Deadline: April 10, 2026
Organiser: Rural Activators Pilot Academy (partners: Libero Pensatore APS, DINAMO10, Kora, Rooral, Asociación Desarrollo Tecnológico Rural)
Who is it for: individuals, small teams, or collectives from Spain, Portugal and Italy
Read more and apply here
---
About Rural Activators Pilot Academy
Rural Activators Pilot Academy a pioneer initiative designed to support 30+ upcoming rural innovators across Europe to activate their territories by regenerating unused or abandoned spaces, to develop social innovation inside them, and inspire others to do the same.
The project partners are currently on the lookout for 10 upcoming rural activators in Spain, Portugal and Italy that wish to embody rural regeneration excellence – who aim to bring creative approaches to revitalizing rural spaces and communities.
Who is it for?
Ideal participants are individuals, small teams, or collectives that:
- Want to actively regenerate rural spaces (turning them into co-livings, co-workings, cultural hubs, creative centers, agricultural innovation, youth programs, social enterprises, hybrid farms, training centers in rural areas, etc.)
- Want to work closely with local communities (not extractive; collaborative)
- Have already identified a space in which the project can happen
- Have an innovative project that embraces architecture, social innovation, and/or community engagement
- Have some English communication skills so they can enroll in the international content and make the best out of the mentorship session
Who can Apply?
- Any individual or small team with an upcoming rural innovation project in Italy, Portugal, or Spain.
- Municipalities owning unused buildings and seeking contacts with rural activators are also welcome to apply!
What does the project offer?
- National & International networking - with other newcoming rural activators, and also well-established rural innovative projects, local stakeholders and institutions, municipalities, etc.
- The chance to participate in the first Pilot Academy designed for new Rural Activation projects
- Online training and 2 in-person meetups
- Access to a learning platform & materials & knowledge on success cases
- Mentoring by expert rural activators
- Working with your peers to develop projects in collaboration
- Access to the International workshop in Italy
Learn more about the Rural Activators Pilot Academy on their official website and apply through the application form here.
---
Main image: chris robert on Unsplash
