HORIZON 2020 DEDICATED SME INSTRUMENT

Boosting the potential of small businesses for eco-innovation and a sustainable supply of raw materials

Cut-off dates:

18/03/2015

27/06/2015

17/09/2015

This topic is targeted at all types of eco-innovative SMEs in all areas addressing the climate action, environment, resource efficiency and raw materials challenge, focusing on SMEs showing a strong ambition to develop, grow and internationalise. All kinds of promising ideas, products, processes, services and business models, notably across sectors and disciplines, for commercialisation both in a business-to-business (B2B) and a business-to-customer (B2C) context, are eligible.

The SME instrument consists of three separate phases and a coaching and mentoring service for beneficiaries. Participants can apply to phase 1 with a view to applying to phase 2 at a later date, or directly to phase 2.

FUNDS FOR RESEARCH AND INNOVATION

Reducing impacts and costs of freight and service trips in urban areas
Deadline: 18th march 2014

Proposals should address one or several of the following aspects:

• Improving basic knowledge and understanding on freight distribution and service trips in urban areas. This could address research on indicators, measurement and data (e.g. delivery/service characteristics, operators, movements, and impacts); economic and behavioural modelling; impacts of urban planning; effects of logistics sprawl (e.g. impact of decentralisation of logistics facilities on transport movements); freight mitigation strategies; effectiveness of partnerships and stakeholder engagement; and comparative analyses and evaluation of policies and experiments.

• Assessing innovative policies and solutions to ensure a better use of infrastructure (e.g. delivery spaces, off peak deliveries, non-road modes, urban waterways) and vehicles (types, load factors); improve network management; address demand side measures, innovative use of transport modes, new ways of stakeholder collaboration; and provide policy frameworks that allow sustainable business models for urban logistics solutions.

• Assessing innovative policies and solutions on consolidation and distribution centres in urban areas, including design (e.g. cross-docking); business models for consolidation schemes (including fleet and freight sharing and pooling and adequate collaboration frameworks); integration of direct and reverse logistics; tools to identify and measure consolidation opportunities; and governance models.

Project Budget: between EUR 2 to 4 million each

Funding rate: 100%

Source: European Commission official website

Med Programme: Call for Proposals on Integrated Maritime Approach

Deadline: 10 January 2014 

The call shall be targeting four priorities, namely: 

 1) Maritime Innovation and economic development, 

 2) Environment protection, 

 3) Transport and accessibility

 4) Governance and policy response. 

With respect to the first 3 priorities, partners should either have experience within previous Med projects or other European cooperation projects. 

Priority 4, on the other hand, is only open to national and local authorities and previous participation in Med or EU funded projects is not necessary. 

The total budget for this call amounts to EUR 5 million.

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NGO operating grants for 2014 under the Financial Instrument for the Environment (LIFE+)

DEADLINE: 15 October 2013

This call for proposals aims at co-financing the operating costs of European environmental NGOs in relation to activities provided for in their 2014 annual work programme that involve contributing to the implementation and/or development of EU environmental policy and legislation in Europe.

The main focus of the proposed work programme should relate to one or more of the following thematic objectives:

• protect, conserve and enhance the Union’s natural capital
• turn the Union into a resource-efficient, green and competitive low-carbon economy
• safeguard the Union’s citizens from environment-related pressures and risks to health and wellbeing

In addition, the extent to which proposals address the following annual priorities will be given special consideration:

• Waste
• Climate change mitigation and adaptation

Which kind of Organizations can apply? Organizations independent and non-profit-making, primarily active in the field of environmental protection and enhancement with an environmental objective; organizations active at a European level either singly or in the form of several coordinated associations and which are legally established in one of the EU member states.

Finance available: €9.000.000 ( typical grant award around € 300.000; maximum € 900.000) The rate of overall EU assistance shall not exceed 70 % of the applicant's eligible expenses for the grant year.

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Call for proposals for Joint Research Projects and associated Researcher Excellence Grants

Deadline: 1 October 2013

The European Metrology Research Programme (EMRP) is a metrology-focused European programme of coordinated R&D that facilitates closer integration of national research programmes. The EMRP is jointly supported by the European Commission and the participating countries within the European Association of National Metrology Institutes (EURAMET e.V.). The EMRP will ensure collaboration between National Measurement Institutes, reducing duplication and increasing impact. The overall goal of the EMRP is to accelerate innovation and competitiveness in Europe whilst continuing to provide essential support to underpin the quality of our lives. 

