ROTTERDAM, 6 May 2025 – A total of 26 innovative local projects will receive financial backing through the municipality’s CityLab010 initiative. With a combined starting budget of €1 million, these plans will address a range of social, environmental and economic challenges in Rotterdam.
CityLab010 grants €1 million to 26 local projects
The municipality of Rotterdam has announced the 26 selected initiatives for the 2024 edition of CityLab010, a civic support programme designed to boost grassroots innovation. From a pool of 137 submissions, these projects were chosen by the City Jury (Stadsjury) for their potential to improve life in the city. One wildcard was also granted.
According to alderman Robert Simons, who holds the portfolio for port, economy, hospitality and governance, “Rotterdam is full of talent and good ideas. With CityLab010 we give these initiatives a push in the right direction. I hope others will feel encouraged to take action as well.”
Presentation event on 22 May at OASE
The selected participants will present their plans during a public event on 22 May at OASE Rotterdam. The evening will include pitches from the 26 plan-makers and is open to the public. Alderman Simons, the City Jury and partner organisations of CityLab010 will be in attendance.
A diverse range of urban initiatives
The 2024 cohort includes a broad spectrum of themes, often linked to social or environmental innovation. Highlights include:
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Benyos WasteCrab: A robotic device designed to collect litter from public areas where manual labour is currently required.
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De Speelfabriek: A workshop in Rotterdam-Zuid introducing children aged 5–12 to technical skills through play, regardless of background or language ability.
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Rainwalks: A creative project using rain-activated paint to reveal walking routes only visible when wet, encouraging physical activity even during bad weather.
Other selected initiatives target issues such as circular design, youth unemployment, climate adaptation, and social cohesion. Each project receives a starting budget of up to €50,000. The full jury report can be downloaded here.
About CityLab010
CityLab010 is a municipal support programme that has funded hundreds of initiatives since its launch in 2015. It provides not only seed funding but also access to municipal expertise, coaching, and networks. This year’s jury included 12 local professionals from various sectors, and the programme collaborates with seven partner organisations such as Erasmus University Rotterdam and Rabobank.
The initiative’s focus remains on enhancing sustainability, social resilience and local entrepreneurship throughout the city. Past successful examples include BLEND in Bloemhof—a social enterprise combining a coffee bar, salon and clothing shop—and WEAR, a sneaker refurbishment concept in Rotterdam-Zuid.
Event location: OASE Rotterdam
The CityLab010 presentation evening will take place at OASE, an event space located along the Westzeedijk near the Erasmus MC. The area is easily accessible by public transport, bicycle or on foot from the city centre. The venue regularly hosts community-focused events and sustainability programmes.
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