The Eureka Network has opened a significant funding window to support international research, development, and innovation (R&D&I) projects under its “Circular value creation” initiative. R&D consortia must include partners from at least two participating countries. The submission window is open from 12 June 2025 to 30 September 2025.
Ministries and funding agencies from a diverse group of nations including Austria, Canada, Chile, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Portugal, Slovakia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye, and Ukraine have pledged funding for collaborative projects.
Projects must aim beyond recycling
Proposals should target circular value creation systems, not just recycling. Projects must contribute to smarter product design, reuse, longevity, and recycling across entire lifecycles. Successful submissions must address systemic architecture, innovative business models, and human-centred skills or learning.
At the Eureka Global Innovation Summit, Germany’s State Secretary Claudia Müller encouraged bold steps to confront global crises using scientific and technological innovation. The circular value creation call, one of Eureka’s largest ever funding initiatives, reflects this vision.
Support available depends on national regimes
Different participating countries offer tailored funding rates. For example:
- In Austria, SMEs may receive up to 80% of eligible costs, while research institutions can receive up to 85%.
- South Korea offers up to about €330,000 per year, up to 67% of project costs for SMEs.
- France allows loans or advances up to €3 million, with SMEs eligible for up to 80 %.
- Sweden offers up to €300,000 depending on organisation type.
- Ukraine supports academic partners with up to about UAH 199,000 per year.
To assist applicants, Eureka and the Enterprise Europe Network are holding brokerage events and webinars where potential partners can meet. These networking opportunities run through to late September and have already been held in summer 2025.
Applications move through two levels: an international application via the Eureka platform, followed by national evaluations where relevant. Funding decisions are expected by February 2026, with projects planned to begin shortly after.
