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Strategic Analysis
This call targets Research and Innovation Actions (RIAs) to accelerate the transition to a circular economy for advanced materials, specifically in the mobility and medical devices sectors. A winning proposal will demonstrate a full innovation cycle, from design for circularity and Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) principles, through scalable development and industrial uptake, leveraging digital tools and fostering strong collaboration with relevant European partnerships.
TRL 4 → 6
Enable circularity and resilient supply networks through R&I in advanced materials, in particular recyclable polymers and composites, magnets and metal (alloys) for additive manufacturing, and on accelerating their pathway to market.
Develop new innovative advanced materials (IAMs) with superior or novel functionalities designed for circularity.
Include necessary developments of related processes and technologies to ensure integration in industrial manufacturing facilitating uptake of the developed solutions.
Develop circular business models considering the cost of changes needed along the life cycle of these new materials to facilitate their uptake.
Cover the full innovation cycle from the design for circularity and functional integration (new materials designs), development and scaleup (including scalable recovery, recycling and valorisation at end of life), to demonstration of industrial uptake and integration into products.
Showcase the transformative potential of the developed solutions by demonstrators and industrial use cases.
Explore possibilities to transfer developed solutions to other applications or sectors.
Guide the innovation process towards safer and more sustainable chemicals and advanced materials using the SSbD framework [1].
Share relevant data generated within the proposal with the Common Data Platform for Chemicals (where relevant).
Develop new alternatives that meet the technical functions required in the specific applications while aligning their innovation process decision making with the SSbD framework.
Make best use of digital tools and FAIR data, including AI and data-driven approaches, throughout the innovation process to support the circular transition for industry and circular product design.
Share FAIR and interoperable data and tools across supply networks and value chains to foster circularity, including data needed for materials and component development, production and circular product design.
Adhere to the FAIR data principles and adopt wherever relevant, data standards and data sharing/access good practices.
Foster collaboration among stakeholders along the innovation chain and industrial value networks to accelerate the development and adoption of new circular solutions.
Build on, or seek collaboration with, existing projects in EU Member States and Associated Countries and develop synergies with other relevant European, national or regional initiatives, funding programmes and platforms, in particular with the Materials Commons for Europe.
Support strategic value chains in the fields of mobility and medical devices.
Declare in their proposal the main application area of their proposal (i.e. mobility or medical devices).
Include a business case and exploitation strategy, as outlined in the introduction to this Destination.
Implement the co-programmed European Partnerships Innovative Advanced Materials for the EU (IAM4EU) and Made in Europe (MiE).
Innovative advanced materials designed for circularity are adopted in products faster, through accelerated production and technology uptake;
Business models become available to enhance the use of circular innovative advanced materials in strategic value chains; and
Resource efficiency (materials and energy) is increased significantly through a focus on circular advanced materials.
Clean Industrial Deal adopted in February 2025;
Critical Raw Materials Act;
Advanced Materials Communication and future Advanced Materials Act planned for 2026;
Future Circular Economy Act planned for 2026;
Steel and Metals Action Plan adopted in March 2025;
European Chemicals Industry Action Plan adopted in July 2025;
Industrial action plan for the European automotive sector adopted in March 2025; and
Strategy on research and technology infrastructures, with regard to technology infrastructures and the valorisation of knowledge.
Clean Industrial Deal
highThe "Clean Industrial Deal" refers to the industrial dimension of the European Green Deal, aiming to make European industry more sustainable, competitive, and resilient. It focuses on decarbonization, circularity, resource efficiency, and the development of clean technologies and products, while ensuring a level playing field and supporting innovation.
Proposals should demonstrate how their advanced manufacturing solutions contribute to the green transition of industry, for example, by reducing emissions, improving resource efficiency, enabling circularity, or developing clean technologies. Alignment with the EU's climate and environmental objectives and enhancing industrial competitiveness are key.
Critical Raw Materials Act
highAdvanced Materials Communication
highThe "Advanced Materials Communication" refers to the European Commission's communication on advanced materials, which typically outlines a strategic vision and actions to foster the development, production, and uptake of advanced materials in the EU. It emphasizes their importance for the green and digital transitions, industrial competitiveness, and strategic autonomy, often highlighting the need for a supportive regulatory framework, investment, and innovation ecosystems.
