As part of the France Relance plan, the Ministry of Ecological Transition and Ademe have announced the launch of a call for projects (AAP) "Entreprises engagées pour la transition écologique" aimed at supporting the industrialization and marketing of products in fields linked to the ecological and energy transition. Two dates are set for SMEs to submit their projects: February 15 and April 5, 2021.
A call for projects announced as part of the stimulus plan
On September 3, 2020, the government unveiled a €100 billion economic stimulus plan called "France Relance". Ecological transition is at the heart of the plan. Indeed, 30 billion euros are earmarked to reduce our carbon emissions by 40% by 2030 and support the development of green technologies.
As part of this national stimulus plan, Ademe has decided to launch a call for projects entitled "Entreprises engagées pour la transition écologique" ("Companies committed to the ecological transition" ). The aim is tosupport SMEs in the industrialization and marketing phases of new products or solutions offering positive externalities for the environment. All sectors involved in the ecological or energy transition are concerned (eco-efficient agriculture, construction, biomass, transport and mobility, energy storage and energy carriers, etc.).
Applicants will also have to demonstrate their ability to "appreciate and reach the potential market" (in France or abroad), according to the specifications.
Accelerate the market launch of solutions contributing to the ecological transition
The main aim of the AAP is to accelerate the market launch of solutions or products contributing to the ecological transition or the energy transition. As such, it will support, for example: material investments enabling the industrialization of the innovation, the design and implementation of the manufacturing process, the implementation of standards, performance validation methods, non-mandatory certifications, the marketing of the solution, preparation and support for raising funds.
The project selection process is rapid, taking around 8 weeks. Projects must be presented in as concise a form as possible, showing how the proposed initiative fits in with a credible industrial and commercial approach.
Ademe will select applications on the basis of several criteria:
- products and solutions for industrializing and marketing an innovation,
- contributing to the ecological and energy transition,
- the ability of the promoters to bring the project to fruition,
- economic spin-offs and jobs in the region,
- the project financing plan.
Winning projects will be eligible for a lump-sum grant of 100,000 euros.
SMEs still have a few weeks to submit their applications to Ademe. More specifically, the two deadlines are February 15 and April 5.