In September 2026, researchers will have the opportunity to take part in the fifth international call for proposals from the European Partnership Driving Urban Transitions (DUT). The DUT Partnership Call 2026 is aimed at supporting international research projects that seek to help cities transition towards a more sustainable economy and way of functioning. The call will open on 1 September 2026, and interested parties will be able to submit short project proposals (known as ‘pre-proposals’) until 17 November 2026.
International consortia will be able to submit projects in three thematic areas:
- Positive Energy Districts (PED)
- 15-minute City (15mC)
- Circular Urban Economies (CUE)
As in previous years, Czech applicants will be able to participate in the first two thematic areas mentioned. The Positive Energy Districts theme focuses on new, innovative solutions for the planning and creation of energy-positive neighbourhoods, whilst the aim of the 15-Minute City theme is to improve urban mobility and the accessibility of services at neighbourhood level.
The thematic areas are divided into three individual topics (call topics); Czech applicants will be able to participate in the following topics:
Positive Energy Districts (PED)
- Cross-cutting topic: Adaptive reuse of existing urban structures and spaces
- Sustainable PEDs, flexibility in energy systems, and integrated technologies
15-Minute City (15mC)
- Cross-cutting topic: Adaptive reuse of existing urban structures and spaces
- Align ambitions for mobility transitions across sectors
The Positive Energy Districts theme focuses on new, innovative solutions for the planning and creation of energy-positive neighbourhoods, whilst the aim of the 15-Minute City theme is to improve urban mobility and the accessibility of services at neighbourhood level.
The total amount of funding available from TA ČR under this call for Czech applicants in international projects is 600 000 EUR. The maximum amount of funding per project (for its Czech component) will be 150,000 EUR.
The call is governed by international rules common to applicants from all participating countries. In addition to the international rules, Czech applicants must also meet the national conditions set by the relevant national funding body. Applicants participating in applied research projects will therefore have to meet the national conditions based on the SIGMA programme (Sub-objective 4 – International Cooperation).
The DUT Partnership is organising an information webinar for all interested parties, which will take place on 9 September 2026 from 10 am to 1 pm. Further information and registration can be found here.
Useful links
- DUT Call 2026 – official call text
- DUT Call 2026 website
- TA ČR website – latest information on the call