CIRCULOOS OPEN CALL 2
UNTIL MAY 28 2025 (17:00 Brussels time)
DISCLAIMER
⚠️The guidelines, the application forms, and the sub-grant agreement template have been updated.
Please download them again before applying.
Mind that the correct file names are:
1. “CIRCULOOS OC2 Guidelines for Applicants Final Version”
2. “Annex II Application Form Open Call 2 OC2 (1)”
3. “Annex IV Sub-grant Agreement Template v2
Join our CIRCULOOS Open Call Webinar!
Tuesday, May 7, 2025 11:00 CET
✅ Get a clear overview of the Open Calls
✅ Learn how to prepare a strong proposal
✅ Ask your questions live to the CIRCULOOS team
Whether you’re an SME, tech provider, or circular pioneer — this webinar will help you make the most of the funding opportunity.
Missed the last Webinar? Watch here!
🚀 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. > RECENTLY LAUNCHED!
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 Call 2? 😁
✅ 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, with a total available budget of 2880K€).
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
Why Apply to CIRCULOOS Open Call 3.1? 😁
✅ Receive up to €60,000 in funding per selected entity.
✅ Integrate into an existing circular supply chain and collaborate with key industry players.
✅ Leverage CIRCULOOS digital tools to track sustainability and optimize processes.
✅ Benefit from mentoring and technical support to refine your solution.
🏗 Join the CIRCULOOS Open Call 3.1 (OC3.1): CIRCULOOS Pilot Value Chains
Overview
The CIRCULOOS Open Call 3.1 (OC3.1) is a unique funding opportunity for individual entities to join and enhance one of the three CIRCULOOS pilot value chains (wood, plastics, leather). Selected entities will contribute new circular economy solutions to improve material recovery, optimize manufacturing, or extend product lifecycles.
Key Details
Who can apply? Technology providers (AI, robotics, automation, sensors); material innovators (bioplastics, composites, recycled textiles); waste processors & recyclers (sorting, reprocessing, chemical recycling); and manufacturers integrating circular design principles.
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. Up to 6 entities will be selected (total available budget for OC3.1 is 360K).
Project Duration: 9 months
Impact: Applicants must demonstrate how their solution adds value to an existing CIRCULOOS pilot by: introducing new R-strategies (e.g., advanced sorting, novel reuse techniques); expanding circular sourcing and material recovery within the pilot; and improving environmental performance using measurable sustainability indicators.
🗓️ Timeline
Deadline: June 11, 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 OC3.1 applicants: Submit Annex III (Application Form for OC3.1) and all relevant supporting documents.
- For OC3.1 applicants: Submit Annex III (Application Form for OC3.1) 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 (single entities) 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 3.1
(9-month innovation journey) to implement, enhance, and scale circular solutions. If you are selected, you join the team of the pilots consortium partners and you will work with them and with the rest of the technical partners to demonstrate advances in the particular value chains and improved environmental and life cycle indicators.
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 OC3.1:
- SME Declaration
- Declaration of Honour – Single Entities
- Bank Account Information
- Sub-Grant Agreement Template
CIRCULOOS Open Calls FAQs
Who can apply to CIRCULOOS Open Call 2 (OC2) ?
SMEs, mid-caps, large companies, research organizations, and innovation hubs can apply. Entities must be established in an EU or Horizon Europe-associated country.
Who can apply to CIRCULOOS Open Call 3.1 (OC3.1)?
Individual entities
- Manufacturing European mid-caps, MSMEs (as defined in EU law – EU recommendation 2003/3619) with a commercial activity in the manufacturing industry as a producer, or a technology/ service supplier for applications in the manufacturing industry
- Recycling & Processing Companies that add new recovery solutions to existing CIRCULOOS pilot lines
Any necessary technical role for integration or technical development to offer automation, sorting, or data management solutions, etc. should be assumed by the entity above with or without external support via sub-contracting, which has to be clearly justified.
Can a research association apply to these open calls?
Yes, research associations actively engaged in scientific research and with a clear mission to promote research are eligible.
Can an entity apply to both OC2 and OC3.1?
Yes, entities can submit applications to both open calls. However, if multiple proposals are approved, the entity must choose one to be funded.
What type of manufacturing sectors are eligible? Is bio/food sector eligible?
All sectors of the traditional manufacturing domain are welcome, that are interested to adopt circularity practices, as long as CIRCULOOS tools help them solve their challenges. To our point of view the bio/food/pharma sectors are not clearly fitting to this category. Any proposer targeting this sector has to convince on how the CIRCULOOS tools will help them in their circularity goals and businesses.
Where can I find the application form?
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, or can seek partners that are suitable for their needs.
What is the deadline for submission for OC2?
The deadline for applications is May 28, 2025.
What is the deadline for submission for OC3.1?
The deadline for applications is June 11, 2025.
How much funding can a single entity receive?
A single entity can receive a maximum of €60,000 in total from only one open call.
Is double funding allowed?
No, applicants cannot receive funding for the same activities from multiple EU-funded projects.
What costs are eligible for funding?
The financial support covers:
- Personnel costs related to development, deployment, and integration activities.
- Software, hardware, and data required for the demonstrator implementation.
- Access to and use of infrastructure necessary for the project.
- Audio/visual production and communication activities related to the project.
- Travel expenses for meetings with the CIRCULOOS team, workshops, events, and project promotion.
- Promotion & dissemination activities for project outcomes and the CIRCULOOS initiative.
- Overhead costs of 25% on all costs except subcontracting.
All these costs must be thoroughly justified by the workplan of the application and fully align with the established objectives.
All costs and budget follow the structure and eligibility criteria of Horizon Europe programmes, IA, with funding 60%.
How long is the implementation period?
- OC2 projects will run for 12 months (September 2025 – September 2026).
- OC3.1 projects will run for 9 months (September 2025 – June 2026).
What are the reporting requirements?
Selected projects must provide periodic progress reports, milestone updates, and a final report, also they must provide some deliverables to present their work, an indicative list is provided in the guidelines document.
Will mentoring be provided?
Yes, each funded project will receive guidance from the CIRCULOOS team, including technical and business mentoring.
Can an OC2 beneficiary apply for OC3.1?
No, beneficiaries of OC2 cannot apply for OC3.1.
Expression of Interest
Status: Closed
The CIRCULOOS Expression of Interest (EOI) was designed to mobilise supply chain actors across diverse manufacturing sectors — from metal and construction to furniture, leather, and plastics — encouraging them to collaborate and co-create Innovative Circular Supply Chains. These consortia aimed to adopt R-strategies (such as refurbishing, remanufacturing, or repurposing) while leveraging regional collaboration, trustworthy data-sharing, and new digital tools to bring circular products to market.
Although the EOI registration is now closed, you can still explore more information on how to connect with potential partners via RAMP.
