This BMFTR funding call focuses on Directive within the framework of the FONA strategy for the promotion of projects on Ideas for.

Funding is provided for projects that go beyond the state of science and technology and pursue exploratory, risky approaches. In particular, but not exclusively, the promotion addresses the following fields of action in cities and regions: climate-neutral and sustainable urban and regional mobility, supply/logistics and transport infrastructures; efficient and sufficient use of buildings and land and affordable housing; sustainable, vital and multifunctional urban and local centres; - municipal services of general interest; Future topics of a sustainable development of cities and regions. 2.1 “Urban Ignite” – Sparks of ideas for sustainable cities and regions Within the framework of “Urban Ignite” (Phase 1), short, concise idea sketches are promoted that reveal a high potential for innovation and transformative perspectives. The ideas can be at a very early stage and fraught with uncertainties and risks. The ideas should: - think technological and social innovations inclusively; - Show initial implementation and impact prospects. The resulting findings or results from “Urban Ignite” are to be presented in a result paper and processed and disseminated in accordance with target groups for potential stakeholders.

Eligible applicants primarily include universities and higher education institutions, non-university research and technology organisations, small and medium-sized enterprises and companies and industrial partners. Phase 1 “Urban Ignite” – sparks of ideas for sustainable cities and regions In phase 1, only individual projects are funded. Insofar as the findings and experiences of the phase are compiled and processed in an accompanying project initiated by the BMFTR, the idea providers undertake to participate in the submission (for example, provision of documents, transparent information, participation in surveys or workshops). Phase 2 “Urban Impact” – From idea to effect in city and region The groups funded in phase 2 usually consist of several actors from practice and science. The call mainly supports collaborative projects and consortia. The grants are granted by way of project funding as a non-repayable grant. Phase 1 “Urban Ignite” – sparks of ideas for sustainable cities and regions The grants are granted as fixed-rate financing. The duration for the implementation of the supported projects is normally between nine and twelve months. The donation shall take the form of a fixed amount on a expenditure basis in accordance with the work plan set out in the application, but shall not exceed EUR 85 000.

The BMFTR pursues with the think tank and its impact development the goal to initiate with a new funding format the development, testing and implementation of visionary technological, socio-technological, socio-technical and social innovations for sustainable cities and regions and to develop and test experimental and novel approaches with high impact potential.

The current submission deadline is 2027-06-30. 7.1 Engagement of a project promoter, application documents, other documents and use of the electronic application system The BMFTR has currently commissioned the following project sponsors to handle the funding measure: DLR Project Sponsors Department Environment and Sustainability Department Social-Ecological Research Heinrich-Konen-Straße 1 53227 Bonn Contact persons: Dr. Carmen Richerzhagen and Claudia Müller If you have any questions, the project sponsor can be contacted via this e-mail address: e-mail: ideenschmiede@dlr.de ideenschmiede@dlr.de If there are any changes, this will be announced in the Bundesanzeiger or in another suitable manner. Forms for grant applications, guidelines, leaflets, information and ancillary provisions can be accessed at index.php?selection=formkabine foerderportal&formkabine=bmftr or can be requested directly from the project promoter indicated above.