FCT and AMA launch Call for the development of Digital Twins for Smart Territories

The Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) and the Agency for Administrative Modernization (AMA) are launching the Call research projects DigitalTwins4SmartTerritories (DT4ST): Digital Twins for Smart Territories. The Call for Proposals is now available. The application submission period runs from February 26 to March 26, 2025.

This initiative aims to select consortia led by entities from the National Scientific and Technological System (SCTN) to develop digital twins, virtual representations of physical products, systems or processes with practical applications. The research projects to be submitted must focus on priority areas of the National Smart Territories Strategy (ENTI), including Agriculture, Water, Decarbonization, Energy, Mobility, Civil Protection, Climate Resilience, Health and Tourism. The maximum funding per project is 1.5 million euros, with up to 8,668,000.00 euros expected to be awarded.

The digital twins developed should have the capacity to be reused and to support the development of public policies and decision support, becoming a fundamental pillar of the operational and planning strategy of public entities. The results of the funded projects will be made available in open formats, without access restrictions or costs for users.

Consortia must include non-business entities from the research and innovation (R&I) system, such as higher education institutions, state laboratories, private non-profit R&D institutions, among others. Companies can also participate, benefiting from 100% funding, as long as they are part of R&D projects led by non-business entities. In addition, consortia must include at least one public entity, ensuring that the needs of end users are represented. The participation of this entity must be formalized through a letter of collaboration, signed by its highest representative.

The Call DigitalTwins4SmartTerritories (DT4ST): Digital Twins for Smart Territories is funded by the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR) and is one of the actions included in measure TD - C19-i08 "Smart Territories". Its implementation is the result of the protocol established between AMA and FCT, with AMA being responsible for contracting the funded projects, as well as monitoring the selected initiatives. The projects must be completed by March 31, 2026, and expenses incurred from the date of publication of the notice until June 30, 2026 are eligible.

This is an opportunity for SCTN entities to contribute to the digitization of territories in Portugal, promoting innovation and sustainable development through digital twins.

For more information on the Call and the application conditions, please visit the Call page.