Proposals should demonstrate a clear understanding of the strategic importance of advanced materials as outlined in the Communication. They should show how their project contributes to the EU's leadership in advanced materials, supports key industrial value chains, and aligns with the objectives of the green and digital transitions, potentially by addressing challenges in scaling up, market access, or sustainability.
Advanced Materials Act
highThe proposed Advanced Materials Act aims to establish a comprehensive framework to accelerate the development, testing, and deployment of advanced materials in the EU. It seeks to streamline regulatory processes, foster investment, and create a more predictable environment for innovation in advanced materials, crucial for strategic industries and the green and digital transitions.
Proposals should demonstrate how their advanced manufacturing activities align with the objectives of fostering innovation and industrial uptake of advanced materials. This could involve addressing regulatory hurdles, contributing to standardization, or showcasing pathways for rapid deployment and scaling of new materials and their manufacturing processes.
Circular Economy Act
highThe "Circular Economy Act" refers to the legislative and policy framework stemming from the EU's Circular Economy Action Plans. It aims to accelerate the transition to a circular economy by promoting sustainable product design, reducing waste, increasing recycling and reuse, and fostering circular business models across key value chains.
Proposals should clearly demonstrate how their advanced manufacturing processes contribute to circularity. This includes aspects like resource efficiency, waste reduction, use of secondary raw materials, design for longevity, repairability, or recyclability, and the development of circular business models within the manufacturing context.
Safe and Sustainable by Design approach
highThe Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) approach promotes the integration of safety and sustainability considerations into the design and development process of materials, products, and processes from the earliest stages. The goal is to minimize environmental and health impacts throughout their lifecycle, reducing risks and fostering innovation.
Proposals should explicitly describe how the SSbD principles are integrated into their advanced manufacturing solutions. This includes demonstrating how potential hazards are identified and mitigated, how resource efficiency and circularity are maximized, and how the overall environmental and health footprint of the manufactured products and processes is minimized.
Steel and Metals Action Plan
mediumThe Steel and Metals Action Plan (or similar initiatives) focuses on supporting the competitiveness and sustainability of the EU's steel and metals industries. It addresses challenges such as decarbonization, raw material supply, energy efficiency, and the adoption of advanced manufacturing technologies to ensure the sector's long-term viability and contribution to the green transition.
If the advanced manufacturing project involves steel or other metals, proposals should highlight how it contributes to the objectives of this action plan, such as reducing the carbon footprint of metal production, improving resource efficiency in metal processing, or developing innovative metal products and processes.
European Chemicals Industry Action Plan
mediumIndustrial action plan for the European automotive sector
mediumThis action plan aims to support the European automotive sector in its twin green and digital transitions, enhancing its competitiveness and resilience. It addresses challenges such as electrification, connectivity, automation, and the need for new skills, while fostering innovation in manufacturing processes and supply chains.
If the advanced manufacturing project specifically targets the automotive sector, proposals should demonstrate how their solutions contribute to the sector's transformation, for example, by enabling new production methods for electric vehicles, improving supply chain resilience, or supporting the development of autonomous driving components.
Strategy on research and technology infrastructures
mediumThis strategy aims to strengthen the European Research Area by developing, integrating, and optimizing world-class research and technology infrastructures. It focuses on providing researchers with access to cutting-edge facilities, fostering collaboration, and supporting the translation of research results into innovation and industrial applications.
Proposals should demonstrate how they leverage existing research and technology infrastructures or contribute to their development and accessibility, particularly for advanced manufacturing. This could involve using shared facilities for testing, piloting, or scaling up innovative manufacturing processes, or contributing to the infrastructure's capabilities.
1. Admissibility conditions — Proposal page limit and layout In order to include a business case and exploitation strategy, as outlined in the introduction to this Destination, the page limit in part B of the General Annexes is exceptionally extended by 3 pages. Admissibility conditions are described in Annex A and Annex E of the Horizon Europe Work Programme General Annexes. Proposal page limits and layout: described in Part B of the Application Form available in the Submission System.
2. Eligible Countries — described in Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes. A number of non-EU/non-Associated Countries that are not automatically eligible for funding have made specific provisions for making funding available for their participants in Horizon Europe projects. See the information in the Horizon Europe Programme Guide .
