ICLEI experts are supporting the Smart Cities Marketplace in launching a city-focused call for applications for matchmaking services, which is open until 31 March. Applications received after the 31 March will still be accepted, but it may take a bit longer to process them.

Matchmaking services provided by the Smart Cities Marketplace aim to help cities and city consortia with their smart solutions project proposals to achieve climate neutrality. The offered services aim to help identify projects or further shape project ideas to become bankable through tailor-made technical assistance. Projects with a high maturity level can be further supported through the deal meetings with the platform’s Investor Network.

On 14 March from 11:00-12:00 CET, a brief informational session will be hosted for parties considering applying. Register here.

The call is open until the end of March, after which applications will be assessed and a personalised follow-up will be assured regarding the matchmaking services that the Smart Cities Marketplace can provide. Responses submitted within the timeframe will receive prompt replies. However, the intake form is permanently available on the Marketplace website, in case parties would like to apply at a later stage (further calls will follow).

To be eligible for this call, applications must comply with the following minimum requirements:

• Applications must concern project concepts to be situated in one of the EU Member States, or in a country that is eligible under the Horizon Europe Programme.
• Applicants must represent a city or a consortium including at least one city that endorses the project. Small and mid-sized cities, meaning cities with less than 100,000 inhabitants, are the main target group of the matchmaking, although larger cities are also welcome to apply.
• Applicants must have identified a project or technology suitable for intervention (i.e., in the area of clean energy, sustainable mobility and digital solutions), the geographical area in which the project is planned, the main target beneficiaries of the project, and the main stakeholders to be engaged.

Applicants can also take advantage of the Smart Cities Marketplace services, which provide support for developing project ideas. In order to prepare and/or improve the project to become eligible for an application, it is recommended to consult the growing collection of Solution Booklets available on the Smart Cities Marketplace website here.

If you need help filling out the intake form, consult the Guidance Document available, or contact the Smart Cities Marketplace via the helpdesk. Not all fields are mandatory, but – depending on how advanced your project idea is – try to provide as much information as possible.

Please note that the Smart Cities Marketplace does not provide any grants, but instead offers 1-to-1 support and matchmaking with investors in the ‘Deal’ phase.

To apply, visit: https://smart-cities-marketplace.ec.europa.eu/matchmaking/call-for-application.