The aim of this call is to advance measurement science and technology in the following areas:

• Metrology for Energy 
• Metrology for Environment

Call Overview 

The core activity of the EMRP consists of funding multi-partner trans-national Joint Research Projects (JRPs) addressing research, technological development, training and dissemination activities. Additionally, the EMRP also funds several Researcher Grant schemes which complement the JRPs in order to increase and diversify capacities in metrology. The JRPs and the EMRP Researcher Grants are independently evaluated and awarded following calls for proposals. The EMRP consists of five (5) Call cycles (2009-2013) – one Call per year. Each Call  includes several Researcher Grant schemes.

For further information, please contact us

New funding programme LIFE 2014\2020

New LIFE programme 2014/2020 will replace LIFE+ 2007/2013

It will be divided into two sub-programmes: 

 The sub-programme for Environment will support efforts in the following areas: 

- "Environment and Resource Efficiency" will focus on more innovative solutions for better implementation of environment policy and integrating environmental objectives in other sectors; 

- "Biodiversity" will develop best practices to halt biodiversity loss and restore ecosystem services, while keeping its primary focus on supporting Natura 2000 sites, especially via integrated projects consistent with Member States Prioritised Action Frameworks (as described in the Commission's new paper on Financing Natura 2000); 

- "Environmental Governance and Information" will promote knowledge sharing, dissemination of best practices, and better compliance, in addition to awareness raising campaigns 

 The sub-programme for Climate Action covers the following areas: 

- "Climate Change Mitigation" will focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions; 

- "Climate Change Adaptation" will focus on increasing resilience to climate change; 

-"Climate Governance and Information" will focus on increasing awareness, communication, cooperation and dissemination on climate mitigation and adaptation actions. 

Grants to finance projects will remain the Programme's main type of intervention. Operating grants for NGOs and other bodies will still be possible, and there will also be scope for contributions to innovative financial instruments.

Audiovisual projects on environment

DEADLINE: 13 September 2013

The objective of this call for proposals is to select a proposal to raise awareness of the EU citizens about sustainable development, biodiversity and nature issues by providing financial support to the production of a high quality movie on those subjects for a commercial distribution in cinemas for European audiences, presented by European production companies.

Biodiversity loss and the degradation of nature in the Union have important implications for the environment and are costly for society as a whole, particularly for economic actors in sectors that depend directly on ecosystem services. Biodiversity and nature is vital to countless human activities. Much food production is only possible because of natural benefits like fertile soil and water, and bees that pollinate plants and trees.

 

To that end, the proposed movie subject should relate closely to the thematic priority objective of the Commission’s proposal for a new Environment Action Programme for 2020 “Living well, within the limits of our planet"2 intended to: "Protect, conserve and enhance the Union’s natural capital".

 

The total budget earmarked for the co-financing of the awarded project is estimated at 1.500.000 EUR.

Who can apply? Public or private entities whose main activity is audio-visual production and their Partners. Applicants may act individually or with partner organisations and/or associates.

CONTACT US for more information

Clean Sky: research project for low-carbon aircraft

DEADLINE: 22 October 2013

Aviation is an essential element of today's global society, bringing people and cultures together (2.2 billion passengers yearly) and creating economic growth (425 billion of world GDP - gross domestic product). The air transport industry is paying a lot of attention to growing public concern about the environmental issues of air pollution, noise and climate change.


Clean Sky, a Public Private Partnership between the European Commission and the Aeronautical Industry, was set up to bring significant step changes regarding the environmental impact of aviation. Clean Sky will speed up technological breakthrough developments and shorten the time to market for new and cleaner solutions tested on full scale demonstrators, thus contributing significantly to reducing the environmental footprint of aviation (i.e. emissions and noise reduction but also green life cycle) for our future generations.

The programme is arranged around the six following Integrated Technology Demonstrators (ITDs):

• Smart Fixed Wing Aircraft
• Green Regional Aircraft
• Green Rotorcraft
• Systems for Green Operation
• Sustainable and Green Engines
• Eco-Design

INDICATIVE BUDGET : € 32 336 250
 

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LIFE + Programme: EUR 281.4 million in new environment and climate projects

The European Commission has approved funding for 248 new projects under the LIFE+ programme, the European Union's environment fund. An informal agreement was reached in Brussels on 27 June 2013 on the next funding period for the LIFE programme (2014-2020). Changes include a specific section devoted to climate mitigation and adaptation, and a new funding category for "Integrated Projects".

