Implementing co-funded action plans for connected regional innovation valleys
ECIV 1st Open Call for interregional circular economy innovation projects with a budget of €9.13 million. Applications accepted until 16.03.2026.
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Grant criteria
Funding objective
Support for interregional innovation projects in the field of circular economy (TRL 6–8) for the development of new materials, processes, and business models across various value chains with measurable environmental, social, and economic benefits.
Eligible expenses
- Personnel costs
- Equipment (depreciation)
- Travel and accommodation costs
- External services
- Material costs
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Non-eligible expenses
- Acquisition of buildings and land
- Personnel training costs
- Office and administrative expenses
Eligible to apply
- Companies
- Founders
- Non-profit Organizations
- Educational Institutions
- Public Institutions
Funding requirements
- Consortium of at least 3 partners from 3 different EU/UK countries
- At least 2 partners from different ECIV funding regions
- Consortium must include at least one company
- Project scope: €500,000 – €3,000,000
- Minimum funding per applicant: €50,000
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Documents required for application
- Application form
- Project description
- Financial plan
- Consortium agreement
- Declaration of conflicts of interest
- Ethics self-assessment
Evaluation criteria
- Degree of innovation and novelty
- Expected impact and KPIs
- Implementation and risk management
Description
The “ECIV 1st Open Call” supports interregional innovation projects in the field of circular economy (Technology Readiness Level 6–8) with a total budget of €9.13 million. The aim is to develop new materials, processes, and business models along various value chains. Funding is provided to companies (including SMEs and start-ups), research institutions, public authorities, and civil society organizations from EU member states as well as the United Kingdom, working together to improve resource efficiency, the use of secondary raw materials, and waste prevention. A consortium must consist of at least three partners from three different countries, including at least two from ECIV funding regions (Navarra, Northern Netherlands, Norra Mellansverige, Normandy, Scotland). Each consortium requires at least one company, a total project volume of €500,000 – €3,000,000, and a minimum co-financing of €50,000 per partner. The funding rate ranges from 40% to 100% depending on the region and organization type; indirect costs are covered by a flat rate.
Projects run for up to 30 months and can start no earlier than July 2026. Eligible expenses include personnel costs, equipment depreciation, travel and accommodation costs, external services, material and indirect costs; office and administrative costs as well as land acquisition are excluded. Evaluation is conducted by independent experts based on the criteria of degree of innovation, expected impact, and implementation concept including risk management. Applications must be submitted in English by March 16, 2026, 12:00 GMT+1 via the ECIV application platform. The grant aims to strengthen cross-sectoral value creation loops, reduce dependencies on primary raw materials, and open up business fields for sustainable, resilient economic systems.