Capacity building for extending product lifecycles through repair and refurbishment

The Horizon Europe project “Capacity building for extending product lifecycles through repair and refurbishment” supports companies, educational institutions, non-profit and public organizations in the EU in developing and testing modular and scalable training programs as well as innovative repair and refurbishment services along the value chains of electronics, furniture, textiles, and footwear. The goal is to extend product lifecycles, reduce waste and environmental impact, and strengthen the circular economy in Europe. With funding amounts of €4–5 million per project and a funding rate of 100%, personnel costs, material expenses, subcontractor services, and travel costs are covered. Eligible to apply are consortia of at least three legal entities from different EU/EFTA/associated countries. The declared funding objective is to build technical, business, and social competencies among professionals, consumers, municipal partners, and educators who will later independently offer and disseminate the new services. The submission deadline is September 22, 2027, at 17:00 (Brussels time).

Evaluation is based on the criteria of level of innovation, credibility of expected impacts, as well as quality and efficiency of project implementation. In addition to a convincing methodological concept, a robust risk management plan, a detailed dissemination and exploitation plan, and a description of gender mainstreaming measures and open science practices are required. The projects thus contribute to EU priorities such as the European Green Deal, the Ecodesign Regulation, and the Circular Economy, as well as to the development of a unified market for sustainable products. Interested consortia are invited to participate via the EU portal and are guided through the entire selection and awarding process. Early registration in the participant register and mutual validation are prerequisites for submitting an application.