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CFPs: Accelerating Access to Low Carbon Mobility Solutions through Digitalization

Deadline: 05-Jun-2026

UN-Habitat’s ACCESS project is seeking Expressions of Interest from universities and NGOs in Argentina and Ecuador to help accelerate low-carbon urban mobility through digital tools and policy support. The project is funded by the International Climate Initiative (IKI) and focuses on digitalization, transport decarbonization, and practical urban mobility solutions.

The work is designed to improve freight efficiency, public transport, multimodal integration, air quality monitoring, and last-mile logistics while strengthening local and national policy frameworks.

Key facts

  • Programme: ACCESS — Accelerating Access to Low Carbon Urban Mobility Solutions through Digitalization.

  • Implementer: UN-Habitat.

  • Funded by: International Climate Initiative (IKI), German Federal Ministry of Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety.

  • Countries: Argentina and Ecuador.

  • City focus: Buenos Aires and Quito.

  • Funding: Up to USD 300,000 per country.

  • Eligible applicants: Universities and NGOs based in Argentina and Ecuador.

  • Requirement: Cash and in-kind counterpart contributions.

What the project supports

The ACCESS initiative supports activities that combine digital innovation and sustainable transport policy. Core areas include:

  • National policy development for mobility digitalization.

  • Local policy implementation and city pilots.

  • Urban freight and logistics digitalization.

  • Electric mobility uptake.

  • Public transport strengthening.

  • Walking and cycling initiatives.

  • Transportation demand management.

  • Clean and efficient vehicle systems.

  • Vehicle operation monitoring.

  • Multimodal integration.

  • Transport optimization and air quality models.

  • Last-mile logistics platforms.

  • Gender mainstreaming.

  • Monitoring and evaluation systems.

  • Institutional capacity building.

Country priorities

Argentina

In Argentina, the project focuses on Buenos Aires. Likely activity areas include:

  • Courier fleet tracking.

  • Dynamic routing systems.

  • Digital parking management tools.

  • Data analysis for evidence-based policy.

  • Freight efficiency and logistics planning.

Ecuador

In Ecuador, the project focuses on Quito. Likely activity areas include:

  • Transport optimization models.

  • Air quality monitoring systems.

  • Multimodal public transport integration.

  • Data platforms for last-mile logistics.

  • Public transport modernization and low-carbon mobility transition.

Who should apply?

This call is relevant to:

  • Universities.

  • NGOs.

  • Research and policy organisations.

  • Urban mobility and transport specialists.

  • Groups with experience in digital tools, logistics, climate policy, or transport planning.

Applicants should be based in Argentina or Ecuador and able to contribute technical, policy, or implementation support.

What selected organisations will do

Selected partners are expected to contribute to:

  • Pilot coordination.

  • Software development.

  • Monitoring and evaluation.

  • Policy development.

  • Gender integration.

  • Knowledge generation.

  • Stakeholder engagement.

This means the call is not only for research institutions. It also supports practical implementation and local knowledge-sharing.

Funding and counterpart support

UN-Habitat may provide up to USD 300,000 per country. Applicants must also contribute cash or in-kind support such as:

  • Staff time.

  • Office space.

  • Equipment.

  • Institutional resources.

This indicates a co-financing model, so applicants should show both commitment and capacity.

What makes a strong proposal

A strong Expression of Interest should show:

  • Clear relevance to low-carbon mobility.

  • Strong local presence in Argentina or Ecuador.

  • Ability to deliver digital or policy-related support.

  • Experience with urban transport, climate, or mobility projects.

  • Capacity to coordinate with public and private stakeholders.

  • A realistic plan for counterpart contributions.

How to approach the call

  1. Match your expertise to the city focus.

    • Buenos Aires or Quito should be central to the proposal.

  2. Identify the most relevant intervention area.

    • For example, logistics, public transport, air quality, or policy support.

  3. Explain your institutional role.

    • Show whether you will support pilots, data analysis, software, engagement, or M&E.

  4. Document counterpart support.

    • Include staff time, facilities, equipment, and any other contributions.

  5. Highlight impact.

    • Show how the work reduces emissions, improves efficiency, or strengthens mobility systems.

Why it matters

Urban transport is a major source of emissions and congestion. Digital tools can make systems more efficient, support cleaner fleets, and improve policy decisions.

This call matters because it connects climate action with urban mobility reform. It also helps cities use data and digital systems to move toward practical low-carbon transport solutions.

Common mistakes and tips

  • Mistake: Proposing a general mobility project without digitalization.

    • Tip: Tie the work to digital tools, data, or systems.

  • Mistake: Ignoring the city-specific focus.

    • Tip: Make Buenos Aires or Quito central to the design.

  • Mistake: Underestimating counterpart requirements.

    • Tip: Show both cash and in-kind contributions clearly.

  • Mistake: Focusing only on technology.

    • Tip: Include policy, stakeholder engagement, and institutional capacity.

  • Mistake: Weak gender integration.

    • Tip: Explain how the project supports inclusive mobility outcomes.

FAQ

  1. Who can apply?

    • Universities and NGOs based in Argentina and Ecuador.

  2. What is the funding amount?

    • Up to USD 300,000 per country.

  3. Which cities are covered?

    • Buenos Aires in Argentina and Quito in Ecuador.

  4. What kind of projects are supported?

    • Digitalization and low-carbon mobility interventions such as logistics tracking, transport models, public transport integration, and policy support.

  5. Is counterpart contribution required?

    • Yes. Applicants must provide cash and in-kind support.

  6. Does the project include gender mainstreaming?

    • Yes. Gender mainstreaming is one of the supported areas.

  7. Is this only for research institutions?

    • No. NGOs may also apply if they are based in the eligible countries.

Conclusion

The ACCESS call is a strong opportunity for universities and NGOs in Argentina and Ecuador to help shape cleaner, smarter, and more inclusive urban mobility systems. The most competitive proposals will combine digital innovation, policy relevance, local capacity, and a clear path to emission reduction.

For more information, visit UN-Habitat.