project — research

CATALYSE

Driving local transformation toward net-zero cities

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Julia Wittmayer

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The CATALYSE project supports European cities in their journey toward climate neutrality by moving beyond fragmented experimentation. It focuses on developing mission-oriented policies that are firmly rooted in local realities.

At the heart of the project lies the ambition to position knowledge institutions as key transformative hubs within innovation ecosystems. By strengthening their role as trusted actors, CATALYSE connects diverse stakeholders, scales social innovations, and fosters collaboration across Europe.

In four pilot cities – Leipzig, Manchester, Rotterdam, and Vienna – CATALYSE creates inclusive spaces where local needs meet global challenges. These settings aim to drive sustainable, socially innovative, and democratically grounded transitions toward net-zero cities.

Through this work, CATALYSE helps bridge the gap between the EU Cities Mission’s ambitious goals and on-the-ground action, ensuring cities are equipped to lead their own climate-neutral transformations.

Project duration 

2025-2028 

Funding

Catalyse is funded under the Horizon Europe programme, grant agreement 101217086.

Partners

  • Austrian Institute of Technology (Coordinator)
  • Fraunhofer ISI
  • University of Manchester
  • DRIFT
  • TU Vienna
  • City of Leipzig
  • Greater Manchester Combined Authority
  • +anderen
  • superwien
  • ICLEI Europe
  • Greenovate!