CIRCULOOS OPEN CALL 2
UNTIL MAY 28 2025 (17:00 Brussels time)
DISCLAIMER
⚠️The application forms have been updated. Please download them again before applying
🚀 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):
- 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. –> Under revision it will open as soon as possible.
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.
Why Apply to CIRCULOOS Open Calls? 😁
✅ 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
🏗 CIRCULOOS 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.
🗓️ Timeline
Deadline: May 28, 2025 (17:00 Brussels time)
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 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) 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 CIRCULOOS Open Call 2
(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
CIRCULOOS Open Call 2 FAQs
Who can apply to CIRCULOOS Open Call 2 (OC2)?
2-4 entities from the following:
Manufacturing European mid-caps, and MSMEs (as defined in EU law – EU recommendation 2003/361[1]) with a commercial activity in the manufacturing industry as a producer, or a technology/ service supplier for applications in the manufacturing industry.
Circular economy enablers (e.g., recyclers, upcyclers, material processors)
Technology Providers (AI, automation, robotics for circularity)
Academic institutes (Universities), research institutes and other not-for-profit research entities.
Digital Innovation Hubs (DIHs) & Business Support Entities.
Can a research association apply?
Yes, research associations actively engaged in scientific research and with a clear mission to promote research are eligible.
Can the same entity submit multiple proposals within OC2?
Yes, an entity can apply to OC2 with different consortia. However:
- No entity can be awarded more than one project.
- An entity cannot receive more than €60,000 in total funding across both calls.
- An entity cannot submit more than two applications per call.
Where can I find the application form?
In the “How to Apply” section above. Aslo, the application form is available in the “Documents” section of the F6S open call page. Applicants must complete the form and upload it as a PDF.
How do I create a consortium for OC2?
OC2 requires consortia of 2-4 partners, including companies and research organizations. Applicants can use the RAMP platform for matchmaking.
What is the deadline for submission?
The deadline for applications is May 28, 2025.
Is double funding allowed?
No, applicants cannot receive funding for the same activities from multiple EU-funded projects.
How long is the implementation period?
- OC2 projects will run for 12 months (September 2025 – September 2026).
What are the reporting requirements?
Selected projects must provide periodic progress reports, milestone updates, and a final report.
Will mentoring be provided?
Yes, each funded project will receive guidance from the CIRCULOOS team, including technical and business mentoring.
Expression of Interest (EOI) is still open!
Expression of Interest
Status: Open
If you’re planning to apply to CIRCULOOS 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..
