Getting funds
The projects are selected through annual calls for proposals. They receive grants covering up to 50% of the eligible project costs. The money can be used to fund actions including equipment and infrastructure as well as materials, processes, techniques and methods linked with the innovative action.
The Eco-innovation initiative is for organisations that have developed an environmental product, service, management practice or process which has a proven track record, yet is not fully marketed due to residual risks. It helps participants overcome those barriers to further market penetration and turn these products and processes into Europe's future eco-innovation successes.
Applying for funding
Applicants have to reply to an official 'call for proposals' which is published annually by the EACI on this website. The call documents set out the criteria for funding and include the official documents each applicant has to provide.
Check if the initiative is suitable for you
Eco-innovation is just one of a series of EU schemes that funds projects working to improve and protect our environment. While each one contributes to the EU's wider environmental and economic objectives they all have their own set of goals and criteria. Before applying for funding check that the Eco-innovation initiative is suitable for you. It may not be if:
If you are a public or private body registered in the EU and your project proposes environmental solutions with a public dimension, go to the LIFE website to find out more about the EU's LIFE programme.
Main focus of funding of the LIFE programme compared to eco-innovation:
- policy development and implementation of legislation
- dissemination, awareness raising, capacity building
- resource efficiency, nature and biodiversity, water, waste, air, climat change, chemicals etc.
- environmental solutions where the market uptake is not vital
Your project focuses on energy efficiency or renewable energy. Go to the Intelligent Energy - Europe website.
Main focus of funding of the Intelligent Energy – Europe programme compared to eco-innovation:
- promotion & dissemination of proven intelligent energy solutions
- main funding areas: energy efficiency and renewable energy sources, including transport, contributing to the Europe 2020 objectives
- stimulates action through better market conditions and administrative procedures, training, awareness raising, policy analysis etc.
Your project is at an early research or development stage, or has a high technology risk : Go to RTD FP7 website.
Main focus of FP7 funding compared to eco-innovation:
- basic research
- applied research
- prototyping / first practical use of technology
- technology demonstration
- knowledge gathering
Your project will have to:
- have an innovative character;
- show clear and substantial benefits in support of Europe's environmental policy objectives while taking economic concerns into account;
- achieve significant environmental improvements;
- provide significant replication, wider application and broader marketability;
- demonstrate a European added value and an international project dimension;
- be well thought-through from a technical and project management perspective;
- be cost-effective delivering higher quality through appropriate effort levels.