This Cities Mission call uses pre-commercial procurement to help cities buy innovation. Groups of public buyers jointly procure research and development. Moreover, the solutions support climate neutrality and the net-zero economy.
About the Pre-Commercial Procurement Call
Pre-commercial procurement lets cities define a need and ask suppliers to develop new solutions. Suppliers compete through design, prototype and testing phases. Furthermore, the approach shares risk between buyers and innovators. As a result, it matches UTA’s city–innovator matchmaking model. Explore more smart city funding opportunities on the UTA funding page.
Who Can Apply to the Pre-Commercial Procurement Call
Applicants form a buyers’ group of public procurers, mainly cities. In addition, supporting partners can help with procurement and evaluation. Therefore, procurement teams should be involved from the start.
Focus Areas and Funding
Three projects of about €7–12m each are expected. Moreover, procured solutions should strengthen Europe’s strategic autonomy. In short, applicants should align their project closely with the expected outcomes and impact described in the call text.
Key Facts at a Glance
- Call: Supporting the implementation of the Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities Mission (HORIZON-MISS-2027-04)
- Topic ID: HORIZON-MISS-2027-04-CIT-05
- Type of action: Pre-Commercial Procurement (PCP), funded as a budget-based grant
- Topic budget: about €26.8 million, with €7–12 million per project
- Expected number of grants: 3
- Submission: single stage, opening 9 February 2027 and closing 7 October 2027 at 17:00 Brussels time
Expected Outcomes
- Public buyers drive the development of market-ready solutions that cut greenhouse gas and air pollutant emissions.
- PCP brings solutions for energy-efficient buildings, renewables, smart mobility and digitalisation to market and deploys them in participating cities.
- Innovative European firms, especially SMEs and start-ups, gain wider access to public procurement.
- Results reach scale through market uptake, wide publication and, where relevant, standards.
- Projects quantify expected emission cuts for 2030 and 2050 against a baseline set at the start.
What Proposals Must Cover
- Funding goes to a buyers group of public procurers, mainly local authorities. Suppliers do not receive grant funding; they respond to the tenders.
- At least three of the 112 Mission cities must take part, and one of them must act as lead procurer. Follower cities are welcome.
- Procurers run an open market consultation, promote the tender EU-wide and involve end users.
- Proposals set out a deployment route, such as buying during the PCP or launching a follow-up procurement.
- Projects comply with the Net-Zero Industry Act procurement rules and liaise with CCAM, 2ZERO, Built4People, CCRI and CIVITAS.
- Most R&D may need to take place in the EU or Associated Countries.
- All projects work with the Cities Mission Platform (NetZeroCities) and formalise this collaboration soon after the project starts.
Source: the official topic page on the EU Funding & Tenders Portal, checked on 16 October 2026.
Why the Pre-Commercial Procurement Call Matters
For cities, the pre-commercial procurement opportunity is a chance to test new solutions with trusted partners and shared funding. In addition, it helps public authorities learn from peers in other countries. Successful projects often lead to wider roll-out and new procurement. However, strong proposals need early planning, clear roles and real demonstration sites. That is why UTA brings cities, innovators and researchers together long before deadlines. Moreover, our network helps partners find the missing skills or countries a consortium needs. As a result, members can move from idea to proposal faster and with more confidence.
Deadline and How to Apply
The call opens on 9 February 2027 and closes on 7 October 2027. Apply through the EU Funding & Tenders Portal. For this reason, agree on a shared procurement need early. Read the full details on the official call page. Urban Technology Alliance can also connect you with cities in the UTA network. Contact us to discuss a consortium for this call.