Circular ERDF.Invest

With Circular EFRE.Invest, the Carinthian Economic Development Fund (KWF), in cooperation with the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), supports the operational expansion of resource-efficient circular economy in Carinthia. Funding is provided for investments by small and medium-sized enterprises with a project volume of at least EUR 300,000 that use renewable raw materials, optimize recycling or reuse processes, or manufacture or utilize sorting and processing facilities. The goal is to establish circular business models through product, process, and design innovations, close material loops, and thus make a visible contribution to the European Green Deal. In addition to traditional industrial and commercial enterprises, company-related service providers in the fields of environmental and nature protection, energy efficiency, digitalization, and smart cities also benefit from the funding. Projects are evaluated based on criteria such as degree of innovation, contribution to digitalization and circular economy, regional significance, and employment effects.

Submissions are possible from January 15, 2026, to December 31, 2027; the project start may only occur after the application has been submitted. The maximum funding rate is 35% for small enterprises and 25% for medium-sized enterprises. Eligible are initial investments in machinery and equipment, infrastructure material costs, as well as intangible investments such as licenses and software. Excluded are used investments, vehicles with road approval, projects financed through leasing, or goodwill. A positive decision requires an investment location in Carinthia, submission prior to project start, and fulfillment of the knockout criteria according to IBW/ERDF regulation. For the application, among other documents, the project description (form M7), the questionnaire on horizontal principles, and a project outline must be submitted. Circular EFRE.Invest supports Carinthian companies in implementing innovative circular economy concepts in practice and sustainably strengthening the economic location.