3. Other Eligibility Conditions — described in Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes.
4. Financial and operational capacity and exclusion — described in Annex C of the Work Programme General Annexes.
5a. Evaluation and award: Award criteria, scoring and thresholds — To ensure a balanced portfolio covering strategic value chains, grants will be awarded to applications not only in order of ranking but at least also to one proposal that is the highest ranked from each of the following areas: (i) mobility and (ii) medical devices; provided that the applications attain all thresholds. are described in Annex D of the Work Programme General Annexes.
5b. Evaluation and award: Submission and evaluation processes — are described in Annex F of the Work Programme General Annexes and the Online Manual .
5c. Evaluation and award: Indicative timeline for evaluation and grant agreement — described in Annex F of the Work Programme General Annexes.
6. Legal and financial set-up of the grants — The granting authority may, up to 4 years after the end of the action, object to a transfer of ownership or to the exclusive licensing of results, as set out in the specific provision of Annex 5. Eligible costs will take the form of a lump sum as defined in the Decision of 7 July 2021 authorising the use of lump sum contributions under the Horizon Europe Programme – the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (2021-2027) – and in actions under the Research and Training Programme of the European Atomic Energy Community (2021-2025) [[This decision is available on the Funding and Tenders Portal, in the reference documents section for Horizon Europe, under ‘Simplified costs decisions’ or through this link: https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/guidance/ls-decision_he_en.pdf ]]. described in Annex G of the Work Programme General Annexes.
described in the [specific topic of the Work Programme]
Application form templates — the application form specific to this call is available in the Submission System Standard application form (HE RIA, IA) Evaluation form templates — will be used with the necessary adaptations Standard evaluation form (HE RIA, IA) Guidance HE Programme Guide Model Grant Agreements (MGA) Lump Sum MGA Operating Grants MGA Framework Partnership Agreement FPA Call-specific instructions Detailed budget table (HE LS) Information on financial support to third parties (HE) Information on clinical studies (HE) Guidance: "Lump sums - what do I need to know?"
HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 1. General Introduction HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 7. Digital, Industry and Space HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 14. Horizontal Activities HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 15. General Annexes HE Programme Guide HE Framework Programme 2021/695 HE Specific Programme Decision 2021/764 EU Financial Regulation 2024/2509 Decision authorising the use of lump sum contributions under the Horizon Europe Programme Rules for Legal Entity Validation, LEAR Appointment and Financial Capacity Assessment EU Grants AGA — Annotated Model Grant Agreement Funding & Tenders Portal Online Manual Funding & Tenders Portal Terms and Conditions Funding & Tenders Portal Privacy Statement
Evaluators will prioritize proposals that clearly articulate a comprehensive approach to circularity across the entire material lifecycle, from initial design to end-of-life recovery and valorisation. A strong emphasis will be placed on the practical application of the Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) framework and the integration of digital tools and FAIR data practices. Crucially, proposals must demonstrate a clear pathway to industrial uptake and market integration within the specified strategic value chains (mobility or medical devices), supported by a robust business case and exploitation strategy. Active collaboration with the Innovative Advanced Materials for the EU (IAM4EU) and Made in Europe (MiE) partnerships, as well as other relevant initiatives, is expected.
Everything the call asks for, seen from the call's point of view. Each line shows what answers it, and which partner carries it.
This matrix lists everything the call asks for: outcomes, impacts, scope, the requirements buried in the call text, and policy alignment. Sign up free and GrantForge tracks each line against the concept you build.
