Ecoversity Seed Funding Call

Funding is provided for construction and infrastructure measures aimed at creating or transforming spaces that facilitate discussion of current scientific, societal, or institutional topics; provide insights into ongoing work; enable the identification and further development of research questions; and foster spontaneous or low-threshold encounters and exchanges. These spaces should be open to as many different subject areas as possible. Thus, spaces intended exclusively for internal institute meetings are not eligible.

The majority of the funds is designated for actual implementation (construction, renovation, furnishings, infrastructure).

In particular, structural modifications and functional reorganizations of spaces — including furnishings, media infrastructure, technical adaptations for multiple uses, and measures to enhance visibility and accessibility —are eligible for funding. Conceptual services are eligible for funding provided they directly serve the implementation (e.g., planning, operational concept, user guidance). Mere conceptual sketches without concrete prospects for implementation and the organization of events are not eligible for funding.

Below are some examples of space concepts in line with the call for proposals. This list is intended to serve as inspiration and should in no way be understood as a requirement or limitation:

“Third-Place” Meeting Space: An open, informal space with no barriers to entry that facilitates chance encounters and encourages regular social interaction.

“Question Capture & Response” space: A physically visible location where questions are collected, documented, and collaboratively developed within defined time frames.

Open “show-and-tell” lab / workshop window: A spatial arrangement that allows for regular glimpses into ongoing work (lines of sight, demonstration area, safe visitor guidance).

Living Lab Space: A modularly equipped space for collaborative development and testing under realistic conditions, with integrated feedback mechanisms.

Project Dock for Temporary Teams: A clearly designated project space with documentation areas, a prototyping area, and visible interim results.

Information Session 

There will be open online information and consultation sessions during the application phase:

• 1. July 27, 2026, at 9:00 a.m.
• 2. August 11, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.

If you are interested in attending, please register with Anika Bertram: anika.bertram(at)tu-braunschweig.de

Feasibility Check

During the application phase, you can receive individual support with concept development and visualizations.

If you are interested, please also contact us by email at:
Anika Bertram – Project House at TU Braunschweig
anika.bertram(at)tu-braunschweig.de
tu-braunschweig.de/projekthaus

For concepts with architectural, technical, infrastructural, or equipment-related implications, coordination with GB3 is required in the subsequent process. This applies in particular if issues related to fire safety, escape and rescue routes, technical utilities, or other building-related conditions may be affected. Applications involving architectural components can only be considered if this coordination is documented.

Please contact the following person directly:
Bettina Nöhren, Head of the Building Construction and Maintenance Department
b.noehren(at)tu-braunschweig.de
tu-braunschweig.de/gb3/fb3/abt35/team

Selection is based on a comparative evaluation by a selection committee composed of members of the Executive Board and the International Advisory Board of the Ecoversity project.

Each of the following six criteria is scored on a scale of 0–3 points, maximum 18 points.

1. Quality and clarity of the spatial concept
2. Degree of innovation of the project
3. Feasibility and sustainable operation
4. Contribution to the structural development of the university and its priority areas
5. Added value for various individuals / departments / administrative units at the TU
6. Involvement of Ecoversity partners

The following must be submitted:

• A concept description of no more than 3 pages that explicitly addresses the selection criteria
• Visualizations of the planned project, including floor plans showing the central elements of the concept,
• a financial plan,
• a confirmation of the availability of the designated space from the responsible administrative unit,
• the names of the lead person and the supporting individuals/units.

Please use the application template and submit your application by September 10, 2026, as one PDF file to: ecoversity(at)tu-braunschweig.de

All professors at TU Braunschweig, as well as heads of departments within the central administration and the faculties (e.g., heads of staff offices, faculty administrative offices, department heads, and heads of central organizational units), are eligible to apply.

The application must be submitted explicitly as a joint application by several eligible applicants who work in a meaningful (geographical) context related to the space to be designed (e.g., together on a campus, in a research centre, etc.) and who intend to use this space jointly. One person serves as the designated contact and submits the application on behalf of the group.

Projects intended to benefit exclusively a single institute, a single professorship, or an administrative unit—and which do not create any discernible added value for multiple units within a shared space—are not eligible for funding.