Crafting routes to a circular economy

Overview

Funding for projects that explore the intersection of culture, creativity, and circular economy principles to develop scalable, sustainable business models, toolkits, and policy recommendations. Targets researchers, cultural and creative sectors, businesses, and policymakers aiming to integrate frugal innovation and circular practices across industries.

Who Can Apply

Consortia of legal entities (e.g., universities, research institutions, SMEs, public bodies, NGOs) from eligible countries. Single applicants are not permitted unless specified otherwise in the call.

Funding Details

• Maximum grant amount: €5,000,000
• Funding rate: Typically 100% of eligible costs (lump sum)
• Total budget: Not specified

What Is Funded

Projects must address one or more of the following focus areas: 1. Crafts-led innovation for circular economy: Frameworks integrating circular economy and frugal innovation principles from craft practices, cross-sector collaboration, and capacity-building models. 2. Adaptive reuse of built cultural heritage: Methodologies to evaluate economic, social, and environmental benefits of reusing heritage buildings, including circular financing and governance models. 3. Food heritage and gastronomic innovation: Frameworks linking circular economy principles with gastronomy and food heritage, promoting sustainable practices. 4. Designing circularity: Comprehensive frameworks for integrating circular design principles into creative industries, fostering open innovation and knowledge transfer.

Technology / Maturity Requirements

• Technology Readiness Level (TRL): 4 to 6

Key Dates

• Open date: 2027-05-12
• Deadline: 2027-09-22

Application Process (High-Level)

• Single-stage submission via the Funding & Tenders Portal.
• Proposals must adhere to page limits and templates outlined in the call documentation.

Post-Award Obligations

• Reporting and dissemination requirements as specified in the grant agreement.
• The granting authority may object to transfers of ownership or exclusive licensing of results for up to 4 years post-project.

Geographic Scope & Language

• Eligible countries: EU Member States, Horizon Europe Associated Countries (Norway, Iceland, United Kingdom, Switzerland), and select non-associated countries with specific provisions.
• Application language: English.