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  With the goal of supporting creative solutions that will revitalise rural communities throughout Europe, the NewEcoSmart (NES) initiative is thrilled to launch its Open Call for 2024. With an emphasis on green and digital transformation, this project aims to empower micro-firms, small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs), and persons over 45 through social innovation. The NES project is awarding three grants, one for each of our experimental sites in Spain, Portugal, and Italy, totalling €49,500. Up to €16,500 will be awarded to each chosen project to show how their creative solutions can propel digital and green innovations in these communities.We invite solution providers, SMEs, and micro-firms to submit their projects that align with the needs of NES communities. Applications should address challenges in the following areas: To be eligible for funding, applicants must ensure their projects are tailored to the specific needs of the NES pilot sites they wish to address. Each application must: With submissions due by December 5, 2024, and a review period in December and January 2025, the Open Call will follow a set schedule. Grant agreements will be signed by the end of January 2025, once successful candidates have been notified. The website’s NewEcoSmart Open Call portion contains further information for interested candidates, such as the Guide for Applicants and the NES Open Call Proposal Template. An online form will be used for submissions. In order to promote inclusive and sustainable development throughout Europe, this Open Call offers solution providers a priceless chance to support social innovation and the green and digital transitions in rural areas. Applicants can contact us with any queries or concerns about the submission procedure by using this email: questions@newecosmart.eu.  

  The NESHack event was concluded after three days of intensive collaboration, during which teams from Spain, Portugal, and Italy developed innovative solutions addressing challenges related to green and digital transitions, as well as social innovation in rural areas and the habitat sector. The event ended on September 20th, when participants presented their projects to the jury. Ivan Chorbev, representing the jury, expressed his appreciation for the dedication and creativity displayed by all the teams. He noted that every solution presented was both fascinating and valuable, making the final decision incredibly challenging due to the tight scoring. A total of 25 participants contributed to this showcase of pioneer ideas aimed at tackling some of Europe’s pressing environmental and social challenges. Congratulations to the Winners: Regarding the Spanish challenge, we are looking for participants for a second round that will happen on 2, 3 and 4 October, so if you are interested in participating, fill out the registration form:  https://forms.gle/gvcUYERBFByDQ2PW9 To all participants, the NES team extends an invitation to continue developing your solutions through the Open Call that will be launched soon! A heartfelt thank you to everyone who participated and contributed to making NESHack such a resounding success! Keep an eye out for the upcoming videos created by the teams, which will be available on the NES website soon. Stay tuned for more opportunities and let’s keep the spirit of innovation alive!