| Requirement | Covered by | Carried | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scope activities | |||
| SC1Enable circularity and resilient supply networks through R&I in advanced materials, in particular recyclable polymers and composites, magnets and metal (alloys) for additive manufacturing, and on accelerating their pathway to market. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC2Develop new innovative advanced materials (IAMs) with superior or novel functionalities designed for circularity. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC3Include necessary developments of related processes and technologies to ensure integration in industrial manufacturing facilitating uptake of the developed solutions. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC4Develop circular business models considering the cost of changes needed along the life cycle of these new materials to facilitate their uptake. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC5Cover the full innovation cycle from the design for circularity and functional integration (new materials designs), development and scaleup (including scalable recovery, recycling and valorisation at end of life), to demonstration of industrial uptake and integration into products. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC6Showcase the transformative potential of the developed solutions by demonstrators and industrial use cases. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC7Explore possibilities to transfer developed solutions to other applications or sectors. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC8Guide the innovation process towards safer and more sustainable chemicals and advanced materials using the SSbD framework [1]. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC9Share relevant data generated within the proposal with the Common Data Platform for Chemicals (where relevant). | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC10Develop new alternatives that meet the technical functions required in the specific applications while aligning their innovation process decision making with the SSbD framework. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC11Make best use of digital tools and FAIR data, including AI and data-driven approaches, throughout the innovation process to support the circular transition for industry and circular product design. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC12Share FAIR and interoperable data and tools across supply networks and value chains to foster circularity, including data needed for materials and component development, production and circular product design. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC13Adhere to the FAIR data principles and adopt wherever relevant, data standards and data sharing/access good practices. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC14Foster collaboration among stakeholders along the innovation chain and industrial value networks to accelerate the development and adoption of new circular solutions. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC15Build on, or seek collaboration with, existing projects in EU Member States and Associated Countries and develop synergies with other relevant European, national or regional initiatives, funding programmes and platforms, in particular with the Materials Commons for Europe. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC16Support strategic value chains in the fields of mobility and medical devices. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC17Declare in their proposal the main application area of their proposal (i.e. mobility or medical devices). | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC18Include a business case and exploitation strategy, as outlined in the introduction to this Destination. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC19Implement the co-programmed European Partnerships Innovative Advanced Materials for the EU (IAM4EU) and Made in Europe (MiE). | · | · | Sign up to track |
| Expected outcomes | |||
| EO1Innovative advanced materials designed for circularity are adopted in products faster, through accelerated production and technology uptake; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EO2Business models become available to enhance the use of circular innovative advanced materials in strategic value chains; and | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EO3Resource efficiency (materials and energy) is increased significantly through a focus on circular advanced materials. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| Other requirements | |||
| No other requirements in this call. | |||
| Expected impacts | |||
| EI1Clean Industrial Deal adopted in February 2025; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI2Critical Raw Materials Act; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI3Advanced Materials Communication and future Advanced Materials Act planned for 2026; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI4Future Circular Economy Act planned for 2026; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI5Steel and Metals Action Plan adopted in March 2025; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI6European Chemicals Industry Action Plan adopted in July 2025; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI7Industrial action plan for the European automotive sector adopted in March 2025; and | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI8Strategy on research and technology infrastructures, with regard to technology infrastructures and the valorisation of knowledge. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| Underlying policies | |||
| POL1clean industrial dealThe "Clean Industrial Deal" refers to the industrial dimension of the European Green Deal, aiming to make European industry more sustainable, competitive, and resilient. It focuses on decarbonization, circularity, resource efficiency, and the development of clean technologies and products, while ensuring a level playing field and supporting innovation. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| POL2critical raw materials actThis act aims to secure the EU’s supply of critical raw materials (e.g., lithium, cobalt) by diversifying imports, improving recycling, and reducing dependence on single suppliers. It emphasizes domestic sourcing and circular economy principles. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| POL3advanced materials communicationThe "Advanced Materials Communication" refers to the European Commission's communication on advanced materials, which typically outlines a strategic vision and actions to foster the development, production, and uptake of advanced materials in the EU. It emphasizes their importance for the green and digital transitions, industrial competitiveness, and strategic autonomy, often highlighting the need for a supportive regulatory framework, investment, and innovation ecosystems. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| POL4advanced materials actThe proposed Advanced Materials Act aims to establish a comprehensive framework to accelerate the development, testing, and deployment of advanced materials in the EU. It seeks to streamline regulatory processes, foster investment, and create a more predictable environment for innovation in advanced materials, crucial for strategic industries and the green and digital transitions. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| POL5circular economy actThe "Circular Economy Act" refers to the legislative and policy framework stemming from the EU's Circular Economy Action Plans. It aims to accelerate the transition to a circular economy by promoting sustainable product design, reducing waste, increasing recycling and reuse, and fostering circular business models across key value chains. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| POL6safe and sustainable by design approachThe Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) approach promotes the integration of safety and sustainability considerations into the design and development process of materials, products, and processes from the earliest stages. The goal is to minimize environmental and health impacts throughout their lifecycle, reducing risks and fostering innovation. | · | · | Sign up to track |
The binding rules of this call. Items marked auto are verified by GrantForge from the call and the template. The others are yours to confirm.
LMIC entities auto-eligible
Low/middle-income country entities are automatically eligible for funding.
