Deadline: 08-Oct-2026
The Transnational Eureka Lightweighting Call – 2026 supports international R&D collaboration on advanced lightweighting technologies to improve resource efficiency, reduce emissions, and enable a circular economy. It funds projects in materials innovation, manufacturing, digital engineering, and lifecycle optimization across sectors like mobility, energy, and construction. Consortia must include partners from at least two participating Eureka countries, with funding support varying by country and covering up to 70% of eligible costs.
Overview of the Programme
The Transnational Eureka Lightweighting Call – 2026 is an international research and development funding initiative coordinated under the European Lightweighting Network and participating Eureka countries.
It aims to accelerate innovation in lightweighting technologies that support:
- Climate neutrality
- Circular economy transition
- Resource-efficient manufacturing
- Industrial decarbonization
Core Objectives
The programme supports development of:
- Advanced lightweight materials and structures
- Sustainable and circular design methods
- Energy– and resource-efficient manufacturing systems
- Digital tools for lifecycle optimization
- Scalable circular business models
Key Technology Focus Areas
Materials and Design Innovation
- Novel lightweight materials
- Substitution of conventional raw materials
- Safe-and-Sustainable-by-Design (SSbD) approaches
Manufacturing and Engineering
- Additive manufacturing
- Advanced joining technologies
- Optimized production processes
- Lightweight structural engineering
Circular Economy Solutions
- Design for disassembly
- Reuse and reparability systems
- Recycling-friendly component design
- Circular value chain integration
Digital Technologies
- Digital twins for lifecycle simulation
- Machine learning for material tracking
- Lifecycle assessment (LCA) tools
- Data-driven design optimization
Application Sectors
Projects can be applied across multiple industries:
- Automotive and mobility
- Aerospace
- Railway systems
- Maritime engineering
- Energy systems
- Construction and infrastructure
- Agriculture and forestry
- Mechanical engineering
- Healthcare technologies
Funding Structure
Project Funding Range
- National budgets: €1 million – €2.5 million (per country)
- Project funding: €150,000 – €750,000 per project
Funding Rates
- Typically covers 25% to 70% of eligible costs
- Depends on:
- Organisation type
- Country rules
- Project category
Eligible Participants
- SMEs
- Large enterprises
- Universities
- Research institutes
- Technology organisations
Eligibility Requirements
Consortium Requirements
- Minimum 2 independent legal entities
- From at least 2 participating Eureka countries
- Non-participating countries allowed if self-funded
Budget Rules
- No single organisation or country may exceed 70% of total project budget
Project Type Requirements
- Must be R&D focused
- Must target innovation and commercialization
- Must have civilian applications
Project Duration
- Maximum duration: 36 months
Consortium and Legal Requirements
Before project start, selected consortia must:
- Sign a consortium agreement
- Define intellectual property (IP) rights
- Establish ownership and usage rules for know-how
- Agree on collaboration and commercialization terms
Key Expected Outcomes
Projects must demonstrate:
- Technological innovation in lightweighting
- Strong cross-country collaboration
- Industrial or commercial applicability
- Environmental sustainability impact
- Contribution to circular economy goals
Why This Programme Matters
This initiative strengthens:
- Industrial decarbonization
- Sustainable manufacturing systems
- Material efficiency and innovation
- Digital transformation in engineering
- Cross-border scientific collaboration
It plays a key role in advancing climate-neutral industrial technologies across Europe and partner countries.
Tips for Strong Applications
- Build a balanced international consortium
- Clearly define lightweighting innovation focus
- Demonstrate industrial applicability
- Include circular economy integration
- Use digital tools (AI, digital twins, LCA)
- Ensure clear commercialization pathway
- Align project with sustainability goals
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Weak cross-country collaboration structure
- Missing commercialization plan
- Overly theoretical (non-applied) research focus
- Budget exceeding 70% rule per partner/country
- Lack of circular economy integration
- Poor definition of lightweighting innovation
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the main goal of this call?
To support international R&D in lightweighting technologies that improve sustainability, reduce emissions, and enable circular economy systems.
2. Who is funding the programme?
The programme is coordinated under the European Lightweighting Network with participation from Eureka countries.
3. What is the funding amount per project?
Between €150,000 and €750,000, depending on national funding rules.
4. Who can apply?
SMEs, large companies, universities, and research organisations.
5. What are the consortium requirements?
At least two independent organisations from two different Eureka countries.
6. What is the maximum project duration?
Up to 36 months.
7. What sectors are eligible?
Mobility, aerospace, energy, construction, agriculture, healthcare, and more.
Conclusion
The Transnational Eureka Lightweighting Call – 2026, supported by the European Lightweighting Network, enables cross-border collaboration to develop advanced lightweighting solutions. It promotes innovation in materials, manufacturing, and digital technologies to support a climate-neutral and circular industrial future.
For more information, visit Eureka Network.
