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Winners of the third Women TechEU Open Call

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Winners of the third Women TechEU Open Call

Following the closure of the Women TechEU’s third open call on the 17 March 2025, the EU-funded scheme received a record breaking 1038 applications from 43 eligible countries, the highest number of submissions to date, demonstrating the growing demand for support among women-led deep tech start-ups across Europe. 

After a thorough evaluation process 40 winners were selected, representing 13 countries, including 3 from widening countries.

Geographic Diversity of Winners 

The latest selection round showcases start-ups from across a broad range of countries. The United Kingdom led with 9 winning start-ups, followed by France with 6, Germany and Norway  with 4, Denmark and Türkiye with 3, Austria, Netherlands, Spain and Sweden with 2 each. A winner was selected from Belgium, Estonia and Greece. This wide-ranging representation underscores the consortium’s commitment to fostering innovation across diverse technological landscapes, including those from widening countries.

Sectoral Representation 

Startups from a broad spectrum of sectors participated in the call. A majority of the selected winners – 50.0% – belonged to the “Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, including Big Data” category, on data-driven innovation across sectors such as manufacturing, and digital services. “Biotechnology, Life Sciences and Agritech” followed at 32.5%, while 15% of the winners were involved in “Sustainable Energy, Clean Technologies and Greentech.” Other notable sectors included “Advanced Materials” (10%) and “Internet of Things, W3C, Semantic Web” (10%).. Sectors like “Electronics and Photonics” (7.5%), “Advanced Manufacturing” (5%) and “Aerospace, Automotive and Remote Sensing” (2.5%).

DataHub 

The Women TechEU DataHub has been updated to include detailed profiles of the third call winners. These start-ups represent a diverse range of deep tech innovations, offering insights into their technologies. 

The platform provides an accessible way to explore the backgrounds of each selected start-up, helping increase visibility and encourage connections across the deep tech ecosystem.

You can explore the DataHub at https://datahub.womentecheurope.eu

Explore the Women TechEU Geo-Map

You can now visually explore where Women TechEU winners are based across Europe through our interactive Geo-Map. This feature offers a powerful way to see the geographic reach and diversity of the Women TechEU community at a glance.

Visit the website: https://datahub.womentecheurope.eu/map/

What’s next?

Following the conclusion of the third open call for startups, the Women TechEU consortium has already launched the fourth and final call which is set to close on 4 August 2025 at 17:00 CEST.

The insights gathered from the first, second, and third open call have been instrumental, prompting the project consortium to refine its engagement strategies. These strategies now focus on increasing participation from regions and sectors that previously saw fewer applications. By deliberately targeting these areas, the consortium aims to enhance diversity and broaden the impact of the upcoming calls, ensuring a more inclusive reach across Europe’s innovation landscape.

For stakeholders interested in collaborating to promote the Women TechEU scheme through a physical or virtual activity, the consortium encourages reaching out to the dedicated Events team at eventswomentecheurope [dot] eu (events[at]womentecheurope[dot]eu) .

For more information

All relevant details, including eligibility criteria, can be found on the Women TechEU website. Interested applicants are encouraged to consult the Guidelines for Applicants and the FAQ section for more information.

For any questions regarding the Women TechEU scheme, please contact the official Helpdesk Team at helpdeskatwomentecheurope [dot] eu (helpdesk[at]womentecheurope[dot]eu) .

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EU and United States reach deal on tariffs and trade

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EU and United States reach deal on tariffs and trade

The European Commission has reached a deal on tariffs and trade with the United States, stabilising on a single 15% tariff rate for the vast majority of EU exports. It gives much-needed clarity for citizens and businesses. Source link

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EU and United States reach deal on tariffs and trade

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EU and United States reach deal on tariffs and trade

The European Commission has reached a deal on tariffs and trade with the United States, stabilising on a single 15% tariff rate for the vast majority of EU exports. It gives much-needed clarity for citizens and businesses.

