INCircular launches open call offering €60,000 grants to 6 SMEs developing innovative solutions for improving plastic circularity, open until November 13, 2024.
About the Incircular programme
INCIRCULAR is a project that unites 3 regional ecosystems from Slovenia, Spain, and France to scale up a unique recycling process developed by TECOS in Slovenia. The aim is to produce 100% recycled and recyclable plastic products with technical properties that match or exceed current plastics. The plastic material will be integrated into the production chain at Gorenje’s industrial site, with Omaplast managing collection, sorting, and recycling.
To enhance innovation, INCIRCULAR launched a cascade funding scheme, providing complementary technological capabilities in automation, digital twins, sustainability, and AI-based design. This initiative will support innovative EU SMEs, offering up to 60,000 EUR to 6 SMEs from the three regions to address technology-driven scaling barriers. The total budget for the scheme is 360,000 EUR.
INCIRCULAR Consortium
INCIRCULAR comprises 8 partners from 3 European countries (Slovenia, Spain and France), coordinated by TECOS. The collaboration spans the recycling process, facilitating connections between supply and demand while incorporating essential technological capabilities to foster innovation.
Why Apply?
By joining the INCIRCULAR programme, you can:
- Access up to 60,000 EUR in equity-free funding
- Gain exclusive access to a network of experts and industry leaders and experts, as well as monitoring and resources to help overcome challenges and increase project impact
- Position your business as a forward-thinking innovator in the sustainability space
- Shape the future of the plastic industry, playing a crucial role in setting new standards for sustainability and innovation
- Promote circular economy practices, positioning you as a leader in sustainability efforts
Who can apply?
Eligible participants for the call include SMEs with headquarters or branch offices located in the following regions:
- Andalusia (Spain), Auvergne Rhône-Alpes (France) and all regions in Slovenia
In addition, they must be:
- Active in sectors related to digital technology, automation, sustainability, or AI-based design
- Capable of developing TRL6+ demonstration projects with a close-to-market commercialisation pathway or adoption/replication project
SMEs may submit applications either individually or as part of a small consortium, with a maximum of two SMEs collaborating per proposal. Each SME is limited to receiving funding for only one proposal.
Information about the eligible countries is described in detail in the official Guidelines for applicants.
What activities can be funded?
Proposals can be submitted for one of the following challenges or can address both:
Challenge 1: Process Technology Solutions
Focus on upgrading plastic recycling lines for industrial side-streams and residues, including:
- Milling & Shredding Equipment: Innovative solutions such as advanced tribological coatings for blades and superior alloys for knives.
- Upgraded Processing Units: Enhanced units, devices, screws, and accessories for processing recycled materials, including extrusion, compounding equipment, and injection moulding technology with smart moulds and innovative in-line or off-line sensors.
Challenge 2: Digital Solutions
Emphasising digitalisation systems and advanced AI solutions, including:
- Material Screening: Efficient waste sorting technologies, machine vision, and input/output control systems.
- Digitalisation of Recycling Processes: AI-driven processing and smart digitalised moulds/lines to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
Accepted funded activities must be between TRL 6 and TRL 8.
How to Apply?
Complete your submission by including the following:
- Administrative Data Sheet (Part 1): This should include signed consent forms from all partners and an ethical and safety self-assessment.
- Technical Description (Part 2): Using the provided proposal template, include a budget and ensure the document does not exceed 10 pages.
- Company/Project Description and Curriculum Vitae (Part 3): Provide relevant background information on your company and project, along with a CV.
Apply by email to fundingopportunities@incircular-project.eu before November 13th, 17:00 CET.
Important Dates
- Call Closing Date: 13th November 2024 at17h00 CET
- Notification to Applicants: 15th December 2024
- Project Start Date: 1st January 2025
- Maximum Project duration: 12 months
Evaluation and Selection Process
The evaluation process for the INCURCULAR open call will consist of 2 key steps:
- All applications will undergo an eligibility check to ensure they meet all formal requirements and are complete.
- Applications that comply with the requirements will be forwarded to a group of carefully selected independent evaluators. Each application will be independently reviewed by at least 2 experts based on the criteria outlined in the Open Call, including Relevance, Implementation and Impact and scored on a scale from 1 to 5
A maximum of 10 proposals will be shortlisted at this stage out of which up to 6 will be invited to sign a contract (sub-grantee agreement).
Payment and Funding
The INCIRCULAR project is co-funded by the European Union’s ERDF under grant agreement No. 101114988, with a total budget of 360,000 EUR. 6 SMEs from the 3 INCIRCULAR regions will each receive up to 60,000 EUR. The grant will be disbursed in two instalments:
- A first instalment of 50% will be provided as pre-financing in January 2025.
- The second instalment of 50% will be released after the project’s completion and the approval of the final report in January 2026.
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