Innovation Express Call 2024

Innovation Express Call 2024 is a joint call for proposals implemented within the frame of the INNOBIOVC project by synchronizing existing regional funding schemes in the Alpine Space and beyond. **INNOVATION EXPRESS CALL 2024 for Circular Bioeconomy Value Chains** **SYNCHRONIZED CALL FOR PROPOSALS** **Circular bioeconomy value chains development becomes more prevailing but is more challenging to support due to their cross-regional nature. Therefore, INNOBIOVC partners have prepared the** **INNOVATION EXPRESS CALL 2024 (IEC24)** - a synchronized call that facilitates the development of transregional circular bioeconomy value chains **I. INTRODUCTION: WHAT IS INNOVATION EXPRESS CALL 2024?** The Innovation Express Call 2024 represents a joint approach for supporting participants, especially [SME](https://single-market-economy.ec.europa.eu/smes/sme-definition_en)s, at international matchmaking and joint RDI projects in the fields of transregional circular bioeconomy value chains, key resources and sectors in **agriculture, food and beverages, chemistry, polymers and energy.** The funding instrument aims at facilitating cross-sector collaboration, the development of innovative solutions in two given thematic fields for projects by developing transregional linkages among SMEs, research institutions and other business organizations. Innovation Express Call 2024 is a joint call for proposals implemented within the frame of the INNOBIOVC project by synchronizing existing regional funding schemes in the Alpine Space and beyond. **Synchronizing of existing regional funding programmes under the IEC24 means:** - Regions participate with their own, existing regional funding programmes. - Participating regions remain in full control of their administrative procedures, financial management of the call as well as the decision-making process. - Funding and eligibility rules apply according to the regional funding programme of the applicant’s regions. - Applications will be evaluated based on their potential to create benefits for participating applicants, to contribute to the competitiveness of the regional economy and in accordance with the criteria from the respective regional/national funding programmes. In order to facilitate the transregional joint projects, a free 30-minutes meeting with the Value Chain Generator (VCG.AI) team can be booked to explore project possibilities in the circular economy.? (Virtual) project development meetings and matchmakings will be organized as workshops with a targeted approach to find suitable cooperation partners. Watch out for current dates at [INNOBIOVC](https://www.alpine-space.eu/project/innobiovc/) website and the [EVENT](https://www.iec24.info/events) section at IEC24.info or ask the IEC24 Coordination Office for current dates! **II. SCOPE AND THEMATIC FIELDS OF THE CALL** The funding call aims to support innovative collaborative projects within the domain of circular bioeconomy, fostering sustainable practices that contribute to environmental conservation, economic growth, and social well-being. The Innovation Express Call 2024 supports the following thematic fields: **1) Application and development of technology for implementing and upscaling bio-based solutions:** Supporting projects that leverage advanced technologies. Emphasis on upscaling side and waste streams, turning them into valuable resources and contributing to a more sustainable and circular economy. Proposals could include the up-scaling of waste-to-resource technologies, for example fermentation technologies, biorefineries and bio-polymerisation. Proposals should focus on advancing innovations, technologies, and strategies that contribute to the following thematic areas: **a) Circular Production** - Optimising production processes and increasing resource efficiency through establishing cross-sector value chains - Developing and implementing waste-to-resource technologies (e.g. biomass conversion technologies) for side and waste stream valorisation and up-scaling **b) Bio-Based Materials and Products** - Development of bio-based materials as alternatives to conventional plastics and chemicals **2) New Solutions for Climate Protection and Decarbonisation of Supply Chains** In this thematic field, the funding programme aims to stimulate new solutions for increased sustainability and decarbonisation of supply chains. These models are designed to enhance collaboration and to be implemented along different stages of the supply value chains. The emphasis is on creating synergies among diverse stakeholders, such as manufacturers, distributors and primary producers along different industry sectors. Key areas of interest include developing new or optimizing existing supply chains. **a) Sustainable Supply Chains** - Optimising and adapting cross-regional logistics and transportation processes in supply chains - Development of cross-sectoral circular supply chain models through innovative logistics solutions, digital platforms or collaborative networks or enhancing resilience and risk mitigation within the value chains **b) Decarbonized Supply Chains** - Decarbonisation of cross-sectoral supply chains through application of circularity principles, e.g. integration of renewable energy sources into supply chain operations, closed-loop supply systems (e.g. waste management)