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F4E prepares Europe’s supply chain to deliver fusion fuel sources

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EU and United States reach deal on tariffs and trade

Inside fusion reactors, hydrogen atoms fuse together in a plasma at extreme temperatures to release energy. But just like a campfire needs fresh wood to keep it going, the plasma requires a steady supply of fuel to continue burning. In large tokamaks like JT-60SA and ITER, pellet injector systems will launch frozen pellets of protium, deuterium or tritium at high speed into the plasma to refuel and control it.

Despite their crucial role, there are only few suppliers worldwide with experience in manufacturing injector components. In fact, the recent Fuel Cycle Mapping report by F4E and EUROfusion identified this as an important technology gap to be tackled in Europe. “Fusion laboratories like CIEMAT, CEA, HUN-REN, or IPP have developed or operated injector concepts. Now we need to take the expertise into industry and build a European supply chain ready for large-scale fusion devices,” explains Mario Cavinato, Project Manager at F4E.

In this spirit, Fusion for Energy (F4E) organised an hybrid (in person and online) Information Day, hosted by the Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics (IPP) in Garching, Germany. More than thirty representatives from industry and research attended the event to learn more about the characteristics of pellet injector systems and future business opportunities. “The goal was to stimulate interest in this technology and connect players with the right competences. In particular,  partnerships between laboratories and companies will be key to bring the components to a mature stage,” says Cavinato.

The next step for F4E will be the launch of a Call for Tender to develop and manufacture pellet sources for JT-60SA and beyond. The source is the first part of the injection system. It will freeze the hydrogen gas, extrude an ice rod from it and cut it into millimetre-sized pellets at a very fast rate. Then, an accelerator will shoot it through a guiding tube with enough speed (up to 600 m/s)to penetrate the core of the plasma. F4E is working with the Spanish company SENER to deliver a centrifuge pellet accelerator for JT-60SA. The components will be qualified at a specialised testbed in IPP, also funded by F4E.

In ITER, the pellet injector system is under the scope of the United States. Therefore, the contribution to the JT-60SA, the experiment financed by Europe and Japan currently under upgrade, offers an invaluable opportunity to gain experience. “This project will allow us to develop know-how in a technology that will be deployed in next-generation fusion reactors,” asserts Cavinato. 

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UN warns of ‘catastrophic hunger’ in Gaza as Israel announces humanitarian pauses

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UN warns of ‘catastrophic hunger’ in Gaza as Israel announces humanitarian pauses

But as starvation tightens its grip and “children are dying before our eyes,” UN officials and aid workers warn that the measures fall far short of the much-needed ceasefire and unfettered aid access that could help stem the spiralling humanitarian catastrophe.

“Welcome announcement of humanitarian pauses in Gaza to allow our aid through,” UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher said on X. “In contact with our teams on the ground who will do all we can to reach as many starving people as we can in this window.”

In a statement later issued later by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, or OCHA, which Mr. Fletcher heads up, he added that some movement restrictions appear to have been eased today, with initial reports indicating that over 100 truckloads were collected.

“This is progress, but vast amounts of aid are needed to stave off famine and a catastrophic health crisis. Across the UN agencies and humanitarian community, we are mobilized to save as many lives as we can, he said, but called for “sustained action, and fast”, including quicker clearances for convoys going to the crossing and dispatching into Gaza.

“Ultimately of course we don’t just need a pause – we need a permanent ceasefire,” stated Mr. Fletcher, who emphasized: “The world is calling for this lifesaving aid to get through. We won’t stop working for that.”

Also reacting via X, UNICEF said: “This is an opportunity to begin to reverse this catastrophe and save lives.”

According to the agency, since the collapse of the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in March, children have been trapped in a nightmare and deprived of the basics to survive.

“The entire population of over two million people in Gaza is severely food insecure. One out of every three people has not eaten for days, and 80 per cent of all reported deaths by starvation are children,” the agency continued.

UNICEF emphasized that while it has never stopped delivering, “we can do a lot more if additional designated humanitarian corridors are created to facilitate the movement of our convoys – as well as commercial trucks, which are essential.”

