News
06/03/2026

Bring space-powered innovation to your city: apply to the JULIA Open Call for PTOs

The JULIA project launches an Open Call for Public Transport Operators (PTOs) to test space-enabled innovations in real operations, with funding and expert support to make adoption simple and risk-free. Apply to the Call to test ready-to-deploy innovations with minimal disruption in your city!

The JULIA project seeks to integrate EU Space services and data into the global public transport sector, primarily utilising Galileo, the European Global Navigation Satellite System (EGNSS). The aim is to enhance the reliability, efficiency, and sustainability of public transport networks, covering buses, trains, and bicycles.

In collaboration with technological partners, JULIA introduces cutting-edge applications for public transport based on space services (Galileo) and data (Copernicus). These 10 applications aim to enhance real-time information and communication, reducing barriers to sustainable travel.

One of JULIA’s missions is therefore to provide scalable solutions that can improve day-to-day operations in public transport. To realise this goal, the consortium has launched an Open Call for Public Transport Operators (PTOs). The call is a unique opportunity to test space-enabled innovations in real operations, with funding and expert support to make adoption simple and risk-free. By participating, PTOs will receive €15,000 in funding to test ready-to-deploy innovations with minimal disruption.

What can be tested?

The Open Call offers five applications addressing real operational challenges, focused on improving vehicle positioning, stop detection and passenger pick-up accuracy to enhance reliability and service quality:

  • A1 – Precision Localisation for DRT Operations,
  • A2 – Precise Vehicle Positioning with Enhanced Galileo Services,
  • A3 – Effective DRT Pick-up Process Enhanced by Galileo.

Complementing these,

  • A4 – Air Quality for Public Transport Operations
  • and A5 – Climate Change & Urban Benchmarking for Public Transport

provide environmental intelligence to help operators monitor air quality, anticipate climate impacts, and support healthier, more resilient transport systems.

These solutions leverage Galileo positioning and Copernicus Earth observation data to deliver actionable insights that conventional systems cannot provide, enabling PTOs to explore how space-based data can improve daily operations while informing long-term planning and sustainability strategies.

Easy to deploy, fully supported

Practical details:

Pilot timeline: July and August 2026 – The pilots are intentionally small-scale and low-risk, designed to demonstrate tangible benefits within 1–2 months and provide evidence for future scaling.

Technical support: The applications are designed to be simple to implement and low risk for participating PTOs. Hardware installations, where required, are temporary and non-intrusive, while software-based solutions can be deployed remotely within hours. No backend integration is needed, and existing operational workflows can remain largely unchanged, allowing teams to focus on evaluating impact rather than managing complex deployments.

Financial Support:  To support participation, five selected PTOs will receive €15,000 in lump-sum funding to cover installation, setup, and pilot execution costs. In addition to financial support, participants benefit from technical guidance, comprehensive documentation, remote assistance, and evaluation insights that can inform future large-scale deployment and investment decisions.

Learn more: Webinar & Workshop

To help PTOs understand the opportunity and prepare strong applications, JULIA is organising two key events to help you determine which application fits your needs and how to maximise the value of participation.

Open Call Webinar (13 March, 12 pm, online): Funding opportunities for PTOs to pilot JULIA innovations

A concise session introducing the call, applications, and how to apply, with live Q&A.

REGISTER HERE

JULIA Workshop for PTOs and PTAs (23 March, 2 pm, online): How to use satellite data to improve accuracy and efficiency of transport operations?

This workshop will explore the common PTO challenges that can be solved by satellite-based tools, their specific requirements and how to implement them easily. Technical partners and pilot leaders will guide participants through the applications adapted to the cities’ needs.

The workshop will conclude with the presentation of the JULIA Open Call, which awards funding to cities wishing to test these technologies in July and August 2026.

More details on the workshop

REGISTER HERE 

Visit the Open Call page to learn more and submit your application.