Demonstrators for clusters of social circular enterprises (IA)

The main goal of this opportunity is to help Social Circular Enterprises (SCEs) adapt to new market realities in the circular economy by investing in research, development, and technology. It aims to boost the use and scaling of technology solutions, increase competitiveness through productivity and new market access, and encourage collaboration with industrial partners. The focus is on waste streams where there are competitive advantages, such as textiles, WEEE (waste electrical and electronic equipment), and construction materials. Shared technology development through clusters and positive social impacts, like supporting vulnerable groups in employment, are also key priorities. This grant is available to organizations based in eligible countries as listed in the Horizon Europe guidelines.

• Projects must be organized as Social Circular Tech Clusters.
• Consortia must be transnational, active in at least two eligible countries.
• Focus on textile and construction waste or WEEE (waste electrical and electronic equipment).
• Each consortium must include clusters of SCEs, for-profit circular companies, research and tech centers, and may involve public authorities or SCE federations.
• SCEs must be the core of the consortium and direct beneficiaries of the project.

Examples:

• A group of SCEs and a tech center in Spain and Germany collaborate to develop smart sorting technology for textile recycling.
• Clusters from France and Italy join with a research institute to pilot new methods for reusing construction materials from demolition sites.
• SCEs in Belgium and the Netherlands work with public authorities and companies to improve WEEE collection and processing through shared digital platforms.

• Research and development activities
• Technology adaptation and testing
• Purchase or leasing of equipment and materials
• Personnel costs for project staff
• Subcontracting of specialized services
• Travel and meeting expenses related to project collaboration
• Costs for pilot and demonstrator activities
• Dissemination and communication of project results
• Training for staff involved in the project
• Project management and coordination costs

Restrictions: All expenses must fit within the lump sum funding scheme defined by Horizon Europe. Only costs directly linked to project objectives are eligible.

• Budget for this Call: 10,000,000€
• Number of Grants attributed: 2
• Budget per grant: 5,000,000€

• Applicants must be based in countries eligible under the Horizon Europe guidelines.
• Consortia must include partners from at least two different eligible countries.
• Each consortium must be organized around clusters of Social Circular Enterprises (SCEs).
• Consortia should also include for-profit circular companies and research or technology centers, with possible involvement of public authorities or SCE federations.
• SCEs must be the main beneficiaries of the project activities.
• Applicants must follow the blind evaluation rules, not disclosing their organization or personnel names in the first-stage application.
• Applicants must demonstrate financial and operational capacity as required by Horizon Europe.
• Eligibility may depend on forming networks or partnerships as described above.