Find new opportunities and synergies

Find New Opportunities and Synergies

Explore platforms and strategies to enhance collaboration and networking in green projects. Discover tools to engage stakeholders, build partnerships, and access funding opportunities tailored to your sector.

Key Stakeholder Engagement Strategies

Learn best practices for involving diverse stakeholders effectively in green and sustainable projects.

Financing EU programmes

For SMEs in Europe focusing on innovation in green technologies and sectors such as bioeconomy, construction, and renewable energy, several EU funding programs offer significant opportunities. Here are a few key programs to explore:

  1. Horizon Europe
    Horizon Europe is the largest EU research and innovation funding program, with a budget of €95.5 billion through 2027. It supports various sectors, including circular economy, bioeconomy, and green technologies, offering SMEs opportunities to access funding for innovative projects. For example, Cluster 5 (Climate, Energy, and Mobility) and Cluster 6 (Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment) offer funding to projects related to sustainable energy, circular construction materials, and bio-based innovations..
  2. LIFE Programme
    The LIFE Programme funds projects that contribute to the EU’s environmental and climate action objectives. It covers four sub-programmes: nature and biodiversity, circular economy and quality of life, climate change mitigation and adaptation, and clean energy transition. SMEs can apply for funding under the Circular Economy and Quality of Life sub-programme, which supports projects focusing on sustainable products and circular economy solutions. More information and calls are available through.
  3. CBE JU (Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking)
    The CBE JU is a key program for advancing circular bio-based industries in Europe. With a €213 million budget for 2024, it covers areas such as sustainable bio-based chemicals, circular construction materials, and innovative bio-based solutions. This program specifically targets SMEs working on sustainable innovations and offers funding across 18 topics related to the circular bioeconomy. The next call for proposals opens in April 2024, with a deadline in September 2024. Learn more and apply through the ​.
  4. Single Market Programme (SMP)
    The SMP supports SMEs in boosting competitiveness and growing within the EU’s single market. It offers funding to help SMEs access international markets, improve innovation, and build stronger business models. The program includes support for SMEs in industries related to construction, agriculture, and clean technologies.

Platforms for SME Collaboration and Partner Search

The following platforms provide targeted opportunities to connect with collaborators and resources:

  • Horizon Europe – Funding & Tenders Portal: Access EU funding opportunities and innovation calls.
  • Enterprise Europe Network (EEN): Grow your SME internationally with support for networking and partnerships.
  • CBE JU – Community Building Platform: Focused on bio-based industries and innovation.
  • EIC – Community Platform: Ideal for startups and innovators applying for EU innovation grants.
  • Built4People – Collaboration Platform: Designed for professionals in sustainable construction and urban planning.
  • European Cluster Collaboration Platform: Supports businesses in clustering and cross-border innovation.
  • EURAXESS Partner Search Tool: This easy-to-use platform helps you find relevant organizations registered in their portal. You can search by keywords, previous call topics, or geographical criteria to find suitable project partners​.
  • CORDIS: Search past EU-funded projects to find institutions and organizations relevant to your field.
  • Single Market Programme (SMP): Supports SMEs in boosting competitiveness and growing within the EU’s single market, with specific focus on green and circular economy projects.
  • EASME Data Hub: Access detailed information on projects funded by the Executive Agency for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (EASME), gaining insights into successful applications and project outcomes.
  • IC Accelerator: Specifically designed for SMEs, this platform offers funding and coaching support for companies looking to scale up high-impact innovations.
  • National Funding Portals: Don’t overlook national and regional funding opportunities tailored to specific sectors and themes relevant to your project. We encourage you to explore your country’s or region’s specific funding agency or ministry responsible for innovation and economic development.

Choosing the Right Platform

  • Innovation Funding: Horizon Europe, EURAXESS and the EIC Community Platform are perfect for finding calls and funding for innovation-focused projects.
  • SME Growth: Use the EEN platform to expand globally and access broader support.
  • Specialized Sectors: CBE JU is best for bio-based industries, while Built4People suits those in sustainable construction.
  • Collaborative Networks: Leverage the European Cluster Collaboration Platform to connect across industries.
  • Regional Support: The Single Market Programme (SMP) offers a dedicated focus on enhancing competitiveness for SMEs across the EU.
  • Project Insights: The EASME Data Hub and IC Accelerator can provide valuable insights into successful projects and additional support for scaling innovative solutions.
  • National Support: Don’t forget to explore your national funding options through National Funding Portals to access additional financial resources for your sector.