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CIRCULOOS Open Call: Value-Chain Extension and Enhance

Deadline: 10-Jun-2026

CIRCULOOS Open Call 3.2 is a funding opportunity for entities that can directly contribute to circular manufacturing ecosystems. The call is designed to plug practical gaps in existing value chains by bringing in new industrial and technology partners with deployable solutions.

The programme uses a service-oriented, data-driven model inspired by micro-services architecture. Its goal is to make manufacturing ecosystems more connected, more efficient, and more circular.

Key facts

  • Programme: CIRCULOOS Open Call 3.2.

  • Funding type: Fixed lump-sum grant.

  • Funding amount: €60,000 per selected entity.

  • Project duration: Six months.

  • Geographic scope: Europe.

  • Main purpose: Strengthen circular manufacturing ecosystems.

  • Applicant model: Single entities only.

  • Priority areas: Wood, leather, and plastic value chains.

What the call supports

The call focuses on practical circular economy solutions in manufacturing. It supports activities that improve:

  • Reuse.

  • Repair.

  • Remanufacturing.

  • Recycling.

  • Resource optimization.

  • Industrial collaboration.

  • Digital ecosystem participation.

It also supports cybersecure data sharing frameworks and the use of AI and robotics to improve circular production systems.

How the ecosystem model works

CIRCULOOS is built around the idea that manufacturing SMEs can act as service providers within larger value chains. Instead of each actor working in isolation, the ecosystem connects specialized industrial players so they can contribute specific services such as:

  • Sorting.

  • Recovery.

  • Processing.

  • Optimization.

  • Market integration.

  • Digital orchestration.

This approach helps circular manufacturing systems operate more like interconnected networks than linear supply chains.

Focus areas

Orchestration of multi-actor ecosystems

Projects should improve how different industrial actors collaborate and exchange value within circular systems. This includes orchestration tools and coordination mechanisms.

Sustainability and circularity assessment

The call supports methods for assessing product sustainability and circularity profiles. These assessments can help identify where materials can be reused or improved.

Secure digital marketplace

The programme supports a secure digital marketplace that allows ecosystem participants to interact, share data, and connect with opportunities.

AI, robotics, and data sharing

Projects may include AI-based optimization, robotics, and secure data sharing frameworks that improve operational performance and circularity.

Two tracks

Track A

This track focuses on enhancing previously funded demonstrators by filling implementation gaps. It is intended for projects that can solve missing links in existing pilots or supply chains.

Track B

This track focuses on strengthening core pilots in:

  • Wood.

  • Leather.

  • Plastic.

It supports improved recovery strategies and increased material processing capacity.

If proposals score equally, priority is given to projects related to the Wood Pilot.

Who is eligible?

The call is open to single entities that can immediately contribute to industrial implementation within established circular value chains. Eligible applicants include:

  • Manufacturing MSMEs.

  • Mid-caps.

  • Recyclers.

  • Material processors.

  • System integrators.

  • Technology providers.

  • Automation and robotics companies.

  • Other circular economy enablers.

Research organisations and academic institutions may also participate if they provide deployable technical solutions that can be integrated into pilot systems.

The call specifically excludes non-industrial actors that cannot deliver practical operational solutions.

What strong proposals should include

A strong application should show:

  • A deployable technical or industrial solution.

  • Clear relevance to an existing circular value chain.

  • A practical contribution to pilot implementation.

  • A direct response to a supply chain gap, bottleneck, or market challenge.

  • Capacity to deliver within six months.

  • Strong industrial readiness and implementation potential.

How it works

  1. Identify the gap.
    Determine the missing link in the circular value chain, such as sorting, recovery, processing, or market access.

  2. Match the solution to the pilot.
    Show how your service or technology strengthens an existing demonstrator or pilot ecosystem.

  3. Demonstrate industrial readiness.
    Explain how your solution can be deployed quickly and practically.

  4. Build circular value.
    Show how the project improves reuse, repair, remanufacturing, or resource efficiency.

  5. Connect digitally.
    If relevant, explain how the solution supports data sharing, orchestration, or marketplace participation.

  6. Deliver within six months.
    Present a realistic and operationally focused work plan.

Why it matters

Circular manufacturing depends on more than good ideas. It needs practical actors who can solve bottlenecks, process materials, and connect ecosystem partners in real time.

This call matters because it supports industrial-scale circularity through targeted, deployable solutions. It is especially relevant for businesses and technology providers that can quickly strengthen existing European circular pilots.

Common mistakes and tips

  • Mistake: Proposing a research-only project.

    • Tip: This call is for deployable industrial solutions, not abstract studies.

  • Mistake: Applying as a non-industrial actor without a technical implementation role.

    • Tip: Make sure you can deliver operational value in a pilot system.

  • Mistake: Ignoring the six-month timeframe.

    • Tip: Keep the project focused and immediately executable.

  • Mistake: Not tying the solution to an existing value chain.

    • Tip: Show exactly how your work strengthens a circular manufacturing ecosystem.

  • Mistake: Proposing vague digital innovation without practical impact.

    • Tip: Emphasize specific improvements in sorting, recovery, orchestration, or market access.

FAQ

What is the main goal of CIRCULOOS Open Call 3.2?

  • To strengthen circular manufacturing ecosystems.

  • To bring in new industrial and technology partners that can solve practical value chain gaps.

How much funding is available?

  • A fixed lump sum of €60,000 per selected entity.

How long is the project duration?

  • Six months.

Who can apply?

  • Single entities such as manufacturing MSMEs, mid-caps, recyclers, material processors, system integrators, technology providers, and robotics or automation companies.

Can universities apply?

  • Yes, but only if they provide deployable technical solutions that can be integrated into pilot systems.

What are the two tracks?

  • Track A supports enhancements to previously funded demonstrators.

  • Track B strengthens core pilots in wood, leather, and plastic value chains.

What kinds of solutions are supported?

  • Advanced sorting technologies.

  • Material recovery innovations.

  • AI-based optimization tools.

  • Downstream market integration strategies.

  • Cybersecure data sharing and orchestration tools.

Conclusion

CIRCULOOS Open Call 3.2 is a practical funding opportunity for entities that can directly improve circular manufacturing systems. The strongest applicants will be industrial or technology actors with deployable solutions that close real gaps in existing value chains and help scale Europe’s circular economy.

For more information, visit CIRCULOOS.