Press Release

Open Innovation Call to EU citizens: 15 good ideas to make historic cities smarter

electric scooter open innovation historic city
electric scooter open innovation historic city

17 Sep 2026 — From 23 to 25 September, citizens from eight EU countries can share their ideas for smarter, more sustainable historic cities. The first 15 eligible submissions each receive an electric scooter.

Innovation is not only about technology. It is also about people, communities and new ways of thinking about how historic cities can respond to today’s challenges and build a more sustainable future. Through its Open Innovation Call, POCITYF seeks to give everyone an opportunity to contribute their perspectives and ideas to make historic cities smarter, more sustainable and more citizen-centred. The initiative encourages creativity, participation and brings new perspectives directly into the heart of POCITYF innovation process.

The call opens for submissions on 23 September at 8:00 CEST and closes at 12:00 CEST on 25 September, or as soon as 15 eligible submissions have been received, whichever comes first. As an incentive to take part, each eligible and accepted submission receives an electric scooter, subject to the terms and conditions of the Call. Participants are therefore encouraged to submit their ideas as early as possible.

The Call is open to adults from the eight countries where the POCITYF cities are located: Portugal, the Netherlands, Italy, Slovenia, Spain, Denmark, Greece and Hungary.

Ideas may address any aspect of urban innovation, including sustainable mobility, energy, digital solutions, public spaces, citizen engagement and resilience, provided they align with the 4 pillars of POCITYF contributing to more sustainable and inclusive historic cities. Eligible ideas may also be promoted through the project’s communication channels.

Further information on eligibility and participation conditions: openinnovationcall.eu

Photo credits Raquel García from Unsplash