Europe

Athens, Greece – 12/6/2025 – The PoliRuralPlus project is excited to announce the launch of the Develop Open Call, a new funding opportunity aimed at supporting the creation and implementation of small-scale digital innovation projects that address pressing rural-urban challenges. This open call targets forward-thinking organisations eager to deploy cutting-edge technologies, such as AI, GIS, IoT, and data analytics, to boost rural development, enhance regional integration, and contribute to the New European Bauhaus initiative.

Objective of the Develop Open Call

The Develop Open Call invites applications from single entities or consortia (up to three partners) ready to develop place-based digital applications tailored to the specific needs of nine PoliRuralPlus pilot regions. Funded projects should demonstrate interoperability with PoliRuralPlus digital tools, contribute to data-driven decision-making, and embody the values of sustainability, inclusion, and aesthetics.

Key details

• Opening date: May 26, 2025
• Funding: 30,000 – 100,000 EUR per project for up to 15 selected proposals
• Eligibility: Legal entities based in EU Member States or Horizon Europe Associated Countrie
• Submission deadline: July 31, 2025 at 17:00 CET

Why Develop?

The Develop Open Call is designed to go beyond ideation – offering direct support for implementation of digital innovations that can be replicated and scaled across Europe. Proposals must align with at least one of the pilot-specific objectives, ranging from circular economy and smart farming to rural event ecosystems, agritourism, and regional digital monitoring.

This initiative will:

• Fund applied digital projects that bring measurable impact to rural-urban challenges.
• Integrate advanced tools such as the Jackdaw GeoAI Chatbot, PoliRuralPlus Hub, and Map Whiteboard.
• Support stakeholder engagement and inclusion in the development process.
• Promote data integration and AI-based decision support for policy, planning, and innovation.

Expected Outcomes

• Digital applications tested in real-world conditions across PoliRuralPlus regions
• Proven use of advanced technologies to address local challenges
• Integration with PoliRuralPlus tools and contribution to its data ecosystem
• High replicability and scalability potential
• Demonstrated alignment with New European Bauhaus values

Call for participation

The PoliRuralPlus consortium invites research organisations, tech SMEs, NGOs, universities, municipalities, and other innovation actors to apply. By joining the Develop Open Call, participants will not only receive funding but also access to expert mentorship, stakeholder networks, and a platform for sustainable, inclusive digital transformation.

“The Develop is more than just a funding opportunity, it’s a chance to test real applications in real environments and deliver tangible value to regions seeking digital and sustainable transformation. We’re excited to see the creative solutions that this call will unlock across Europe,” said Dr. Karel Charvát, Technical Manager of the PoliRuralPlus project.

How to apply

Interested participants can learn more and apply by visiting PoliRuralPlus Develop Call.

The deadline for submissions is July 31, 2025 17:00 CET.

For more information, please contact:

Katerina Sachsamanoglou
Project Manager
[email protected]