FAQs

Is it possible to apply more than once?

Yes.

How to become an evaluator at Up2Circ?

In order to join our external pool of evaluators, kindly submit your Expression of Interest along with your CV in PDF format to experts@up2circ.eu.

We are seeking skilled evaluators who posses circular economy related expertise and either industry knowledge or technical and business expertise as explained below:
Compulsory: Circular Economy Expertise: Evaluators should have a background and in-depth understanding of circular economy principles, strategies, and practices. This is essential for evaluating the alignment of proposals with the Up2Circ project’s objectives and its circular economy aspirations.
Industry Knowledge: Evaluators should demonstrate industry-specific knowledge relevant to adopting circular business models, circular product design, and circular processes. Their understanding of industry dynamics ensures accurate assessment of concepts, feasibility, and the potential impact of the proposals.
Technical and Business Expertise: Technical and business insight play a vital role in assessing the viability, innovation, and scalability of the proposed circular economy projects. Evaluators must evaluate both the technical feasibility and the potential for successful business outcomes.

More information you’ll find here: https://up2circ.eu/we-are-looking-for-evaluators-2/

Is it possible to apply for a small-scale project first and then (even if supported) apply for a large-scale project?

It is not possible if applying for the maximum subgrant amount. Our grant agreement does not allow it since it states in the 3. Grant of Data Sheet: “Costs for providing financial support to third parties (actual cost; max amount for each recipient: EUR 50 000.00)”. However, since there is only limit to the maximum financial support, they could apply for both project types if they do not exceed EUR 50 000.00, e.g., apply for EUR 15 000 for feasibility and EUR 35 000 for piloting and demonstration.

Is there an obligation to keep any documents, etc.?

No.

What would have to cause the company not to be paid the second half of the grant?

A serious breach of the terms of the call.

Do you also accept startups (with only one balance sheet filed)?

Yes.

Is it possible to attach any attachments, such as a CV?

No.

Can you explain indirect costs?

Costs that cannot be directly related to the implementation of the project.

What KPIs are appropriate?

We suggest to align them with SDGs and go to guide for applicants.

Is there any threshold/limit that can be attributed to the applicant or the subcontractor?

No.

Risk assessment – how to do it in the form in the text format?

No detailed risk assessment necessary, we only ask for highlights and mitigation meassures (use bullet points in the form). In the final report you can address the risk analysis in more detail.

If we already started the activities we have not yet implemented – we will not ask to fund these costs from the project – costs related to the continuation of the project?

Recommended that the main activities begin at the start of the project.

Small startup – just one closed balance sheet (financial period) – can participate?

We do not exclude startups and it is not taken into account – you will be evaluated as any other applicant.

Also applying for the another EU grant and it is still related to the same project as for Up2Circ? Is it possible to apply and receive the funds for the same project?

Double funding is prohibited, but you can combine different sources of funding.

Schedule – what if we start the activity before knowing that we receive the grant – can we start working on the project before signing the sub-agreement?

Yes, it is possible, but the funding cannot be applied historically.

Are indirect costs included in the total amount of EUR 50 000 for large projects? Which would mean that there could be a maximum of EUR 40 000 + EUR 10 000 as indirect costs?

Indirect costs are added by applying the 25% flat rate to the direct costs that qualify for indirect costs, these are all cost categories except for subcontracting.

Is it allowed to apply as newly established SME without finishing the first year and not having any fiscal year reports?

Yes.

Are UK companies eligible?

No.

If ethics assessment is optional – does it have an impact on evaluation?

No.

Do we add the actual/full pilot project costs in the fields with justification and then the 50k request down below? -or- do we only add the proportional costs above that tie in with the 50k?

Describe the full cost of the project, including a detailed breakdown of costs, and in the requested funding field, explicitly write 50,000 as the funding request.
This way, evaluators will have a clear understanding of the total project cost and how much funding you’re requesting, ensuring transparency and proper allocation.

In the “Guide for applicants, it is mentioned “The primary focus of the project funding should not be on purchase of equipment” but a pilot / demonstrator is often quite expensive. Is there a maximum of total costs for the “purchase of equipment”?

No there is not, in certain cases this is legitimate and it will not be disqualified for it. This is mainly to discourage applications where companies outsource all of the costs so that a solution is developed for them by an external provider.

Assuming the project start is October 2024?

The project has a fixed starting day, October 1, 2024 (for beneficiaries of the First Open Call).

Can attachment files be incorporated?

No.

Although in the guidelines SMEs are expected to develop projects to increase their circularity, is it also possible for ICT companies to develop solutions for manufacturing SMEs circularity??

While the primary focus of this call is on SMEs implementing concrete measures towards circularity within their own processes and products, we also recognize the importance of collaborative efforts to drive sustainability across various sectors. The scenario you’ve described, where your client’s technology is implemented in a third-party company to enhance their sustainability and circularity, is indeed aligned with our overarching goals. However, it would be most suitable for the third-party company to apply directly, with your client participating as a subcontractor or technology provider

Is self-employed person considered a SME?

For the question on self-employed person see page 12 at https://www.eusmecentre.org.cn/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/SME-Definition.pdf
Self-employed, family firms, partnerships and associations regularly engaged in an economic activity may be considered as enterprises.

Up2Circ have 7 partners from Southern, Eastern and Northern Europe. Is it a plus for the Open Call to be linked with one of these partners?

No.

Is it possible to submit 2 applications for the same call: 1 for a small project, 1 other for a large project for the same company?

Only one application can be submitted in a given call.

What is the starting date for the eligible costs: submission or beginning of the project in October?

Costs are eligible only from the beginnng of the project.