‘A lifeline – if upheld and expanded’

The UN World Food Programme (WFP) also welcomed Israel’s announcement and its intent to open designated corridors for aid convoys in Gaza, “where hunger has reached catastrophic levels.”

With nearly half a million people facing famine-like conditions and a third of the population going days without food, WFP said in a press statement that the measures could offer a lifeline – if upheld and expanded.

Despite recent deliveries, including 350 truckloads last week, aid workers continue to face extreme risks and logistical hurdles. WFP said it has enough food stockpiled or en route to feed Gaza’s 2.1 million residents for three months, but without a ceasefire and consistent access, the scale of need far outpaces current efforts.

“An agreed ceasefire is the only way to reach everyone,” the agency stressed, calling for predictable and safe conditions to prevent further loss of life.

‘An entirely preventable crisis’

At the same time, the UN World Health Organization (WHO) warned that malnutrition in Gaza is spiralling out of control, with a sharp rise in deaths – most of them in July – marking what it calls a “dangerous trajectory.”

Of the 74 malnutrition-related deaths recorded this year, 63 occurred this month alone, including 24 children under five. Many died before reaching medical care, their bodies showing signs of severe wasting.

“This crisis is entirely preventable,” WHO said in a press release, citing the deliberate obstruction of aid for the mounting toll.

Children are bearing the brunt. Over 5,000 children have already been treated for malnutrition in July, many with the most life-threatening form. But Gaza’s four specialized treatment centers are overwhelmed, running low on fuel and supplies, and staffed by exhausted health workers.

“The health system is on the brink,” WHO warned, as disease spreads rapidly through communities with no clean water or sanitation.

The crisis is also devastating pregnant and breastfeeding women, over 40 per cent of whom are now severely malnourished. And it’s not just hunger that’s killing people—it’s the desperate search for food, according to WHO.

Since late May, more than 1,000 people have been killed and over 7,000 injured while trying to access aid. WHO is calling for an immediate ceasefire and a sustained surge of diverse, nutritious food and medical supplies.

“This flow must remain consistent and unhindered,” the agency said, urging protection for civilians, health workers, and humanitarian operations.

‘The world will judge this conference’

Looking ahead to the High-Level Conference on Palestine set to open on Monday at UN Headquarters in New York, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights issued a strong call for immediate action to end Israel’s unlawful occupation and the ongoing devastation in Gaza.

“Countries that fail to use their leverage may be complicit in international crimes,” Volker Türk warned in a statement, urging governments to seize the moment for concrete measures that pressure Israel to halt the carnage and recommit to a two-state solution.

The UN rights chief described Gaza as a “dystopian landscape of deadly attacks and total destruction,” where children are starving and families are being killed in their search for food. The militarized aid distribution system, supported by the US and Israel, is failing to meet the scale of need.

“We can never forget that more than 300 of our own colleagues have been killed,” he added.

Moreover, in the occupied West Bank, violence by Israeli forces and settlers continues unabated, with homes demolished and water supplies cut off.

Mr. Türk reiterated condemnation of the 7 October attacks by Hamas but emphasized that the scale of suffering inflicted on Palestinians since then cannot be justified.

Calling for an immediate, permanent ceasefire, the release of hostages and detainees, and a massive surge in humanitarian aid, he concluded:

“The people of the world will judge this Conference on what it delivers.”

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NitroCapt wins the 2025 Food Planet Prize

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NitroCapt wins the 2025 Food Planet Prize

NitroCapt, an Innoenergy portfolio company, won the 2025 Food Planet Prize – the world’s largest environmental award focused on food systems – for its breakthrough technology to decarbonise nitrogen fertiliser production.

The award, worth $ 2 million, was announced in Stockholm and recognises NitroCapt’s potential to revolutionise one of the most emissions-intensive sectors of agriculture.

