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Call for Proposals: Circular Fast-track Initiatives

Deadline: 20-Sep-24

The Nordic Innovation Circular Fast Track is the effort to challenge Nordic companies, innovation ecosystems, public sector organizations, cluster organizations, business networks and innovation institutions to team up for new high-impact projects.

The call is a part of the Circular Business Models program (2021-2024), the objective of which is to make the Nordics a leading region in sustainable and circular business models.

Funding Information

  • Total budget: Nordic Innovation has allocated NOK 10 million to this call for proposals. Funding may be sought for both small- and larger-scale projects.
  • Project duration: Up to 36 months

What are they looking for?

  • The focus of this call is on “fast track”; rapid implementation of solutions, initiatives and collaborations that will increase the speed of circular change towards 2030. The transition to green and circular Nordic region as well as transformation at a societal level require profitable circular business models, streamlining of operations, transition of value chains and ecosystems as well as cooperation across Nordic borders.
  • They are primarily not looking for initiatives and solutions focusing on recycling, resource recovery nor other types of waste treatment. These are according to the European Court of Auditors (2023) proven to be less impactful stages of the product life cycle and circular business models. Projects can, however, apply if they can justify why they are a “fast line” for the Nordic region and Nordic industries to transition to circularity.
  • Project seeking funding should aim to boost the Nordic circular economy through achieving the following outcomes:
    • Speedier transition to a circular economy in the Nordic countries.
    • Strengthened Nordic ecosystem(s) or value chain(s) in the circular economy.
    • Impact and value creation for Nordic businesses, contributing to global competitiveness of Nordic countries.
    • Positively impact real use cases, with real users in specific contexts.
    • Synergies with ongoing projects and initiatives, demonstrating value for circular economy in a wider context. It is important to avoid duplications or inefficient overlaps with other existing projects.
    • High-impact, clear results and scalability.

Who can apply? 

  • A consortium of partners headed by a Nordic Project Leader. The consortium must consist of partners from at least three different Nordic countries, preferably as many Nordic countries as possible. The balance between the countries should be reasonable. The project partners can be:
    • Companies (SMEs and larger companies)
    • Public sector organizations (e.g. infrastructure owners, regulators, procurers, innovation ecosystems)
    • Cluster organisations
    • Business networks
    • Innovation institutions
  • Please note that the involvement of industry and the direct benefit of the project for companies in the Nordic region will be part of the evaluation criteria. They are looking for consortia that show ambition, complementary strengths, competence, and experience with cross-border activities.
  • Consortium partners from countries outside the Nordic region are welcome to participate, but only partners from the Nordic countries can receive funding from Nordic Innovation. Only Nordic partners will count towards the requirement of participants from minimum three Nordic countries.

For more information, visit Nordic Council of Ministers.