The continuation of the programme is proof of the successful cooperation between the two Pillars of Horizon Europe programme represented by EIT Manufacturing, supported by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), a body of the European Union, and EFFRA.
Recognising this success, European Commission Directorate General Research and Innovation (DG RTD) will be co-programming and co-financing the initiative to expand its impact. Furthermore, DG Communication, Communications Networks, Content and Technology (CNECT), DG Education, Youth, Sports and Culture (EAC), DG Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs (GROW) supported the initiative since its first call in 2023.
By accelerating the market deployment of cutting-edge technologies, this call contributes to advancing both scientific excellence and industrial competitiveness while addressing global challenges and societal needs.
2024 Call topics
This Call will focus on two topics, First-Time-Right Manufacturing and End-of-Lifecycle Management.
One of the objectives of the European Green Deal is to promote sustainable manufacturing practices that minimise waste, pollution, and enhance efficiency. A key concept in achieving this objective is First Time Right (FTR), which encompasses a range of activities from Zero-Defect processes to strategies for Zero-Waste value chains. FTR is a manufacturing philosophy that prioritises getting things right the first time, rather than relying on rework and correction to achieve quality. By implementing FTR, manufacturers can reduce scrap and waste, improve efficiency, and ultimately enhance their bottom line. This approach involves the use of various solutions such as simulation, in-line quality monitoring, and non-destructive testing to ensure high-quality outcomes.
Another objective of the European Green Deal is to make the European Union climate-neutral by 2050. To accomplish this, a comprehensive and sustainable approach is required across all industries. End-of-lifecycle management plays a crucial role in this approach, focusing on the responsible handling of products at the end of their useful life to ensure they are either repurposed for their next lifecycle or disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner. In contrast to the traditional approach of disposing of products in landfills or incinerating them, the European Green Deal emphasises the importance of a circular economy. This entails creating a closed-loop system where waste materials are reused, recycled, or repurposed to minimise waste and maximise resource efficiency.
2024 Call topics Who can apply?
- SMEs, large enterprises, research institutions and universities established in one of the Member States (including overseas countries and territories, (OCTs)) or Associated Countries to Horizon Europe and the low- and middle-income countries which presents a proposal fitting one of the topics.
- Eligible applicants shall form a consortium of at least 3 legal entities independent from each other and established in countries covered by at least 2 different EIT Manufacturing ICs, as follows:
- at least one independent legal entity established in a Member State; and
- at least two other independent legal entities, established in a Member States or Associated Countries
- Applicants must build the proposal on the results of a successfully closed project funded by a Factories of the Future (FoF)/Made in Europe (MiE) call under Horizon Europe Framework Programme.
- The applying consortium may be the whole consortium or a part of the consortium of the former FoF/MiE project and may also include new partners; the project consortium shall own the IPRs of the Core Technology (exploitable output) of the former FoF/MiE project that will be further developed and launched in the market by the end of this Call.
- The closing date of the FoF/Made in Europe funded projects cannot be older than three (3) years before the start date of the projects funded under this Call.
