❓FAQ

❓FAQ: Bootcamp Challenge Submission

Is this a funding call?
No. This is not a grant or microfunding opportunity in the traditional sense.
However, selected challenge-holders will participate in a fully-funded bootcamp process, with travel and accommodation expenses covered for Bootcamp 1.

In addition, after the first bootcamp, up to four winning ideas will be awarded €5,000 in production support to further develop their proposals. These project teams will also have their participation in Bootcamps 2 and 3 fully covered (including travel and accommodation).
This is intended to support continuity, collaboration, and deeper prototyping of the most promising initiatives.

What kind of challenges can I submit?
Challenges should relate to soil, land, or territory issues and connect to at least one of SoilTribes’ four priorities (Soil Democracy, Territorial Justice, Commons Stewardship, Regenerative Transitions). They can be policy dilemmas, social conflicts, access issues, or any problem that could benefit from collaborative, participatory inquiry.

Check the Guidelines for details: https://commons.soiltribes.eu/processes/bootcamp-challenge-submission/f/23/

Can I submit more than one challenge?
Yes, but please ensure each submission is distinct and well-documented.

What happens if my challenge is selected?
You will be invited to join the bootcamp and collaborate with peers from across Europe to co-design tools, strategies, or prototypes responding to your challenge. The bootcamp is an immersive, facilitated space focused on shared learning and solution-building.

How many people will be selected to attend the bootcamp in person?
A total of 10 members per pillar (Public Sector, Academia, Civil Society, Social Economy) will be invited to attend the bootcamp physically, with all travel and accommodation expenses covered. Participation will be based on the relevance of submitted challenges and alignment with the project priorities.

What if I'm not a member of the CoP yet?
You must join the SoilTribes Community of Practice before submitting.
👉 Apply here

Can my organization co-submit a challenge with others?
Yes, joint submissions are welcome. Please indicate all partners in the stakeholder section of the submission form.

How will submitted challenges be evaluated?

Challenges will be evaluated based on clear value criteria outlined in the guidelines. These include:

• Relevance to the SOILTRIBES Bootcamp priorities and the EU Soil Mission

• Clarity and specificity of the problem

• Transformative potential (can it shift systems, norms, or policies?)

• Replicability (“seed quality”)

• Commitment to follow-up

• Connection to one or more of the four pillars (public, academic, civil society, or social economy)

• Diversity and how well it fits the ecosystem of selected challenges

Reviewers will not judge technical perfection, but the depth, honesty, and strategic clarity of your submission.

What if I don’t have a challenge, but still want to take part?

You can still be part of the Bootcamp! After the challenge selection phase closes, we will open a Call for Contributors (Phase 3). As a contributor, you will join a selected challenge team that matches your background, interests, and skills.

Contributors can come from any of the SOILTRIBES pillars and are eligible for travel and accommodation support if selected. Stay tuned for the announcement and apply to join one of the working groups!