Up2Circ Accelerator

In its first open call, Up2Circ Accelerator will support up to 47 projects to validate the adoption of circular business models and implement concrete actions towards circular products, processes and services. The budget allocation for the call is €1.230.000. 

Who can apply?

Projects must be submitted by a single SME from the EU Member States (EU 27) that meets the following two criteria related to their involvement in the Up2Circ Academy before the submission deadline:  

• Circularity assessment: Applicants must have completed the circularity assessment using the Up2Circ Circularity Assessment Tool. For companies located outside the Up2Circ partner regions, the circularity assessment is completed online. For companies located in Up2Circ partner regions, the circularity assessment may also be completed offline with support of Up2Circ team.  
• Enhanced knowledge and expertise in circular economy: Applicants must have actively participated in the Up2Circ Academy online learning programme. Active involvement is defined as having completed a minimum of 50% of the Up2Circ Academy e-learning modules.  

Types of projects and funding

SMEs can apply for two different funding schemes based on the maturity of their transition projects:  

Small scale projects: Feasibility studies

Funding: small scale projects of up to €15.000  

Expected number of funded small scale projects: 32   

Project scope: In-depth validation of technical, economic and social aspects of adoption of circular business models, considering desirability, feasibility, viability and environmental aspects. Projects should focus on one or several circular business models such as circular supply chain, sharing platforms, product as a service, product life extension, recovery and recycling.   

Expected outcome: feasibility study including a business plan  

Project duration: 6 months 

Large scale projects: Piloting and demonstration

Funding: large scale projects of up to €50.000  

Expected number of funded large scale projects: 15  

Project scope: Pilot and demonstration activities to implement concrete transition measures towards circularity through the implementation of certain technologies, a shift to circular product design, introduction of new products, processes and services. Projects should focus on prototyping, pilot testing, implementation of new business processes, solutions and systems.   

Expected outcome: validated prototype  

Project duration: 12 months 

Call opening: April 1st, 2024 

Call closure: May 31st, 2024, 23:59 CET

More information in Up2Circ Accelerator