The Prize jury highlighted the urgent need to address the global overuse and fossil-based production of nitrogen fertilisers. NitroCapt’s technology offers a novel solution: a plasma-based process that fixes nitrogen from the air using only water, oxygen, and renewable electricity – completely eliminating the need for fossil fuels. The result is a nitrate fertiliser that can be produced locally, with a tenfold reduction in energy use, and with the potential to improve both environmental and soil health.

NitroCapt’s mission is to decarbonise the nitrogen fertiliser industry. The current fossil-based process has reached its end point. This Prize will be very important for us to bring our technology to the stage where we can start making a difference

Gustaf Forsberg, CEO and founder of NitroCapt

As a long-standing partner, InnoEnergy is proud to support NitroCapt in their mission to enable a more sustainable, secure, and resilient global food system.

A climate-smart breakthrough for agriculture

The nitrogen fertiliser industry is responsible for more than 2.5% of global CO₂ emissions – largely due to its dependency on fossil fuels and energy-intensive processes. NitroCapt offers an innovative, clean alternative that aligns with urgent climate goals and sustainable agriculture.

NitroCapt’s technology brings a wide range of benefits that make it uniquely positioned to reshape the fertiliser sector. By eliminating the need for fossil fuels, it drastically cuts greenhouse gas emissions and reduces the industry’s overall climate impact. Its energy-efficient process consumes up to 90% less energy than conventional methods, making it not only cleaner but also more cost-effective in the long term. The ability to produce fertiliser locally strengthens food security by reducing dependence on global supply chains and imported raw materials – a critical factor in an era of increasing geopolitical uncertainty.

With nine letters of intent signed for 33 full-scale production units – together worth over €1 billion in commercial value – NitroCapt’s solution is already demonstrating strong market traction.

From global recognition to market acceleration

NitroCapt’s win comes during a period of rapid development and commercial progress:

  • Launch of Sweden’s first domestic mineral nitrogen fertiliser production in nearly 20 years (April 2025): With the launch of SUNIFER®, NitroCapt has re-established domestic fertiliser production using only renewable energy – boosting food security and reducing Sweden’s reliance on imported, fossil-based fertilisers.
  • Strategic collaboration with Axfood and Dafgårds (March 2025): A new partnership will see one million loaves of bread produced using grain grown with NitroCapt’s low-carbon fertiliser – showcasing a fully traceable and climate-friendly food supply chain from farm to shelf.
  • First commercial order from Felleskjøpet Agri (October 2024): A Kr 10 million pre-order of SUNIFER® from the Norwegian farmers’ cooperative signals early commercial momentum and growing demand for sustainable fertiliser solutions.
  • Collaboration with VIVESCIA to build green fertilizers production in France (September 2024): NitroCapt has entered a partnership with leading French cooperative VIVESCIA to build green fertiliser production capacity for up to 750,000 hectares of farmland in the Grand Est region.

Clean tech innovation must be scalable, impactful, and commercially viable. NitroCapt exemplifies these qualities by combining deep-tech innovation with global relevance, they are helping transform one of agriculture’s most entrenched carbon challenges into a climate opportunity.

Discover more here

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NitroCapt wins the 2025 Food Planet Prize

0
EU and United States reach deal on tariffs and trade

NitroCapt, an Innoenergy portfolio company, won the 2025 Food Planet Prize – the world’s largest environmental award focused on food systems – for its breakthrough technology to decarbonise nitrogen fertiliser production.

The award, worth $ 2 million, was announced in Stockholm and recognises NitroCapt’s potential to revolutionise one of the most emissions-intensive sectors of agriculture.

The Prize jury highlighted the urgent need to address the global overuse and fossil-based production of nitrogen fertilisers. NitroCapt’s technology offers a novel solution: a plasma-based process that fixes nitrogen from the air using only water, oxygen, and renewable electricity – completely eliminating the need for fossil fuels. The result is a nitrate fertiliser that can be produced locally, with a tenfold reduction in energy use, and with the potential to improve both environmental and soil health.

