Brussels, 17/05/2013 (Agence Europe) - On Friday 17 May, the European Commission announced that funding of €31.5 million is available under the Eco-Innovation Programme for the 45 best innovative environmental projects, for which it launched a call for proposals the same day. European companies applying for co-financing from the EU can receive up to 50% of the cost of their project. The applications deadline is 5 September 2013 for bringing novel environmental solutions to the market in the following areas: materials recycling; water; sustainable building products; green business; and the food and drink industry.
European Commissioner for the Environment Janez Potoènik says: “Eco-innovation is not just about a niche of green businesses. Europe's competitiveness in the next decades will depend on its ability to overcome resource constraints. Eco-innovative businesses are the enablers of that transformation for the whole economy. I especially encourage small and medium-sized enterprises to apply for funding and help Europe to build on its lead in sectors such as water and waste management.”
The call is primarily targeted at private businesses, mainly small businesses that have developed an innovative green product, process or service, but are experiencing difficulties in launching it on the market.
Eco-Innovation is funded via the Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme (CIP) and has a budget of about €220 million for the period 2008 to 2013. It supports technologically-proven products that help make better use of Europe's natural resources. Eco-Innovation is a green strand of the CIP and contributes to the Eco-Innovation Action Plan (EcoAP). The programme is managed by the Executive Agency for Competitiveness and Innovation (EACI).
A European Eco-Innovation Info Day with detailed information about priorities and tips on how to apply for funding will take place on 27 May in Brussels.
Almost 50 projects are set to launch from last year's call and over 185 projects are already under way. Examples of current schemes include: optimising technology to re-use old bricks in the construction industry; producing leather shoes that are free from harmful chemicals; using CO2 to harness a natural source of Omega-3; and a new technique for carpet manufacturing. (AN/transl.fl)