Open call: International Demonstration Cluster
13/05/2025
Open call: International Demonstration Cluster
eBRT2030 aims to validate the next generation of zero-emission Bus Rapid Transit (eBRT) solutions through six European demonstrations and one international demonstration and replication cluster in Latin America and Africa. The cluster builds on a flagship pilot in Bogotá, with additional small-scale demonstrations in selected cities across Africa, Latin America and Asia. Through this open call, the eBRT2030 project seeks to expand to three new additional small scale demonstrations.
Selected partners will co-develop, test, and showcase eBRT2030 innovations (including vehicles, smart charging, IoT solutions, last-mile connectivity, fleet management, and other tools) in live operations, feeding data back to the European demos and accelerating global deployment.
The call is open from 13 May to 9 June 2025, with applications accepted until the deadline on 9 June 2025 at 17:00 CET.
Call timeline
- 13 May 2025 — Launch of the open call.
- 30 May 2025 — Informative webinar with Q&A (tbc).
- 9 June 2025, 17:00 CET — Deadline for submissions.
- June 2025 — Eligibility check & remote evaluations.
- Early July 2025 — Online hearings with shortlisted applicants.
- 31 July 2025 — Notification of results & start of MoU negotiations.
- September 2025 — Kick-off workshop with new cluster members.
Who can apply?
- City authorities, transport agencies and public or private PTOs operating (or planning) BRT/e-bus corridors in Africa, Latin America, Asia, or the Caribbean.
- Commitment to deploy at least a feasibility study and a small-scale pilot (e.g. 13 e-buses, a charging point, or an ITS application) during 2025–2026, using project’s funds and local co-financing.
- Ability to provide operational data and actively engage in joint capacity-building activities with the eBRT2030 consortium (UITP, UEMI, OEMs, universities, etc.).
Why join the eBRT2030 Cluster?
The benefits to joining eBRT2030 include:
- Technical mentoring & digital twin planning: Access to simulation & planning tools (WP3), with expert coaching to optimise routes, charging and fleet sizing.
- Seed funding (up to €120 000 per city/operator): EU grant under the “financial support to third parties” scheme, covering hardware, civil works, data collection, or support to local start-ups.
- Innovation: Vehicle/charging technology and operations, IoT platform & smart charging suite validated in EU and Bogota demos.
- Capacity building & peer exchange: Study visits to EU demo sites, online workshops and tailored training.
- Global visibility: Results featured in the eBRT2030 Policy Guidebook and promoted at international conferences.
Expected commitments from selected partners
- Team-up with the eBRT2030 consortium and the international cluster exchange.
- Deliver a feasibility study and implement the agreed small-scale demonstration by month 12.
- Share KPI data (energy, GHG, punctuality, ridership) according to the WP6 data protocol.
- Acknowledge EU funding in all local communication.
Interested to applying? Follow these steps:
- Download and fill out the Application Package (guidelines, templates, budget sheet).
- If the application is submitted by a third party (e.g. a university), provide an endorsement letter from the relevant city authority or public transport authority.
- Submit your Application via email to: Flavio Grazian, Project Coordinator, UITP at flavio.grazian@uitp.org by 9 June 2025, 17:00 CET.
The evaluation criteria can be found in the application package.
Apply now!
The call is open! To apply, click below for the application document with all the relevant information, requirements, and the submission form:
The call is open from 13 May to 9 June 2025, with applications accepted until the deadline on 9 June 2025 at 17:00 CET.
Contact & support for your application
For technical questions, application assistance, or eligibility inquiries, please contact: Oliver Lah at oliver.lah@uemi.net