NitroCapt’s mission is to decarbonise the nitrogen fertiliser industry. The current fossil-based process has reached its end point. This Prize will be very important for us to bring our technology to the stage where we can start making a difference

Gustaf Forsberg, CEO and founder of NitroCapt

As a long-standing partner, InnoEnergy is proud to support NitroCapt in their mission to enable a more sustainable, secure, and resilient global food system.

A climate-smart breakthrough for agriculture

The nitrogen fertiliser industry is responsible for more than 2.5% of global CO₂ emissions – largely due to its dependency on fossil fuels and energy-intensive processes. NitroCapt offers an innovative, clean alternative that aligns with urgent climate goals and sustainable agriculture.

NitroCapt’s technology brings a wide range of benefits that make it uniquely positioned to reshape the fertiliser sector. By eliminating the need for fossil fuels, it drastically cuts greenhouse gas emissions and reduces the industry’s overall climate impact. Its energy-efficient process consumes up to 90% less energy than conventional methods, making it not only cleaner but also more cost-effective in the long term. The ability to produce fertiliser locally strengthens food security by reducing dependence on global supply chains and imported raw materials – a critical factor in an era of increasing geopolitical uncertainty.

With nine letters of intent signed for 33 full-scale production units – together worth over €1 billion in commercial value – NitroCapt’s solution is already demonstrating strong market traction.

From global recognition to market acceleration

NitroCapt’s win comes during a period of rapid development and commercial progress:

  • Launch of Sweden’s first domestic mineral nitrogen fertiliser production in nearly 20 years (April 2025): With the launch of SUNIFER®, NitroCapt has re-established domestic fertiliser production using only renewable energy – boosting food security and reducing Sweden’s reliance on imported, fossil-based fertilisers.
  • Strategic collaboration with Axfood and Dafgårds (March 2025): A new partnership will see one million loaves of bread produced using grain grown with NitroCapt’s low-carbon fertiliser – showcasing a fully traceable and climate-friendly food supply chain from farm to shelf.
  • First commercial order from Felleskjøpet Agri (October 2024): A Kr 10 million pre-order of SUNIFER® from the Norwegian farmers’ cooperative signals early commercial momentum and growing demand for sustainable fertiliser solutions.
  • Collaboration with VIVESCIA to build green fertilizers production in France (September 2024): NitroCapt has entered a partnership with leading French cooperative VIVESCIA to build green fertiliser production capacity for up to 750,000 hectares of farmland in the Grand Est region.

Clean tech innovation must be scalable, impactful, and commercially viable. NitroCapt exemplifies these qualities by combining deep-tech innovation with global relevance, they are helping transform one of agriculture’s most entrenched carbon challenges into a climate opportunity.

Discover more here

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The UN warns against “catastrophic hunger” in Gaza while Israel announces humanitarian breaks

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But as famine tightens its grip and “children die before our eyes”, UN officials and humanitarian workers warn that the measures are not far from the essential ceasefire and access to unhindered aid that could help resolve the humanitarian disaster in a spiral.

“The welcome of a welcome from the humanitarian breaks to Gaza to allow our aid”, the United Nations Emergency Rescue Coordator Tom Fletcher said On X. “In contact with our teams on the ground who will do everything we can to reach as many hungry people as possible in this window.”

Also reacting via the platform, Unicef said, “This is an opportunity to start reverse this disaster and save lives. »»

According to the agency, since the collapse of the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in March, the children were trapped in a nightmare and deprived of the bases to survive.

“The entire population of more than two million people in Gaza is seriously insecure. One in three people have not eaten for days, and 80% of the deaths reported by famine are children, “continued the agency.

UNICEF stressed that even if it has never stopped delivering, “we can do much more if additional humanitarian corridors are created to facilitate the movement of our convoys – as well as commercial trucks, which are essential.”

“A life buoy – if he is maintained and enlarged”

The United Nations World Food Program (Wfp) also welcomed the announcement of Israel and his intention to open designated corridors for convoys of assistance in Gaza, “where Hunger has reached catastrophic levels. “”

With almost half a million people confronted with famine type conditions and a third of the population who passes without food, WFP declared in a press release that the measures could offer a rescue buoy-if they are maintained and enlarged.

