The European urban tech landscape is facing a critical structural bottleneck. While cities urgently require systemic overhauls to combat gridlock, rising emissions, and logistical inefficiencies, deep-tech startups often struggle to bridge the gap between initial product validation and large-scale European expansion. The missing link is rarely just capital – it is the strategic validation and regional network required to deploy solutions across fragmented municipal frameworks.
To bypass this barrier, EIT Urban Mobility – an innovation initiative of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) – has activated its Financial Support to Startups Open Call. Injecting up to €2.5 million per company, the initiative functions as a strategic co-investor, backing startups that are already closing active investment rounds with private venture capital.
For Ukrainian mobility, logistics, and transport tech founders, this represents a direct pathway to secure EU-backed validation alongside private investors. The upcoming application cut-off is August 31, 2026.
The Co-Investment Model: Smart Capital, Not Grants
Unlike traditional grant frameworks, this open call operates strictly as an equity co-investment mechanism for pre-seed, seed, and Series A startups. EIT Urban Mobility does not act as a lead investor; instead, it joins financing rounds already negotiated and agreed upon with private VCs or angel syndicates.
This model ensures that EU capital directly amplifies market-validated innovations. Beyond the financial injection, selected startups gain unprecedented access to EIT’s network of over 200 partners, including European municipalities, research centers, and corporate pilot environments.
Key Deadlines for 2026
The open call features a rolling submission format with specific cut-off dates throughout the year:
Cut-off 3: August 31, 2026 (Active)
Cut-off 4: November 16, 2026 (Upcoming)
Strategic Focus Areas
The evaluation panel is prioritizing breakthrough technologies addressing five core thematic sectors:
Urban Logistics: Sustainable freight, last-mile delivery optimization, and solutions reducing traffic loads on municipal road networks.
Shared Mobility & Public Transport: Carsharing, micromobility, and intelligent transit systems designed as viable alternatives to private vehicle dependency.
Mobility Data Management: Advanced analytics, traffic forecasting, and urban data platforms that enhance city-wide traffic management.
Transport Electrification & Alternative Fuels: Charging infrastructure and alternative energy sources that reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Health & Mobility: Solutions at the intersection of transport and public health, including transit safety, accessibility for individuals with reduced mobility, and air quality improvement.
Editorial Note: Projects that integrate multiple sectors – such as deploying AI within the public sector or embedding electrification into urban logistics networks – will receive the highest evaluation scores due to their potential for systemic urban impact.
The initiative also emphasizes that applications from diverse teams with a clear strategy for inclusive innovation will receive positive evaluation, matching a cross-cutting priority of the entire EIT ecosystem.
Eligibility Criteria for Ukrainian Startups
As an associate member of Horizon Europe, Ukrainian legal entities are eligible to apply. However, because specific call conditions can vary based on the nature of the competition, applicants are advised to verify their participation status directly with the EIT Urban Mobility team prior to submission.
Mandatory Requirements:
Active Funding Round: The company must be in an active pre-seed, seed, or Series A funding round.
Market Cap: The company’s pre-money valuation must not exceed €50 million.
Equity Ownership: Founders and the executive team must collectively hold more than 40% of the company’s shares prior to the current round.
Product Maturity: The startup must possess a functional prototype, pilot project, or MVP.
Portfolio Status: The company must not already belong to the EIT Urban Mobility investment portfolio.
Application Limits: Applicants cannot submit to three consecutive deadlines; after two consecutive applications, a company must skip at least one cycle.
Application Architecture
Applications are processed via the EIT Urban Mobility Programmes Portal (NetSuite platform). Founders should follow these steps:
Register on the portal by selecting “I am an organisation/individual” and completing the Partner Information Form (PIF).
Navigate to Grant Management → Grant Management → Open Calls to locate the active call.
Complete and submit the application form before the chosen cut-off date (detailed steps are available in Section 4.2 of the Call Manual).
Following each deadline, applications undergo an eligibility check and a comprehensive content evaluation by independent industry experts.
For detailed guidelines, official documentation, and portal access, visit the official EIT Urban Mobility Open Call Page.
