Innovation and funding opportunities for businesses and ecosystem stakeholders

NODES Spoke 2 highlights calls and tools supporting the green transition and circular economy
NODES Spoke 2 - Green Technologies & Sustainable Industries monitors and highlights funding opportunities, public notices, and support tools aimed at businesses, Third Sector entities, and innovation ecosystem stakeholders interested in developing projects with high environmental, urban, and industrial impact.
This section was created to serve as a point of reference for those operating in the sectors of ecological transition, circular economy, industrial symbiosis, and sustainable design, in line with the research and innovation trajectories promoted by Spoke 2.
Below are the currently open opportunities
1. 📌 Public Notice: “Culture and entrepreneurship embedded in the circular economy and urban fabric”
City of Turin - PN METRO Plus
On December 10, 2025, the City of Turin presented the Public Notice “Culture and entrepreneurship embedded in the circular economy and urban fabric” funded by the National Program PN METRO Plus, with a total allocation of over 1.8 million euros in non-repayable grants.
The Notice is aimed at SMEs and Third Sector Entities, individually or in partnerships (up to 5 subjects), intending to develop circular innovation projects with high urban impact to be implemented within the Metropolitan City of Turin, with primary activities located in the city.
Strategic Areas
Projects must focus on at least one of the following areas:
- Urban-scale circular supply chains for the recovery, transformation, and valorization of discarded materials and goods
- Reuse infrastructure, including logistical, digital, and service solutions for collection, repair, reuse, and recycling;
- Sustainable design, featuring durable, repairable products and processes with reduced environmental impact.
Contribution and Timeline
- Contribution: Up to 80% of eligible expenses.
- Project Amount: Between 70,000 and 120,000 euros.
- Project Duration: Maximum 10 months.
- Application Deadline: February 16, 2026.
As part of the support process for participants, Mercato Circolare will assist the City of Turin by offering support to businesses and entities wishing to apply.
📅 Additionally, from January 14 to February 11, every Wednesday from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM, 1-to-1 online Q&A sessions are available, bookable by writing to servizi@mercatocircolare.it.
👉 For all details, complete documentation, and support materials, please visit the dedicated page on the Torino City Lab website.
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2. 📌 Call for Applications: “PRE.SI. - Waste production prevention and industrial symbiosis”
FESR Regional Program 2021-2027 - Piedmont Region
The PRE.SI. - Waste production prevention, industrial symbiosis call is open, funded by the Piedmont Region PR ERDF 2021-2027, with a total allocation of 8,850,000 euros.
The call acts "upstream" of waste production, incentivizing the green transition of production processes and the spread of clean technologies, with benefits for the environment and human health.
Recipients
- Businesses and freelancer
- Third Sector entities
Areas of Intervention
Funding is available for initiatives oriented toward:
- Development of reuse networks and reuse centers;
- Waste reduction in production processes, also from an industrial symbiosis perspective;
- Maintenance, repair, and regeneration of goods;
- Reduction of food waste throughout the entire supply chain;
- Creation of production and utilization chains for by-products;
- Reduction of the hazardous nature of waste produced.
Grant Details
- Non-repayable grant up to 85% of eligible costs.
- Aid scheme: de minimis (Reg. EU 2831/2023).
- Procedure: "Sportello" (first-come, first-served) basis.
Deadlines
- Applications open: December 15, 2025, at 10:00 AM.
- Closing: May 15, 2026, at 12:00 PM.
👉 For all details, complete documentation, and support materials, please consult the dedicated page.
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3. 📌 Information Webinar on the MATCHIN Call – 5 million euros for SMEs to hire researchers
Piedmont Region | FESR Regional Program 2021–2027
The Sistema dei Poli di Innovazione del Piemonte invites you to participate in the informative webinar dedicated to the MATCHIN Call - Mobilizing Advanced Talents for Competence and High Innovation. This tool is promoted by the Piedmont Region to support innovation in SMEs through the inclusion of highly qualified figures from the research world.
The initiative is part of the PR FESR 2021-2027 and provides a total allocation of 5 million euros, with the goal of:
- Strengthening internal company skills;
- Fostering structured collaboration between the production system and the research world;
- Supporting high-value-added innovation processes.
When and Where
Date: February 10, 2026
Time: 11:00 A.M. - 12:30 P.M.
Format: Online on the Zoom platform.
🎯 Why participate
The webinar is designed to provide operational information and concrete clarifications to businesses interested in submitting a high-quality application. Specifically, it will be possible to:
- Engage with Piedmont Region representatives on objectives, evaluation criteria, and application procedures;
- Dialogue with Piedmontese Universities, potential partners for establishing agreements aimed at hiring researchers;
- Deepen the support role of the Hub System, with specific guidance on defining and drafting the project report, a strategic element for an effective application.
ℹ️ More information on the call.
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🔎 Opportunities being updated
This page will be updated with new funding opportunities, public notices, and useful tools for businesses and innovation actors interested in the themes of NODES Spoke 2.
📩 To report other opportunities to be integrated: spoke2.nodes@unito.it