Despite recent deliveries, including 350 trucks last week, humanitarian workers continue to deal with extreme risks and logistical obstacles. WFP said it had enough food stored or on the way to feed 2.1 million Gaza residents for three months, but constantly and coherent access, the need for the need for current efforts.

“A convenient ceasefire is the only way to reach everyone,” said the agency, calling for predictable and safe conditions to avoid new loss of linked life.

“A fully avoidable crisis”

At the same time, the United Nations World Health Organization (WHO) warned that Malnutrition in Gaza is becoming uncontrollableWith a sharp increase in deaths – most of them in July – marking what she calls a “dangerous trajectory”.

Of the 74 deaths related to malnutrition recorded this year, 63 took place this month only, including 24 children under the age of five. Many died before reaching medical care, their bodies showing signs of severe waste.

“This crisis is entirely avoidable,” said in a press release, citing the deliberate obstruction of aid for mounting tolls.

Children carry the weight. More than 5,000 children have already been treated for malnutrition in July, many of which have the most deadly form. But the four specialized Gaza treatment centers are submerged, at low prices of fuel and supplies and equipped with exhausted health workers.

“The health system is on the verge of chasm,” warned, while the disease spreads quickly through communities without clean water or sanitation.

The crisis is also devastating of pregnant and breastfeeding women, more than 40% of whom are now seriously malnutric. And it’s not just hunger that kills people – it’s desperate research of food, according to whom.

Since the end of May, more than 1,000 people have been killed and more than 7,000 injured when they have been trying to access the aid. Who calls for an immediate ceasefire and a sustained increase in diversified and nutritious dishes and medical supplies.

“This flow must remain consistent and without hindrance,” said the agency, urging the protection of civilians, health workers and humanitarian operations.

“The world will judge this conference”

With regard to the high -level conference on Palestine which would open on Monday at the United Nations headquarters in New York, the High Commissioner of the United Nations Human Rights launched an appeal to immediate measures to end the illegal occupation of Israel and the continuous devastation in Gaza.

“Countries that fail to use their lever effect can be accomplices of international crimes,” said Volker Türk in a statement, urging governments to seize the time of concrete measures that put pressure on Israel to arrest carnage and revise a two -state solution.

The head of the United Nations rights described Gaza as a “Dystopian landscape of deadly attacks and total destructionWhere children are hungry and families are killed in their search for food. The militarized aid distribution system, supported by the United States and Israel, does not meet the need for needs.

“We can never forget that more than 300 of our own colleagues have been killed,” he added.

In addition, in occupied West Bank, the violence of the Israeli forces and the colonists continues tirelessly, with demolished houses and cut water supplies.

Mr. Türk reiterated the condemnation of the attacks on October 7 of Hamas, but stressed that the extent of the suffering inflicted on the Palestinians cannot be justified.

Calling for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, the release of hostages and prisoners and a massive increase in humanitarian aid, he concluded:

“The people of the world will judge this conference on what they deliver.”

Originally published at Almouwatin.com

SECURITY COUNCIL LIVE: Situation in Ukraine

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SECURITY COUNCIL LIVE: Situation in Ukraine

The UN Security Council is meeting on Friday morning to discuss the situation in Ukraine amid mounting concerns over the intensifying hostilities and growing humanitarian needs. Senior UN political affairs and humanitarian officials are expected to brief the Council. Follow our live coverage from UN News, in coordination with UN Meetings Coverage, for updates from the chamber. UN News App users can follow here.

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Strategic Innovation Open Call | EIT

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EU and United States reach deal on tariffs and trade

Apply to the Strategic Innovation Open Call to develop impactful solutions that address the most pressing challenges in urban mobility. The call focuses on supporting ambitious, market-critical projects that tackle clearly defined problems faced by cities, public authorities, and mobility providers. Through this call, EIT Urban Mobility fosters innovation and strengthens Europe’s competitiveness by encouraging […]

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