EIT Urban Mobility's RAPTOR (Rapid Applications for Transport) programme facilitates rapid piloting initiatives to solve specific urban mobility challenges. The programme fosters direct collaboration between cities, which define local mobility needs, and innovative startups or SMEs that propose and test tailored solutions within a real-world urban setting. RAPTOR is structured to support fast experimentation, applied innovation, and the development of solutions with significant potential for replication and scalability.
Programme Details and Scope
• The RAPTOR 2026 edition features 15 distinct mobility challenges, each defined by a participating city to address a specific local requirement.
• Proposals are expected to clearly articulate how the suggested solution addresses the chosen city's challenge within the framework of a six-month project.
• A comprehensive description of each city challenge is available for review in the Call Manual – Annex II: City Challenges.
Funding Information
• EIT Urban Mobility plans to fund up to 15 projects through this call.
• Each selected project will be awarded a fixed lump sum of €60,000.
• The total indicative EIT funding allocated to this call is up to €900,000.
Eligibility Criteria
• The RAPTOR Open Call 2026 is open to single small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs); consortia are not eligible to apply.
• Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Qualify as an SME according to the European Commission's definition.
- Be a legally established entity in an EU Member State or a Horizon Europe associated country.
- Propose a solution that directly addresses one of the RAPTOR 2026 City Challenges.
• While applicants may submit proposals for multiple city challenges, only one project per applicant can be funded.
• To ensure a balanced project portfolio, startups or SMEs selected for the EIT Urban Mobility 2025 RAPTOR Call or the SME Market Expansion Open Call 2025 are not eligible to participate.
Application Process
• Step 1: Obtain a PIC Number: Register your organization on the EU Funding & Tender Opportunities portal to receive a nine-digit Participant Identification Code (PIC). If your organization is already registered, you can verify your PIC number on the portal.
• Step 2: Register on NetSuite: New users must complete the Partner Information Form (PIF) to register on the EIT Urban Mobility NetSuite platform.
• Step 3: Submit Application: Log in to the EIT Urban Mobility NetSuite platform, navigate to 'Call for Proposals' -> 'Open Calls', and submit the application form before the deadline.
Key Dates and Timeline
• Call Opening: 16 January 2026
• Call Closing: 12 March 2026 by 17:00 CET
• Eligibility and Admissibility Check: March 2026
• Proposal Evaluation: March – April 2026
• Remote Panel Hearing: May 2026
• Communication of Results: June 2026
• Administration and FSM Negotiations: June 2026
• Tentative Project Start Date: 1 July 2026
• Tentative Project End Date: 31 December 2026
Documentation
• Documents to be Submitted: The primary submission is the Application form, which is available on the Netsuite platform.
• Documents for Consideration: Applicants should review the following materials for comprehensive guidance: Call Manual, EIT Urban Mobility Strategic Agenda 2021-2027, Eligibility of expenditure, Appeal procedure, Project Implementation Handbook, Guidelines for Applicants, Template of the Financial Support Agreement, Horizon Europe Model Agreement, Financial Sustainability Guidelines, IP Strategy List, and an Application form sample (for informational purposes).
Information Sessions and Support
• To assist applicants, EIT Urban Mobility will host several online information sessions covering the call's scope, city challenges, procedures, and financial details. All sessions will be recorded and made available.
• General Call Info Session: Wednesday, 21 January 2026, 10:00-11:30 CET.
• Live Q&A – City Challenges (Part 1): Thursday, 22 January 2026, 10:00-11:30 CET.
• Live Q&A – City Challenges (Part 2): Friday, 23 January 2026, 10:00-11:30 CET.
• For any questions regarding general or technical procedures and call content, applicants can contact the EIT Urban Mobility Agile Innovation team at agileinnovation@eiturbanmobility.eu.
This programme presents an opportunity for SMEs to collaborate directly with cities, test innovative mobility solutions, and receive significant funding. Interested parties are encouraged to review the official Call Manual and supporting documents for complete details on the city challenges, application requirements, and evaluation criteria before the submission deadline.