APPLY NOW TO CIRCULOOS OPEN CALL 2 & OPEN CALL 3.1
FROM MARCH 26 TO MAY 28
🚀 New funding opportunities for circular economy innovations!
To accelerate the transition towards circular manufacturing, CIRCULOOS is launching two complementary funding opportunities: Open Call 2 (OC2) and Open Call 3.1 (OC3.1):
- OC2 supports the formation of new circular supply chains, of consortia of 2-4 entities, to develop and implement novel circular value chain demonstrators.
- OC3.1 Enables single entities to extend the existing CIRCULOOS pilot value chains by introducing new R-strategies or enhancing existing ones. Selected entities will contribute by improving resource recovery, refining manufacturing processes, or identifying new market players to strengthen circularity.
Both calls share the same goal—to strengthen circular economy practices—but target different scopes: OC2 builds new supply chains, while OC3.1 strengthens existing ones.
Applicants can apply to both open calls simultaneously, provided they meet the eligibility criteria for each. The sections below provide detailed descriptions of Open Call 2 (OC2) and Open Call 3.1 (OC3.1), helping applicants determine how their expertise and project goals align with one or both opportunities.
Why apply? 😁
✅ Receive up to €60,000* per partner for your innovation (*The applicable funding rate for every project will be 60% of the eligible costs for profit making entities, or 100% for non-profit or academic organisations. An estimated number of 16 consortia will be funded)
✅ Build or scale circular supply chains and processes
✅ Collaborate with industry leaders, SMEs, and research centers
✅ Gain access to expert knowledge, digital tools, and the RAMP platform
✅ Contribute to a more sustainable and circular economy
🏗 Open Call 2 (OC2): Developing Circular Supply Chains
Overview
OC2 supports consortia of 2 to 4 entities in the design and implementation of Innovative Circular Supply Chains. It encourages collaboration among supply chain actors, manufacturers, recyclers, and technology providers to develop solutions in sectors such as metal, construction, electrical, furniture, leather, machinery, vehicles, wood, and plastic.
Key Details
Who can apply? SMEs, large companies, research organizations, and other stakeholders forming a consortium (2-4 partners).
Funding: Up to €60,000* per partner, with a maximum of €240,000* per consortium (*The applicable funding rate for every project will be 60% of the eligible costs for profit making entities, or 100% for non-profit or academic organisations. An estimated number of 16 consortia will be funded).
Project Duration: 12 months
Impact: Creation of new circular supply chains and cross-sector collaboration.
🔄 Open Call 3.1 (OC3.1): Enhancing Existing Pilot Lines
Who can apply? SMEs, startups, research centers, and technology providers applying individually.
Funding: Up to €60,000* per entity (*The applicable funding rate for every project will be 60% of the eligible costs for profit making entities, or 100% for non-profit or academic organisations. An estimated number of 16 consortia will be funded)
Project Duration: 9-12 months
Impact: Improving and scaling circular solutions within pilot lines.
Overview
OC3.1 is dedicated to single entities looking to integrate innovative solutions into existing circular manufacturing pilot lines. This open call aims to enhance ongoing projects with new technologies, process optimizations, and sustainable practices.
Key Details
Participants will collaborate with pilot stakeholders to:
- Introduce new R-strategies – Expanding recovery and reuse options within pilot industries.
- Enhance existing processes – Improving sorting, remanufacturing, or recycling efficiency.
Validate & refine CIRCULOOS digital tools – Using real-world data to optimize lifecycle tracking and sustainability assessment.
🗓️ Timeline
Launch Date: March 26, 2025
Deadline: May 28, 2025
Implementation Start: September 2025
🔗 How to Apply
Applicants must follow these steps when preparing their proposal:
- Complete the online application form on the F6S platform and provide all mandatory information.
- Attach all required documentation that you can find hyperlinked here, ensuring:
- For OC2 applicants: Submit Annex II (Application Form for OC2) and all relevant supporting documents.
- For OC3.1 applicants: Submit Annex III (Application Form for OC3.1) and all relevant supporting documents.
- For OC2 applicants: Submit Annex II (Application Form for OC2) and all relevant supporting documents.
- Review contractual obligations in advance: Applicants are strongly advised to review Annex IV (Sub-Grant Agreement) and the relevant Declarations of Honour (consortium or single entity) before submission, as they will be mandatory for selected applicants. Find them in the subsection below.
- Ensure timely submission: It is highly recommended that applicants submit their proposal well before the deadline to avoid last-minute issues. Late submissions will not be accepted under any circumstances.
- Resubmission requests: If an error is discovered before the deadline, applicants may contact the CIRCULOOS team to request a correction. However, resubmissions may not be possible if requested within 48 hours of the deadline.
- Deadline extensions: Extensions will only be granted in the case of significant technical issues affecting the F6S platform. If an extension is applied, all applicants will be notified accordingly.
*Failure to submit a complete proposal before the deadline will result in automatic disqualification from the Open Call.
To learn more about the evaluation process, project implementation, and reporting requirements if selected, download the full guidelines below.
🙌 What if you are accepted?
If your application is successful for Open Call 2 or Open Call 3.1, you will join a 12-month innovation journey to implement, enhance, and scale circular solutions. Whether by building upon existing project lines or establishing new circular supply chains and cross-sector collaborations, your participation will contribute directly to advancing sustainable manufacturing practices across Europe.
Thus, it will be mandatory to send all of these documents hyperlinked here via the F6S platform. Mind that they are only requested during the contracting phase:
For OC2:
- SME Declaration
- Declaration of Honour – Consortium
- Bank Account Information
- Sub-Grant Agreement Template
For OC3.1:
Expression of Interest (EOI) is still open!
Expression of Interest
Status: Open
If you’re planning to apply to Open Call 2 and are looking for consortium partners, you can still join the CIRCULOOS Expression of Interest — apply here!
CIRCULOOS Expression of Interest (EOI) aims to engage supply chain actors across various manufacturing industries (e.g., metal, construction, electrical, furniture, leather, machinery, vehicles, wood, plastic) that want to adopt circular practices with other complementary entities, forming Innovative Circular Supply Chains to position a new sustainable product/service. Circular practices can be refurbishing, remanufacturing, and repurposing (R-strategies), and may need to enhance regional collaboration trustworthy data sharing, and new collaborative tools to formulate and execute the intended circular product..
