CircInWater

CircInWater is a European-funded project where 5 water/cleantech clusters from 5 different countries collaborate to support European SMEs, with a special focus on financial support. This project focuses on the development of innovative water solutions within the agrifood sector and energy-intensive industries such as pulp and paper, mining, steel, and chemicals.

Financial Support for EU SMEs

One of the key components of the CircInWater project is the financial support available for European SMEs. A total of €1,050,000 has been allocated for the development of water solutions. SMEs can apply for financial support in three different areas:

• Innovation
• Knowledge and external expertise
• Internationalization

Knowledge Lump Sum
A specific program within this project is the Knowledge Lump Sum, which allows SMEs to request advice, training, or other services to grow their business. This program offers full financial coverage for requests ranging from €2,000 to €4,000. Examples of possible requests include support with marketing strategies, export plans, and internationalization.

Why participate in the Knowledge Lump Sum?

• Financial support: For SMEs, no contribution is required. The amount you request for advice, training, or services will be reimbursed 100%, giving you access to valuable support at no extra cost.
  
• Tailored solutions: With the Knowledge Lump Sum, you can request specifically tailored advice, training, or services that match the needs of your company. We are happy to help you address your water-related challenges and seize opportunities.

• Budget of €160,000: A significant budget is available to support SMEs in the further development of innovative water solutions. We aim to help your business grow and thrive.

• Utilize your own expert or an expert from our Pool of Experts

When does your company qualify?
• You have an SME that meets the EU definition
• You provide a water solution within the agrifood or energy-intensive sectors
• Your company is a member of a cluster organization that is registered on the European Cluster Collaboration Platform (ECCP) (e.g., a member of Water Alliance)

Applications and Contact

SMEs can submit their application via the CircInWater online platform. The principle of ‘first come, first served’ applies, so it is important to submit your application in a timely manner.

Role of Water Alliance
Water Alliance aims to make the opportunities and financial support arising from this project as accessible as possible for the Dutch water technology sector. This ensures that Dutch SMEs make optimal use of the opportunities provided by the project. Water Alliance will therefore communicate these opportunities widely and proactively with the Dutch water technology sector.

Additional information
Project period: 2022-2025
Budget: €1,442,360, of which €1,050,000 is available for SMEs

Additional partners:            

ZINNAE (Spain)
Blue Economy Mikkeli (Finland)
Water Cluster Finland (Finland)
France Water Team (France)
CREA Hydro&Energy (Czech Republic)
Innovation centre of the Olomouc Region (Czech Republic)

Questions or interested in this project?

Want to stay updated? Follow the project developments on LinkedIn.

*A company can receive a maximum of €60,000 in financial support from this project. It is also possible to receive financial support for more than one of the above components, up to a maximum of €60,000 per SME.