FAQs
Applicants are not allowed to submit multiple project proposals for the call.
Only one application can be submitted per call for the same company.
Yes, in principle. However, the total financial support for a single recipient across all Up2Circ calls cannot exceed €50,000.
The primary focus of this call is to support SMEs in implementing concrete measures to improve circularity within their own processes, products, and services. If an ICT company develops a technology that helps another SME become more circular, the most suitable approach would be for the manufacturing SME to apply for funding, with the ICT company participating as a subcontractor or technology provider. This ensures alignment with the eligibility criteria outlined in the Guide for Applicants.
Yes, the number of closed accounting periods does not matter. We accept applicants regardless of how many accounting periods they have completed.
Yes. However, please note that the admissibility and eligibility criteria have changed. You must follow the criteria specific to this call. Instead of completing the circularity assessment, applicants are now required to upload the Up2Circ Assessment Report, prepared with the support of an Up2Circ advisor.
No, as the funding amount is fixed at €15,000 for small-scale projects and €50,000 for large-scale projects. The total financial support for a single recipient cannot exceed €50,000 across all Up2Circ calls.
Yes.
Unfortunately, it is not possible to attach additional documents. Only the Up2Circ Assessment Report and the budget can be uploaded.
We recommend aligning them with the SDGs. For more details, please refer to the Guide for Applicants.
No detailed risk assessment is necessary. We only ask for key highlights and mitigation measures, using bullet points in the form. You can provide a more detailed risk analysis in the final report.
No, UK companies are not eligible. Please note that SMEs from Horizon Europe Associated Countries are not eligible.
Self-employed individuals, family businesses, partnerships, and associations that are regularly engaged in economic activity may be considered enterprises. For more details, please refer to page 12 of the SME Definition Guide: https://www.eusmecentre.org.cn/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/SME-Definition.pdf.
Indirect costs are expenses that are necessary for the implementation of the project but cannot be directly linked to it (since their exact share in the project cannot be precisely determined). Typical examples include rent, utility costs, office equipment, telephone, and photocopying expenses.
Yes, subcontracting costs are limited to up to a maximum of 50% of the requested funding, based on the beneficiary’s usual purchasing practices, while ensuring best value for money and avoiding any conflict of interest.
It is recommended that the main activities begin at the start of the project. Only costs generated during the lifetime of the project are eligible.
Yes, it is possible, but the funding cannot be applied to costs incurred before the grant agreement is signed.
Indirect costs are calculated by applying a 25% flat rate to the direct costs eligible for indirect costs. These eligible costs include all cost categories except subcontracting.
Double funding for the same costs is not allowed, meaning you cannot receive funding from multiple sources for the exact same expenses. However, it is possible to combine different funding sources, provided that the funds are allocated to different cost categories or activities within the project. .
A: The primary focus of this call is to support SMEs in implementing concrete measures to enhance circularity within their own processes, products, and services. Up2Circ funding is not intended for general scale-up or market readiness activities. However, if the startup’s project involves implementing specific circularity improvements within its operations, it may be eligible. Applicants should ensure their proposal aligns with the eligibility criteria outlined in the Guide for Applicants.
Yes, a company can use Up2Circ funding to transition to a new circular production activity, even if this deviates from the previous core business. However, the proposal should clearly demonstrate how the shift contributes to enhancing circularity within their own processes, products, and services, and how it meets the eligibility criteria outlined in the Guide for Applicants.
The beneficiary must keep evidence of the activities implemented and the actual costs incurred, adhering to the Horizon Europe costs eligibility and record-keeping rules.
A company may not receive the second half of the grant if the Final Report does not sufficiently demonstrate the implementation of the project. If the Final Report does not account for the full funding amount as spent, the balance payment will be adjusted accordingly. Additionally, if specific work packages (WPs) are not completed, the corresponding portion of the prefinancing amount may be reclaimed.
Costs are eligible only from the beginnng of the project.
To join our external pool of evaluators, please submit your Expression of Interest along with your CV in PDF format to experts@up2circ.eu.
We are looking for skilled evaluators with expertise in the circular economy, industry knowledge, and technical or business experience, as detailed below:
Circular Economy Expertise (Mandatory): Evaluators must have a strong background and deep understanding of circular economy principles, strategies, and practices. This is crucial for assessing how well proposals align with Up2Circ’s objectives.
Industry Knowledge: Applicants should have sector-specific expertise related to circular business models, circular product design, or circular processes. A strong understanding of industry dynamics ensures an accurate evaluation of project feasibility and impact.
Technical and Business Expertise: Evaluators should be able to assess the viability, innovation, and scalability of proposed circular economy projects. This includes evaluating both technical feasibility and potential business success.
For more information, visit: https://up2circ.eu/we-are-looking-for-evaluators-2/.