 

The projects cover actions in the fields of nature conservation, climate change, environmental policy and information and communication on environmental issues across all Member States. Overall, they represent a total investment of some EUR 556.4 million, of which the EU will provide EUR 281.4 million.

 Environment Commissioner  Janez Potočnik said: “The LIFE+ programme continues to provide vital funding for innovative projects. These new projects will make a big contribution to protecting, conserving and enhancing Europe’s natural capital. They will support the goal of turning the EU into a resource efficient, greener and more competitive low-carbon economy.”

 

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KEP Austria: Call for proposal

European funds: Know-how Exchange Programme

Deadline: 28th December 2012

Objectives of the funding programme:

• Strengthen economic and social advancement of the CEI non-EU Member States; 
• Help the recent EU members in their transformation from recipients to donors (emerging donors) of development assistance; 
• Promote principles of foreign development aid and support international collaboration among institutions in CEI member countries.

Within the scope of KEP AUSTRIA Call for Proposal 2013 the following priority areas apply:

 I. European Integration, Capacity Building and Market Economy 

II. Infrastructure Planning and Development 

III. Agriculture, Energy, and Environment 

Project implementation should start after 1 March 2013. Project duration should not exceed 12 months

Detailed newsletter and official documents

European funding: environment

European grant fund: New Knowledge for an integrated management of human activity in the sea 

 Deadline: 19 December 2012 

The Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) promotes the integration of environmental consideration into all relevant policy areas and delivers the environmental pillar of the future maritime policy of the European Union. An ecosystem-based approach to the management of human activities is central to the implementation of MSFD and to attaining its overall objective to take the necessary measures to achieve or maintain good environmental status (GES) by 2020. 

The purpose of this Pilot Project is to develop new concept and decision-making tools for integrated environmental monitoring for the MSFD to support management of human activities in EU marine waters. The project will develop integrated monitoring strategies in selected pilot regions, based on existing sampling across various disciplines (physical, chemical, biological) and scope the potential for joint monitoring programmes (within and between Member States). It will aim to develop strategic approaches to the integrated monitoring of pressures from human activities and their effects on the environment to support the MSFD and other environmental

Newsletter and official documents

European fundings for environment

Anticipation on the new call for proposal within the VII Framework programme for research and development: Environment

Topics will cover the following area:

• Coping with climate change
• Sustainable use and management of land and seas
• Improving resource efficiency
• Protecting citizens from environmental hazards
• Mobilising environmental knowledge for policy, industry and society
• Public-Private Partnership 'Energy Efficient Buildings Initiative'

European funds for research

Clean Sky JTI 2012-02

Deadline: 10 July 2012

Clean Sky is made up of 6 Integrated Technology Demonstrators.

Smart Fixed Wing Aircraft will deliver active wing technologies and new aircraft configuration for breakthrough, news products.

Green Regional Aircraft will deliver low-weight aircraft using smart strutures, as well as low external noise configurations and the integration of technology developed in other ITDs, such as engines, energy management and new system architectures.

Civil Society Facility programme 2012

European funding: Civil Society Facility programme 2012

Deadline: 29/06/2012

Overal objective
A more dynamic civil society actively participating in public debate on democracy, human rights, social inclusion and the rule of law and with capacity to influence policy and decision making processes

Sustainable Industry Low Carbon scheme programme

European funding programme: Sustainable Industry Low Carbon scheme

Call deadline: 25th June 2012

The objective of the call is to provide support to actions that will focus on manufacturing and process industries covered by the ETS so as to enable these to cope with the challenges of a low carbon economy and to maintain their competitiveness.

The SILC (Sustainable Industry Low Carbon) initiative aims to help sectors to achieve specific GHG emission intensity reductions in order to maintain their competitiveness.

Life + 2012

European grant funds: LIFE + programme

Deadline: 26 September 2012

The general objective of LIFE+ will be to contribute to the implementation, updating and development of Community environmental policy and legislation, including the integration of the environment into other policies, thereby contributing to sustainable development.

