Open Call: National R/D in Circular Economy and Production Technologies Project (Austria)

Deadline: 17-Sep-2026

Ressourcenwende 2026 supports cooperative research and development projects that advance circular economy solutions, resource efficiency, de-fossilization, and sustainable production technologies in Austria. Funding ranges from EUR 100,000 to EUR 3.5 million for R&D projects and flagship projects, while skills development networks can receive up to EUR 200,000.

About the Ressourcenwende 2026 Programme

The Ressourcenwende 2026 programme supports research and development projects designed to accelerate Austria’s transition toward a circular economy and more sustainable production technologies. The initiative is supported by the Federal Ministry for Innovation, Mobility and Infrastructure. It aims to promote systemic innovation, resource efficiency, and sustainable production while strengthening the competitiveness of the Austrian economy. The programme encourages cooperation between companies, research organizations, universities, and other relevant partners to develop and implement innovative solutions. What Does Ressourcenwende 2026 Support? The programme supports cooperative R&D activities addressing resource efficiency, circular economy, and sustainable production.

Priority areas include:

- De-fossilization. - Efficient materials. - Functional surfaces and interfaces. - Substitution of critical or problematic raw materials. - Conversion processes in the bio-based industry. - Additive manufacturing. - Sorting and recycling. - Data service ecosystems in manufacturing. - Artificial intelligence for the green transition. - Data-driven maintenance. These areas are intended to support technological and systemic changes that reduce resource use and strengthen sustainable production. De-Fossilization and Efficient Materials Ressourcenwende 2026 supports research focused on reducing dependence on fossil resources and improving the efficiency of materials. Projects can explore technologies and approaches that contribute to more sustainable production processes and improved resource use. Functional Surfaces and Interfaces Research into functional surfaces and interfaces is another supported area. Projects in this field can contribute to improved material performance and more resource-efficient production technologies. Substitution of Critical and Problematic Raw Materials The programme supports efforts to identify alternatives to critical or problematic raw materials. These projects aim to improve resource security and sustainability by developing suitable substitutes and reducing reliance on materials that create economic or environmental challenges. Bio-Based Industry Conversion Processes Ressourcenwende 2026 also supports conversion processes in the bio-based industry. Research and development activities can focus on technologies that contribute to more sustainable production and greater use of resource-efficient approaches. Additive Manufacturing Additive manufacturing is included among the programme’s supported technology areas. Projects can explore innovative manufacturing approaches that contribute to resource efficiency and sustainable production. Sorting and Recycling The programme supports research and development related to sorting and recycling. These activities can help improve circular material flows and contribute to more effective recovery and reuse of resources. Data Service Ecosystems in Manufacturing Data service ecosystems are another focus area within the programme. Projects can explore data-driven approaches that support manufacturing value networks, improve resource efficiency, and strengthen industrial competitiveness. AI for the Green Transition Ressourcenwende 2026 recognizes the potential of artificial intelligence to support the green transition. Projects can investigate AI-based approaches that contribute to sustainable production, resource efficiency, and improved industrial processes. Data-Driven Maintenance The programme also supports data-driven maintenance solutions. These approaches can use data and digital technologies to improve maintenance processes and support more efficient production systems. Flagship Projects for Manufacturing SMEs A dedicated flagship project stream focuses on data-driven innovations for SMEs in value networks within the manufacturing sector. These projects are intended to support innovation across manufacturing value networks and help SMEs use data-driven solutions to improve competitiveness and sustainability. Flagship projects receive a higher funding range and can have a longer implementation period than standard cooperative R&D projects. Qualification Networks for Circular Plastics Ressourcenwende 2026 also supports qualification networks focused on circular-oriented plastics. These networks are designed to strengthen knowledge transfer between research and practice. The objective is to help transfer knowledge about circular plastics approaches into practical applications and support skills development in relevant areas. How Much Funding Is Available? Funding depends on the type of project. Cooperative R&D Projects

- Funding: EUR 100,000 to EUR 1.5 million.

- Maximum funding rate: Up to 85%.

- Project duration: Up to 36 months.

Flagship Projects

- Funding: EUR 2 million to EUR 3.5 million.

- Maximum funding rate: Up to 85%.

- Project duration: 24 to 48 months.

Skills Development Networks

- Funding: Up to EUR 200,000.

- Maximum funding rate: Up to 100%.

- Project duration: 6 to 24 months.

Who Can Apply? The programme is open to a range of organizations involved in research, development, manufacturing, and innovation.

Eligible applicants can include:

- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). - Large companies. - Research institutions. - Universities. - Other consortium partners specified in the programme guidelines. Projects are generally expected to be collaborative and involve partners with complementary expertise. Consortium Requirements for R&D Projects Cooperative R&D projects must meet specific consortiu