NEWS & EVENTS : GENERAL INFORMATION
€35 million for eco-innovation comes on stream
07.29.2011
Funding worth €35 million for 42 eco-innovation projects selected under the 2010 Competitiveness and Innovation Programme (CIP) is now coming on stream, as applications are ongoing for the 2011 call for proposals.
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Last year's successful applicants include a non-invasive method to repair leaks in water pipes; acoustic panels to dampen noise from railways using rubber from old tyres; biodegradable interior panels that can reduce the weight of an aircraft by 15%; a fermentation process that allows CO2 recovery in breweries; and a prefabricated housing system made of locally sourced renewable materials (wood and straw).
The 42 projects cover a wide range of environmental innovations that have one thing in common: they all contribute to protecting our precious environment while sharpening Europe's competitive edge.
A key contributor to the Environmental Technologies Action Plan (ETAP), eco-innovation is the green strand of the Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme (CIP) and has a total budget of around €200 million over the period 2008-2013.
287 proposals were submitted in the 2010 call, a 42% increase compared to 2009. Around 66% of both participants and beneficiaries are from small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
The CIP Eco-innovation funds are designed to support new products, services and processes that use fewer natural resources and produce less waste, emissions and pollutants.
Applications for the €38 million available under the 2011 call for proposals are welcome in the field of water conservation as a priority area, in addition to material recycling, sustainable buildings, the food and drink industry and green business. The call is open until 8 September 2011. European added value is a requirement.
Eco-innovation projects feature a high participation of SMEs, most of which have never received EU funding before.
Further information:
For a list of the 42 projects selected for funding under the 2010 call and an analysis of the proposals see:
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/eco-innovation/in-action/
