Bioeconomy open call ran from 9 September to 10 November 2021, and the accelerator programme  from March to June 2022.

Who are we looking for?

DigiCirc is looking for European SMEs/Start-ups that can use digital tools and apply cutting-edge solutions in the circular economy by addressing specific challenges in the domain of Bioeconomy.

How does it work?

With the third open call, DigiCirc will select a minimum of 15 consortia, composed of at least 2 SMEs/Startups, that will develop innovative solutions focused on digital technologies by addressing the Bioeconomy challenges presented below. SMEs will be given the opportunity to use the DigiCirc Matchmaking Platform to look for other SMEs in case they need a partner to build a consortium.
The selected consortia will get a direct funding of up to €20.000 and the opportunity to integrate a highly intensive and innovative 12 weeks-long innovation support programme, divided in two phases, where they will be able to develop their business plans and adapt their solutions for the targeted area (Phase 1); and demonstrate their solutions in relevant environment as well as shape their commercial strategy (Phase 2).
At the end of the accelerator programme, the 5 best ranked consortia will be selected to receive further funding of €100.000. They will have up to 6 months to develop their prototype and make tests in an operational environment in view of a commercial launch.

What’s in it for SMEs?

● Up to €60k equity free funding per SME/StartUp
● Access to 4 digital tools
● One-on-one Business Coaching support
●Thematic Mentoring support provided by industry experts

What are the minimum requirements to apply?

● Being a consortium of at least 2 SMEs or Startups (visit the Matchmaking Platform)
● Being based in one of the EU Member States or an H2020 Associated Country
● Addressing one of the Bioeconomy challenges (see below)

What is the duration of the programme?

DigiCirc Bioeconomy Accelerator Programme (Phase 1 & 2) will run from February to May 2022. Demoday will be held in May 2022. The 5 consortia selected at the Demoday will then have up to 6 months, from June to November 2022, to deliver final outputs.

Applicants must submit their proposals for one of the following challenges:

#1 Challenge: Pharmaceuticals
Develop products and services based on digital technologies and up-to-date information to increase sustainability, circularity, and effectiveness in the pharmaceutical sector by facing the significant needs and challenges of this sector.

#2 Challenge: Textiles and wearing apparel or packaging
Create solutions, products and services to promote circularity and sustainability for textiles and wearing apparel & packaging, by utilizing digitalization or digital technologies by offering innovative options and by increasing consumer awareness about sustainability.

#3 Challenge: Building materials and construction or other forest products
Create solutions, products, tools, and services to increase efficiency, sustainability and circularity in building materials and construction & other forest products applying digitalization and digital technologies.

#4 Challenge: Electronics and electrical products
Develop solutions to improve the effectiveness of digital technologies in the sector of electronics and electrical products, increasing and optimizing circularity and sustainability.

#5 Challenge: Biomass energy and biofuels or food and feed losses and waste for composting purpose
Create solutions based on digital technologies to address sustainability challenges in biomass energy and biofuels & food and feed losses and waste for composting purposes in matters of fuel sustainability and circularity.

#6 Challenge: Machinery and equipment or motor vehicles and components
Solutions, products, and services based on digital technologies to make machinery and equipment & motor vehicles and components more effective, sustainable, and circular.