EU space data infrastructures
If the project uses satellite-based Earth observation, positioning, navigation or timing data/services, beneficiaries must use Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS. Other sources may be added but not substitute EU infrastructures.
Civil applications only
Horizon Europe funds exclusively civil applications. Research with exclusive military or dual-use application is excluded.
Gender Equality Plan
Having a Gender Equality Plan (GEP) is an eligibility criterion for public bodies, research organisations, and higher education institutions from Member States and Associated Countries.
Open Science
Mandatory open access to peer-reviewed scientific publications and responsible management of research data (FAIR principles, DMP required).
Talk to the Grant Coach to build your concept. The steps below fill in as it takes shape, and your coverage tracks the progress. You can refine everything once your project workspace is created.
Step 1 of 2 · Build your concept
The problems this call frames, and who they affect. Your concept and plan address them.
Current material production and consumption models predominantly follow a linear 'take-make-dispose' approach, leading to significant waste generation, depletion of virgin resources, and environmental pollution. This hinders the EU's transition towards a circular economy and climate neutrality.
Despite the recognized potential of innovative advanced materials for circularity, their integration into industrial manufacturing processes and the development of viable circular business models face significant technical, economic, and regulatory barriers. This is particularly challenging in highly regulated and complex sectors like mobility and medical devices, slowing down market uptake.
The absence of comprehensive SSbD frameworks and effective digital tools for data sharing, modelling, and design across the entire material lifecycle impedes the development and market uptake of truly circular, safe, and high-performance advanced materials. This results in suboptimal material choices and missed opportunities for resource efficiency.
Companies involved in the production and supply of advanced materials, including polymers, composites, magnets, and metal alloys, who will directly adopt the developed circular materials and processes.
Manufacturers and suppliers within the automotive, aerospace, and other transport industries who will integrate the circular IAMs into their products and manufacturing processes.
Companies producing medical devices that will adopt the new circular IAMs to enhance sustainability and safety of their products.
Organisations involved in the collection, sorting, processing, and valorisation of end-of-life materials, crucial for closing the loop on circular IAMs.
Research and development units within companies and dedicated innovation centres that will implement SSbD frameworks and digital tools for materials design and process optimisation.
Academics, researchers, and scientific institutions who will benefit from new knowledge, methodologies, and data generated by the project, contributing to further advancements in circular materials science.
European, national, and regional authorities responsible for developing and implementing policies related to circular economy, materials, chemicals, and industrial sustainability, who will benefit from project outcomes and data.
The general public and specific user groups who will ultimately benefit from more sustainable, safer, and resource-efficient products in mobility and medical applications.
The co-programmed European Partnerships 'Innovative Advanced Materials for the EU' and 'Made in Europe', which will leverage project results to achieve their strategic objectives and foster broader impact.
Step 2 of 2 · Build your concept
The long-term impacts your project should drive — this shapes the objectives next.
The project will significantly accelerate the uptake of innovative advanced materials designed for circularity into products within the mobility and medical devices sectors, contributing directly to the objectives of the @EI1 Clean Industrial Deal, @EI3 Advanced Materials Communication, and the future @EI7 Industrial action plan for the European automotive sector.
By focusing on circular advanced materials and processes, the project will lead to a significant increase in resource (materials and energy) efficiency, reducing waste and greenhouse gas emissions. This directly supports the goals of the @EI4 future Circular Economy Act, @EI5 Steel and Metals Action Plan, and contributes to @EI1 Clean Industrial Deal objectives.
The development and market integration of circular IAMs will bolster the competitiveness and resilience of European industries, particularly in critical raw materials and advanced manufacturing. This aligns with the @EI2 Critical Raw Materials Act and the @EI3 Advanced Materials Communication, ensuring a more robust and sustainable industrial base.
The rigorous application of the Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) framework will ensure that new advanced materials are inherently safer and more sustainable throughout their lifecycle. This directly contributes to the objectives of the @EI6 European Chemicals Industry Action Plan and the broader goals of the @EI3 Advanced Materials Communication.
The project's emphasis on FAIR data, digital tools, and collaboration will enhance knowledge sharing and accelerate digital transformation across materials supply networks and value chains. This supports the @EI8 Strategy on research and technology infrastructures, promoting a more integrated and data-driven approach to materials innovation.