The Up2Circ Accelerator has launched its second open call, targeting SMEs from the European Union interested in implementing circular business models and contributing to a sustainable economy. The funding offered goes up to 50,000€, fully covering project costs.
What types of projects are funded?
The call includes two schemes:
- Small-scale projects – fixed funding of 15,000€ over a period of 6 months, for feasibility studies exploring at least one circular business model. Examples:
- Circular supply chains (use of recycled, bio-based, or reclaimed materials)
- Sharing economy models
- Product-as-a-service solutions (subscription or pay-per-use)
- Product life extension (through repair, reuse, remanufacturing)
- Recovery and recycling (waste valorization and closed-loop systems)
- Large-scale projects – fixed funding of 50,000€ over a period of 12 months, for piloting and demonstration activities, such as:
- Implementation of technologies that reduce resource consumption and waste
- Adoption of circular product design (environmental footprint analysis, prototype development)
- Introduction of new products, processes, or services that are circular and new to the company (they don’t have to be new at European level)
Who can apply?
The call is exclusively addressed to individual SMEs registered in EU member states (consortia and SMEs from Horizon Europe Associated Countries are NOT eligible).
Key eligibility conditions:
- Active participation (at least 50% of modules completed) in the online program Up2Circ Academy.
- Completion and submission of an Up2Circ Assessment Report, prepared together with an Up2Circ advisor, to assess the SME’s circularity level and identify strengths and areas for improvement.
Financial details
Funding is provided as 100% non-reimbursable (lump sum). Payment is made in two installments:
- 50% upon signing the grant agreement
- 50% after approval of the final project report
Call timeline
The call opened on March 1st, 2025.
The deadline for applications is April 30th, 2025, 23:59 CET.
Evaluation will take place between May 12 and June 11, 2025.
Results will be announced on June 13, 2025.
Funded projects will start on July 1st, 2025.
CITI Cluster assists local and central public organizations in establishing public-private partnerships, provides consultancy for identifying non-reimbursable funding sources, and supports the development of applications and solutions in the smart city domain. For more details or assistance in the application process, we invite you to contact us.