PROMOTING SUSTAINABLE CONSUMPTION AND PRODUCTION

European programme: Switch Asia -  sustainable consumption and production

Deadline of the call: 23rd March 2012 for project outlines

All industrial sectors (except primary production) are eligible to be targeted in the projects, under the following conditions:
• They are polluting and have sufficient potential for improvement
• They form a substantial share of the economy and have potential for market demand
• They have sufficient potential for further multiplication in the country and/or region

The SWITCH-Asia Programme is expected to achieve the following results:
1) Reduce the environmental and social cost of production and consumption
2) Move SCP practices from demonstration to replication
3) Norm shift in policy-making towards sustainability

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European funds for cooperation

EUROPEAN CROSS-BORDER PROGRAMME CROATIA - MONTENEGRO

Deadline: 5th March 2012

Priority: ‘Creation of favourable environmental and socio-economic conditions in the programming area by improvement of the cooperation in the jointly selected sectors and good neighbourly relations in the eligible area’

Measure 1.1: Joint actions for environment, nature and cultural heritage protection

Measure 1.2: Joint tourism and cultural space

Measure 1.3: Small cross-border community development projects

Objectives:

The overall Priority Objective of the CB Programme HR-MNE is therefore to improve quality of life in the cross-border area between Croatia and Montenegro.

Partner search for EU project in the field of environment

Call title: ENVIRONMENT 2012: TWO-STAGE
Call identifier: FP7-ENV-2012-two-stage
Deadline: First stage: 20 October 2011 at 17.00.00 for preproposal
Indicative budget: EUR 50 million for the activity “Improving resource efficiency”

About the call

ENV.2012.6.3-1 Innovative resource efficient technologies, processes and services

Natural resources including fuels, mineral resources, but also water, air, soils, biomass or land are facing higher demand and intensification of use. Therefore greater efforts have to be made to fully valorise their potential and avoid growth ruptures while mitigating unsustainable pressures on the environment. New innovative solutions are essential for the necessary transition towards a more resource-efficient and circular economy.

Research on Sustainable Surface Transport

European funds for research in the field of Sustainable Surface Transport

Deadline: 1st December 2011

MAIN AREAS OF INTERVENTION:

CHALLENGE 1. ECO-INNOVATION

ACTIVITY:THE GREENING OF SURFACE TRANSPORT

AREA: THE GREENING OF PRODUCTS AND OPERATIONS

• Assessment and mitigation of noise impacts of the maritime transport on the marine environment
• Support to the development of joint programming in marine and maritime research to address cross-cutting sea-related challenges
• Management of energy in railway systems

CHALLENGE 2. SAFE AND SEAMLESS MOBILITY
ACTIVITY: ENCOURAGING MODAL SHIFT AND DECONGESTING TRANSPORT CORRIDORS
AREA: MARITIME AND INLAND WATERWAYS TRANSPORT

• Innovative fleet for efficient logistics chain

AREA QUALITY OF RAIL SERVICE

• Planning rail towards 2050
• The role of rail in the European transport system in response to major disruptions
• Efficient rolling stock and train operations for competitive rail freight services

AREA: INTEROPERABILITY AND SAFETY

• Rail system interoperability (regulatory and non-legislative interoperability based on technological innovations)
• Europe to Asia: rail research collaboration

ACTIVITY: ENSURING SUSTAINABLE URBAN MOBILITY

AREA: NEW TRANSPORT AND MOBILITY CONCEPTS

• Research actions regarding the accessibility of transport systems
• Innovative design and operation of new or upgraded efficient urban transport interchanges
• Take-up of transport innovation in urban and regional transport
• Automated urban vehicles

AREA: HIGH QUALITY PUBLIC TRANSPORT

• Coordinating innovation for efficient bus systems in the urban environment

ACTIVITY: IMPROVING SAFETY AND SECURITY
AREA: INTEGRATED SAFETY AND SECURITY FOR SURFACE TRANSPORT SYSTEMS

• Human element factors in shipping safety
• Safety of ships in Arctic conditions
• Large scale naturalistic driving observations for safe and sustainable transport

AREA: POLICY SUPPORT

• Priorities for road safety research in Europe

CHALLENGE 3: COMPETITIVENESS THROUGH INNOVATION

ACTIVITY: STRENGTHENING COMPETITIVENESS

AREA: COMPETITIVE SURFACE TRANSPORT PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

• Tools and conditions for attractive, efficient and competitive single wagonload traffic and its interaction with road and intermodal transports
• Next generation tools for optimised infrastructure asset management
• Innovative structural and outfitting materials for ships including inland ships
• Innovation and standardisation in the field of signalling to accelerate a European Train Control System rollout
• E-guided vessels: the 'autonomous' ship

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