Deadline Date: September 04, 2026
The Call for Validation of Social Innovations by Startups is supported by the Digital, Innovation, and Green Technology Project to develop and validate digital and green innovations that respond to societal needs in Croatia.
The focus areas, include advancing digital transformation and green transition, supporting pre-commercial research and development, validating social innovations into pilot-ready solutions, fostering digital social innovation and green social innovation, and addressing societal challenges through technology-driven and environmentally sustainable approaches.
The total budget for the call is EUR 5 million, with grants ranging from EUR 80,000 to EUR 300,000. Projects under Group A may run up to 16 months, while Group B projects may run up to 22 months, with all activities required to be completed by October 31, 2028.
The programme is financed by the Digital, Innovation, and Green Technology Project, a EUR 106 million initiative supported by a World Bank loan aimed at strengthening research and innovation systems and institutional capacity in Croatia. It operates under a pre-commercial R&D support framework designed to address gaps in funding for mid-stage innovation between early research and full commercialization.
The call is structured into two thematic groups. The first group focuses on digital social innovation, supporting solutions that use digital tools, data-driven approaches, artificial intelligence, digital platforms, and e-health or education technologies to address social challenges and improve inclusion, access, and public services. The second group focuses on green social innovation, supporting solutions that promote environmental sustainability, circular economy models, renewable energy, climate resilience, sustainable mobility, and resource efficiency while delivering positive social outcomes for vulnerable and underserved communities.
The programme aims to develop and validate innovative solutions into pilot-ready, user-tested products, services, and processes that generate measurable social value. It also monitors progress through indicators such as the number of beneficiaries of pre-commercial R&D grants and the number of developed digital and green innovations.
Eligible projects must align with Croatia’s Smart Specialisation Strategy and national development priorities, comply with environmental sustainability requirements under EU regulations, and demonstrate contributions to climate mitigation or adaptation where applicable. Projects must also ensure that activities do not cause significant environmental harm and must adhere to eligibility conditions regarding implementation readiness, partnerships, duration, and cost limits.
For more information, visit DIGIT.
