Open topic: Using the Circular Cities and Regions Initiative to strengthen urban manufacturing in support of the Clean Industrial Deal

Overview

Supports urban manufacturers in adopting circular and clean business practices to enhance resource efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and align with the EU Clean Industrial Deal. Targets consortia involving economic operators, local authorities, and civil society to implement systemic circular solutions in urban settings.

Who Can Apply

Consortia comprising urban manufacturers, local authorities, civil society organizations, and other relevant stakeholders from eligible countries. Participation of SSH (Social Sciences and Humanities) experts is required.

Funding Details

• Maximum grant amount: 6,000,000 EUR
• Funding rate: Not specified
• Total budget: Part of a broader Horizon Europe call with approximately 600 million EUR allocated for clean tech and decarbonized manufacturing initiatives.

What Is Funded

• Implementation and demonstration of circular systemic solutions for urban manufacturers to overcome barriers in clean and circular transitions.
• Integration of urban manufacturing within cities, considering local resources, culture, and environmental goals.
• Development of digital tools and methods to facilitate circular business practices and large-scale diffusion.
• Contributions to EU climate, zero pollution, circularity, and biodiversity objectives.
• Collaboration with the Circular Cities and Regions Initiative (CCRI) and alignment with initiatives like Regional Innovation Valleys, the New European Bauhaus, and the Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities Mission.

Technology / Maturity Requirements

• Technology Readiness Level (TRL): 7 to 9 (system prototype demonstration in operational environment to actual system proven in operational environment).

Key Dates

• Open date: 2027-02-03
• Deadline: 2027-04-07

Application Process (High-Level)

• Two-stage process: Stage 1 involves submission of a preliminary proposal, followed by a full proposal in Stage 2 for selected applicants.
• Submission portal: Funding & Tenders Portal.

Geographic Scope & Language

• Eligible countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Norway, Iceland, United Kingdom, Switzerland.
• Application language: English.

Notes

• Proposals must demonstrate clear contributions to the EU Competitiveness Compass, Clean Industrial Deal, and Circular Economy Act.
• Strong emphasis on collaboration with the CCRI and other relevant EU initiatives.
• Proposals should address both technological and societal challenges, ensuring meaningful involvement of SSH disciplines.