Madrid opens a new door to applied innovation with Sandbox Madrid, an initiative promoted by Madrid Innovation that is launching its first call for proposals aimed at private sector entities.
The objective is clear: to provide a real testing environment for innovative projects that have an impact on the city, allowing solutions to be validated under controlled conditions, with monitoring and evaluation.
What kind of projects is Sandbox Madrid looking for?
This call for proposals is specifically aimed at initiatives that fit into three major strategic areas:
- Sustainability
- Circular economy
- Energy
Three key areas for moving towards a more efficient, resilient city that is aligned with current environmental and technological challenges.
How to participate: stages of the process
The participation procedure is structured in four main stages:
- Submit your application via the Madrid City Council's online portal.
(Open call from January 20, 2026, to March 2, 2026) - Project evaluation and authorization.
(Maximum response time: 6 months) - Development and monitoring of tests, once authorized.
(Maximum start date: 3 months after authorization. Maximum duration: 1 year) - Results and learning, through a final report with conclusions and evidence from the pilot.
Minimum requirements
The call for proposals establishes requirements for both the developer and the project.
Minimum requirements for the developer
- Have sufficient resources to perform the tests.
- Ensure safety and accessibility during the pilot.
- Be up to date with tax and Social Security obligations.
Minimum project requirements
- Bringing innovation with public interest and impact to the city.
- Present technological maturity TRL 3-8.
- Respond to one of the three verticals defined in the call for proposals.
- Meet criteria of public interest, sustainability, and ethical principles.
An opportunity to test innovation in a real-world environment
Sandbox Madrid is positioned as a strategic tool for companies, startups, and technology entities that want to validate solutions with urban impact, in collaboration with the administration and within a defined testing framework.
If your organization is developing an innovative solution in sustainability, energy, or the circular economy, this call for proposals could be the starting point for scaling up with institutional support.
Further information and contact details:
www.sandboxmadrid.es
sandbox@madrid.es