iCOSHELLs Project Launches Open Call to Boost Soil Health Innovation
The iCOSHELLs project, funded by the European Union’s Horizon Europe Programme, is pleased to announce the launch of its Open Call for innovative prototypes aimed at improving soil health across Europe.
The iCOSHELLs initiative, part of the EU Mission “A Soil Deal for Europe”, supports the restoration of healthy soils by 2030. It brings together six Living Labs in the Basque Country, Bulgaria, Greece, Italy, Spain, and Sweden, fostering co-creation among farmers, researchers, SMEs, NGOs, and public administrations.
Through this Open Call, iCOSHELLs will fund and integrate new stakeholders and prototypes (innovative practices, technologies, or tools) to be tested in real-life conditions within the Living Labs. Selected applicants will become full members of the iCOSHELLs network, actively participating in co-creation activities and solution validation for soil restoration and sustainable management.
Each Living Lab focuses on specific regional challenges such as:
- Soil structure and biodiversity improvement (Sweden, Italy)
- Reduction of salinity and pollution (Spain, Greece)
- Circular and community-driven restoration (Basque Country)
- Sustainable viticulture and erosion control (Bulgaria)
The Open Call will provide up to EUR 900,000 in total funding, distributed among the selected beneficiaries, with grants of up to EUR 75,000 per project. Successful applicants will benefit from:
- Financial support for testing and validating innovations.
- Access to experimental Living Labs and real-life testing environments.
- Scientific and technical coaching from experts in soil health and circular systems.
- Increased visibility and networking opportunities at the European level.
Key Dates
- Call opening: 04 December 2025
- Submission deadline: 04 February 2026 (14:00 CET)
- Evaluation period: Mid-February 2026
- Start of funded projects: April-May 2026
Application Process
The call is open to natural persons and legal entities including landowners, farmers, SMEs, research institutions, public bodies, and civil society organisations from eligible Horizon Europe countries.
Proposals must be submitted in English through the official iCOSHELLs Open Call webpage.
For detailed eligibility criteria, prototype categories, and application procedures, please consult the iCOSHELLs Open Call Guide for Applicants available on the iCOSHELLs project website in English, and also in the Living Lab local languages.
In addition, an information webinar in English will be held on Wednesday 17 December at 10:00 CET. The goal of this webinar will be to present the Open Call, explain the application process and answer participants’ questions. The registration form is already available here: Webinar registration form .
By supporting innovative prototypes in diverse environmental contexts, iCOSHELLs strengthens the bridge between research and practical solutions for soil restoration. The project aims to generate actionable knowledge, enhance soil literacy, and accelerate Europe’s transition towards sustainable land use.
Download the Press Release in EN here
Download the Open Call Guidelines for Applicants in EN here
