The mobility of tomorrow is taking shape today

On Tuesday 27 January, the Technoport Automobility Incubator became a partner of the international EIT Urban Mobility initiative, Europe’s largest innovation community dedicated to urban mobility and launched by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT). This partnership unlocks new opportunities for Luxembourg companies, offering access to a powerful international network, tailored support for local innovation and direct links with major European cities.

At the same time, the Smart City call for projects (deadline: 15 March) and the Horizon Europe programme provide concrete funding opportunities to accelerate green and digital transformation in urban settings. Luxinnovation supports both companies and municipalities throughout these processes

Luxinnovation in support of mobility projects

The concept of the Smart City encompasses a wide range of challenges, with mobility featuring prominently in many of the discussions and presentations at the event. A flagship example is the autonomous shuttle operating in Esch-Belval.

Another is the BISTWIN project, led by the Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology. This digital twin — a virtual replica of the city of Bissen — focuses on mobility planning by using historical traffic data to simulate congestion, assess the need for new traffic lights and anticipate the impact of new commercial developments on traffic flows.

As the national innovation agency, Luxinnovation supports companies of all sizes and across all sectors — including start-ups through the Fit 4 Start acceleration programme – in their innovation journeys, as highlighted by Anthony Auert, Business Relationship Manager, during his presentation.

Luxinnovation has actively supported the Belval autonomous shuttle project led by Ohmio and the robotaxi developed by Poney.AI. This included connecting both foreign companies with key local partners (CFL and Voyages Émile Weber respectively), facilitating their establishment in Luxembourg and supporting their efforts to secure national and European funding.

Luxinnovation has also supported Loop-Park, an application that connects private parking space owners with drivers searching for available parking. The project took part in the Fit 4 Start programme managed by Luxinnovation and benefited from targeted support to connect with strategic partners, implement a proof of concept and secure national funding.

Smart City call: deadline 15 March

Last June, the Minister of the Economy, SMEs, Energy and Tourism, Lex Delles and the Minister of the Environment, Climate and Biodiversity, Serge Wilmes, launched the "Smart City" projects to accelerate the twin green and sustainable transitions through smart city solutions. The objective is to promote more efficient use of resources and energy through digital technologies.

Companies and municipalities interested in applying have until 15 March to submit their proposals. Luxinnovation’s experts are available to provide guidance and support throughout the application process.

Horizon Europe funding

Nancy Ramia, Advisor – European Funding, presented the European funding mechanisms available, with a particular focus on the Horizon Europe framework programme. As a national contact point, Luxinnovation offers a comprehensive range of services, from identifying suitable funding opportunities to supporting project implementation. This also includes support on technical, legal and financial aspects, as well as support in the preparation of the submission of the application.

Horizon Europe provides grants targeting the mobility sector through the Climate, Energy & Mobility Cluster, which focuses on sustainable transport solutions, as well as through one of the programme’s components of the EU Missions framework programme dedicated to climate neutrality and smart cities, as well as in the Digital Europe programme.

For the period 2026-2027:

• Around a dozen funded opportunities will open from June 2026
• Approximately six additional opportunities will follow in June 2027
• A call on Energy-efficient urban and suburban public transport, complemented by shared mobility will open on 4 February
• The call for a collaboration platform for Europe’s future connected and autonomous vehicles will close on 3 March 2026.

Companies and organisations interested in these opportunities are encouraged to contact Luxinnovation for personalised support tailored to their projects and ambitions.