Deadline: 13-Jul-2026
The Local Digital Twins for Smart and Sustainable Communities (LDT4SSC) project has launched its Third Open Call under the Digital Europe Programme to support smart city innovation and interoperable digital infrastructure across Europe. The initiative funds projects focused on interconnected Local Digital Twins, creation of new digital twin solutions, and development of advanced AI services and open-source tools for sustainable urban and regional development.
Selected consortia can receive up to €1 million in funding with a 50 percent co-funding rate for projects lasting up to 18 months.
Overview of the LDT4SSC Third Open Call
The LDT4SSC (Local Digital Twins for Smart and Sustainable Communities) project supports the digital transformation of European cities and regions through Local Digital Twins (LDTs), AI technologies, and interoperable digital infrastructures.
The Third Open Call aims to strengthen collaboration between European communities by enabling cross-border data exchange, shared digital services, and AI-powered decision-making systems.
The initiative is funded under the Digital Europe Programme and supports smart, sustainable, and data-driven urban development.
What are Local Digital Twins?
Local Digital Twins are virtual digital models of cities, regions, or communities that use real-time data, simulations, and AI technologies to improve planning, decision-making, and public services.
Local Digital Twins help communities:
- Improve urban planning
- Monitor infrastructure and sustainability goals
- Support climate resilience strategies
- Enhance mobility and public services
- Enable data-driven governance
- Improve interoperability between cities and regions
Key Objectives of the Open Call
The Third Open Call focuses on three major priorities:
- Interconnecting existing Local Digital Twins
- Creating new Local Digital Twins
- Expanding AI services and open-source digital tools
The initiative aims to improve smart city collaboration, interoperability, and sustainable development across Europe.
Work Strands
Work Strand 1: Interconnection of Existing Local Digital Twins
This strand supports the integration of existing Local Digital Twins to enable:
- Cross-border data exchange
- Shared digital services
- Interoperability between cities and regions
- Collaborative smart community solutions
The goal is to strengthen cooperation among European communities through connected digital infrastructures.
Work Strand 2: Creation of New Local Digital Twins
This strand supports the development of new Local Digital Twins designed to address shared urban and regional challenges.
Projects may focus on areas such as:
- Sustainability
- Urban mobility
- Climate resilience
- Infrastructure management
- Energy efficiency
- Public service delivery
Work Strand 3: AI Services and Open-Source Components
This strand focuses on expanding the EU LDT Toolbox through:
- Advanced AI-powered services
- Open-source software components
- Simulation tools
- Data analytics capabilities
- Smart city digital applications
The aim is to strengthen AI-driven solutions for smart and sustainable communities.
Funding Details
Selected consortia can receive:
- Maximum Funding: Up to €1 million
- Co-Funding Rate: 50 percent
- Project Duration: Maximum 18 months
Participants will also gain access to the EU LDT Toolbox and opportunities to contribute to innovative European digital infrastructure solutions.
Who Can Apply?
The open call is designed for consortia working on smart city, AI, and digital transformation initiatives.
Potential applicants may include:
- Local and regional authorities
- Research institutions
- Universities
- Technology providers
- Smart city solution developers
- SMEs and startups
- Digital innovation organizations
- Public-private partnerships
Applicants should demonstrate expertise in digital twins, AI technologies, interoperability, or smart community solutions.
Why the Programme Matters
The LDT4SSC initiative supports Europe’s broader goals for digital transformation and sustainable urban development.
The programme helps communities:
- Improve interoperability between digital systems
- Enable evidence-based policymaking
- Strengthen climate and sustainability planning
- Accelerate smart city innovation
- Enhance regional collaboration
- Promote open-source digital ecosystems
The initiative also contributes to stronger European digital sovereignty and resilient public infrastructure systems.
How the Programme Works
The programme supports collaborative projects that develop or improve Local Digital Twins and AI-enabled digital services.
Implementation Process
- Formation of eligible project consortia
- Selection of the relevant work strand
- Development of project proposals
- Submission under the open call
- Evaluation and selection process
- Project implementation and integration with EU LDT tools
- Contribution to interoperable digital ecosystems
Tips for a Strong Proposal
Applicants should:
- Clearly define the urban or regional challenge being addressed
- Demonstrate interoperability and scalability
- Include strong AI or digital innovation components
- Highlight sustainability and community impact
- Show collaboration between multiple stakeholders
- Explain long-term usability and replication potential
Strong proposals typically include:
- Technical implementation plans
- Cross-border collaboration models
- Open-source innovation strategies
- Data governance and interoperability frameworks
- Measurable impact indicators
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the LDT4SSC project?
LDT4SSC stands for Local Digital Twins for Smart and Sustainable Communities, an initiative funded under the Digital Europe Programme.
What are Local Digital Twins?
Local Digital Twins are digital models of cities or regions that use real-time data and AI technologies to support planning, monitoring, and decision-making.
What is the focus of the Third Open Call?
The call focuses on interconnected Local Digital Twins, creation of new digital twins, and development of AI-powered services and open-source components.
How much funding is available?
Selected consortia can receive up to €1 million with a 50 percent co-funding rate.
What is the project duration?
Projects can run for a maximum of 18 months.
What is the EU LDT Toolbox?
The EU LDT Toolbox is a shared digital resource that supports development and interoperability of Local Digital Twins across Europe.
Who can apply for the programme?
Consortia including public authorities, universities, research institutions, SMEs, technology providers, and smart city organizations can apply.
Conclusion
The LDT4SSC Third Open Call represents an important opportunity for European communities to accelerate smart city innovation through interoperable Local Digital Twins, AI-powered services, and open digital infrastructure. By supporting collaboration, sustainability, and data-driven urban management, the initiative aims to strengthen Europe’s digital transformation and create smarter, more resilient communities across the region.
For more information, visit LDT4SSC.