Improving availability of secondary raw materials through recycling (IA)

The EU funding call “Improving availability of secondary raw materials through recycling (IA)” targets companies, non-profit organizations, public and educational institutions in the EU and associated countries. It supports innovation projects with grants of up to €7.5 million at a 70% funding rate, which develop and demonstrate new or improved systems for resource-efficient recycling of metallic industrial and critical raw material streams. The objective is high-quality recovery from urban mines and waste streams while minimizing negative environmental and biodiversity impacts – from collection and logistics through separation, shredding, and purification to reintegration into cycles and renaturation. A prerequisite is at least three independent partners from different member states or associated countries contributing their expertise in research, prototyping, validation, and dissemination. Applications can be submitted until 21 April 2026; project start is possible from June 2026.

Funding is particularly relevant for recycling companies, industrial users, and research institutions involved in innovative processes for the recovery and reuse of metals. Eligible costs include R&D expenses, prototyping, testing and validation activities, as well as dissemination. Commercial mass production and retrospective refinancing of past costs are not eligible. Projects will be evaluated based on their level of innovation, expected impact, and consortium structure; a comprehensive exploitation and dissemination plan is mandatory. Applicants must address ethical and safety aspects, submit gender equality plans, and must not be subject to sanctions or conflicts of interest. This call makes a key contribution to the circular economy and secures Europe’s strategic independence in critical raw materials.