The EIT Urban Mobility startups call offers equity-style financial support to growing mobility companies. It targets start-ups that are raising a funding round. Moreover, it helps them scale across European cities.
About the EIT Urban Mobility Startups Call
EIT Urban Mobility is part of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology. It works to make urban transport cleaner, safer and more accessible. This open call channels investment into promising mobility start-ups. As a result, founders gain both capital and access to a network of cities and industry partners. Explore more smart city funding opportunities on the UTA funding page.
Who Can Apply to the EIT Urban Mobility Startups Call
Eligible companies are pre-seed to Series A start-ups. They must be based in the EU or a Horizon Europe Associated Country. In addition, they need an ongoing funding round and a pre-money valuation of €50m or less. However, companies already in the EIT Urban Mobility portfolio cannot apply.
Focus Areas and Funding
Priority areas include urban logistics, mobility data and AI, and public and shared mobility. Each company can receive up to €2.5m. Therefore, the call fits UTA innovators with proven mobility solutions. In short, applicants should align their project closely with the expected outcomes and impact described in the call text.
Key Facts at a Glance
- Programme: EIT Urban Mobility, Financial Support to Startups Open Call
- Status: open, with rolling cut-offs since 23 December 2025
- Next cut-off: 16 November 2026 at 17:00 CET
- 2027 cut-offs: 11 January, 12 April, 30 August and 15 November. The call closes on 13 March 2028.
- Budget: about €14 million for 2026–2028, with about €4.5 million reserved for RIS countries
- Funding: up to €2.5 million per company as a grant. EIT Urban Mobility may also take an equity stake, but this is not a condition.
- Duration: 2 to 36 months, ending by 31 December 2028 at the latest
Eligibility Rules
- The start-up is a legal entity in an EU Member State or a Horizon Europe Associated Country.
- It is raising an active pre-seed, seed or Series A round.
- It targets the urban mobility market and already has a prototype, pilot or MVP.
- Its pre-money valuation is €50 million or less, and founders and executives hold more than 40% of the equity before the round.
- It is not already in the EIT Urban Mobility equity portfolio, and it does not apply to three consecutive cut-offs.
Themes and Selection
- Priority themes are urban logistics, public and shared transport, mobility data, electrification and alternative fuels, and health and mobility.
- Three external experts review each application remotely.
- Shortlisted start-ups pitch live to the Investment Committee and then go through due diligence.
- A Selection Committee adds points for portfolio fit. Diverse teams receive a positive assessment.
- Successful projects may later receive fast-track follow-on funding.
Source: the official EIT Urban Mobility call page and Call Manual (version 1.3), checked on 16 October 2026.
Why the EIT Urban Mobility Startups Call Matters
For innovators, the EIT Urban Mobility startups opportunity can unlock funding, partners and first customers at the same time. In addition, it gives companies visibility with cities and investors across Europe. Successful projects often become references that open new markets. However, competition is strong, so a clear impact story matters. That is why UTA connects innovators with cities and research partners well before deadlines. Moreover, our network helps teams test their ideas against real urban challenges. As a result, members can build stronger proposals and turn funding into lasting growth.
Deadline and How to Apply
The final 2026 cut-off is 16 November 2026. Applications are submitted through the EIT Urban Mobility call page. For this reason, start-ups should prepare their investment documents now. Read the full details on the official call page. Urban Technology Alliance can also connect you with UTA innovators. Contact us to discuss a consortium for this call.