Prevent and eliminate litter, plastics and microplastics: Innovative solutions for waste-free European rivers

Overview

Funding for innovative solutions to prevent, monitor, and eliminate litter, plastics, and microplastics in European rivers, targeting field pilots, valorisation trials, and citizen engagement initiatives.

Who Can Apply

Consortia of legal entities (e.g., SMEs, research institutions, public bodies, NGOs) established in EU Member States or associated countries. Single applicants are not eligible.

Funding Details

• Total budget: EUR 20 million (indicative)
• Grant amount: EUR 2–5 million per project
• Funding rate: 70% of eligible costs for for-profit entities; up to 100% for non-profits and public bodies
• Co-funding: Required for for-profit entities (30% of eligible costs)

What Is Funded

• Monitoring and digitalisation of plastics/microplastics in rivers and tributaries
• Prevention measures (e.g., substitution with bio-based/biodegradable alternatives, upstream interventions)
• Removal, collection, and recovery of litter, plastics, and microplastics in freshwater systems
• Recycling/valorisation pilots, including pre-treatments enabling recycling
• Nature-based solutions and restoration in riparian/urban water systems
• Citizen science, co-creation (e.g., living labs, behaviour-change campaigns), and open data sharing

Technology / Maturity Requirements

• TRL: Minimum TRL 5 (technology validated in relevant environment) at project start; expected to reach TRL 7–8 (system prototype demonstration) by project end
• Field pilots and real-world trials required; lab-based research is ineligible

Key Dates

• Open date: 2026-01-14
• Deadline: 2026-03-15

Application Process (High-Level)

• Single-stage submission via the EU Funding & Tenders Portal
• Proposals must include a detailed work plan, consortium agreement, and budget

Post-Award Obligations

• Mandatory reporting on progress, financials, and key performance indicators (KPIs)
• Dissemination of results via UPSTREAM’s knowledge-sharing platforms
• Open data requirements for project outputs

Geographic Scope & Language

• Eligible countries: EU Member States and Horizon Europe associated countries
• Language: English (proposals and supporting documents)

Notes

• Projects must align with UPSTREAM’s objectives and avoid significant negative environmental impacts.
• Ineligible activities include basic research, routine municipal operations, and completed actions.
• Double funding from other EU programs is prohibited.