SOILL-Startup

Startup of the SOILL support structure for SOIL Living Labs

The "A Soil Deal for Europe" Mission aims to accelerate the transition to healthy soils by 2030 by establishing 100 Soil Health Living Labs and Lighthouses (SHLL/LHs) that will drive the development and adoption of solutions. The Framework Partnership SOILL, led by ENoLL (the International Association of Certified Living Labs), has been created to coordinate, support, expand, and promote the network of 100 SHLL/LHs. During the initial two years of SOILL, the SOILL-Startup project will collaborate with the first waves of SHLL/LHs and key stakeholders to launch the SOILL one-stop structure. 

This involves: 1) Establishing a high-quality structure for SHLL/LHs with clear processes and procedures. A web-based Hub will be created to facilitate outreach, collaboration, support, and monitoring within and beyond the 100 SHLL/LHs network. 2) Providing comprehensive support to SHLL/LHs for a harmonised and sustainable approach within the network. This includes capacity building through training and supporting tools on methodologies, technical aspects, and cross-cutting areas. Regular monitoring and evaluation of SHLL/LHs will be conducted based on a consolidated assessment framework. 3) Supporting network expansion by promoting, engaging, matchmaking, and advising applicants to Mission calls. Events will be organised to showcase funding opportunities, provide examples, and disseminate information on the SHLL/LH concept and its implementation. Webinars, coaching, and matchmaking will assist applicants in conceptualising and creating consortia for their applications. 4) Facilitating knowledge exchange, collaboration, and synergy creation within the SHLL/LHs network and the wider community. SOILL-Startup will enhance the visibility and accessibility of the SHLL/LHs, their work, and achievements. Mutual-learning events, collaborative platforms, mutual visits, and matchmaking will facilitate collaboration opportunities, knowledge sharing, and solution uptake."

Project ID

101145592

Funding period

1 January 2024 - 31 December 2025

Total budget

€3,200,000.00

EU contribution

€3,200,000.00

Funding programme

Horizon Europe

Call for proposals

HORIZON-MISS-2022-SOIL-01

Type of action

Coordination and Support Actions

Type of stakeholder

Researchers, farmers, and other stakeholders

Project contribution to Mission Soil’s:

Specific objectives

  • 1. Reduce land degradation relating to desertification
    Not targeted
  • 2. Conserve and increase soil organic carbon stocks
    Not targeted
  • 3. No net soil sealing and increase the reuse of urban soils
    Not targeted
  • 4. Reduce soil pollution and enhance restoration
    Not targeted
  • 5. Prevent erosion
    Not targeted
  • 6. Improve soil structure to enhance habitat quality for soil biota and crops
    Not targeted
  • 7. Reduce the EU global footprint on soils
    Not targeted
  • 8. Increase soil literacy in society across Member States
    Targeted

Operational objectives

  • 1. Build capacities and the knowledge base for soil stewardship
    Targeted
  • 2. Co-create and upscale place-based innovations to improve soil health in all places
    Targeted
  • 3. Develop an integrated EU soil monitoring system and track progress towards soil health
    Not targeted
  • 4. Engage with the soil user community and society at large
    Targeted

Innovation hotspots

  • 1. Carbon farming
    Not targeted
  • 2. Soil pollution and restoration
    Not targeted
  • 3. Soil biodiversity including the microbiome
    Not targeted
  • 4. Circular economy solutions
    Not targeted

Cross-cutting dimensions

  • 1. Business
    Partially targeted
  • 2. Digital
    Not targeted
  • 3. Territorial
    Targeted
  • 4. International
    Partially targeted

© European Union, 2024. Image sources: Adobe.Stock.com