# EU Innovation Fund (Small-Scale Projects)

## Overview
The Innovation Fund provides grants for first-of-a-kind commercial demonstration of low-carbon technologies, with potential application to innovative circular processes.

## Managing Body
CINEA (EU Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency)

## Funding Type
Grants for first-of-a-kind commercial demonstration of low-carbon technologies

## Funding Amount
- €2.5–7.5M per project
- For "small" projects with CAPEX under €7.5M
- Up to 60% of relevant costs

## Deadlines
- Calls typically yearly
- 3rd small-scale call (2023): March 2023 (closed)
- Future calls expected under Net-Zero Industry framework

## Eligibility
- Companies or consortia in EU/EEA countries

## Thematic Fit
While focused on GHG reduction, supports innovative circular processes that significantly cut emissions:
- Industrial waste reuse
- Process efficiency improvements
- Resource optimization technologies

## Relevance to City Resource Graph
- Industrial symbiosis platforms that reduce emissions
- Waste-to-resource technologies
- Energy-efficient resource matching systems

## Links
- [Innovation Fund Calls](https://cinea.ec.europa.eu/funding-opportunities/calls-proposals/innovation-fund-third-small-scale-call-projects_en)
- [Innovation Fund Overview](https://cinea.ec.europa.eu/funding-opportunities/calls-proposals/innovation-fund-third-small-scale-call-projects_en)

## Application Tips
- Demonstrate significant GHG emission reductions
- Show commercial viability and first-of-a-kind nature
- Extremely competitive - focus on near-commercial demos (TRL 7-9)
- Technical and financial robustness critical