MINE.THE.GAP launches second open call for SME innovation vouchers to boost sustainability and digitalisation in mining value chains
- ›MINE.THE.GAP opened a second call on 10 January 2022 for SMEs to apply for two types of innovation vouchers to address sustainability and digitalisation challenges in raw materials and mining.
- ›The call supports collaborative projects between two or three SMEs from at least two eligible countries and is open until 14 March 2022, 17:00 Brussels time.
- ›Eligible consortia must operate across the raw materials and mining sector, ICT, advanced manufacturing, resource efficiency or circular economy.
- ›Applicants can apply to multiple projects and join the MINE.THE.GAP networking platform to find partners and services.
- ›While the initiative aligns with EU cluster and cross-sector innovation goals under Horizon 2020, vouchers tend to be small and competitive and will not by themselves resolve structural challenges in the mining sector.
MINE.THE.GAP second open call: what SMEs need to know
Project MINE.THE.GAP has opened its second call for financial support aimed at small and medium sized enterprises working across raw materials and mining value chains. Launched under the Horizon 2020 innovation action INNOSUP-01-2019 'Cluster facilitated projects for new industrial value chains', the initiative targets cross-sector and cross-regional collaborations that can advance sustainability and digital transformation in the sector. The call opened on 10 January 2022 and closes on 14 March 2022 at 17:00 Brussels time.
Scope and objectives of MINE.THE.GAP
MINE.THE.GAP aims to strengthen existing value chains and to create new industrial value chains in the raw materials and mining sectors. The project focuses on cross-sectoral synergies between mining and fields such as information and communication technologies, circular economy, resource efficiency and advanced manufacturing. The stated goal is to support cluster-related SMEs through innovation and support services that help the sector become more digital and sustainable.
What the open call offers
MINE.THE.GAP will award two types of innovation vouchers to support collaborative activities that respond to current raw materials and mining challenges and promote sustainability and digitalisation. The call specifically funds collaborative projects built by two or three SMEs, which may be for-profit companies or public SMEs, active in target sectors.
Who can apply and partner requirements
The call invites SMEs from eligible countries to form consortia with cooperation partners and submit project proposals. Each project must involve two or three participating SMEs and the partners must come from at least two of the MINE.THE.GAP consortium countries or from a country participating in the Mining Industry Smart Specialisation Platform.
| Requirement | Detail | Notes |
| Consortium size | 2 or 3 for-profit and/or public SMEs | Consortia must include SMEs from at least two eligible countries |
| Eligible sectors | Raw materials and mining, ICT, advanced manufacturing, resource efficiency and circular economy | Partners should be active in at least two of these fields |
| Eligible countries | Bulgaria, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden | These include MINE.THE.GAP consortium members and Mining Industry Smart Specialisation Platform countries |
| Call open period | 10 January 2022 to 14 March 2022 17:00 Brussels time | Applicants are advised to submit early to avoid technical problems |
| Multiple submissions | Yes | Each SME can apply with one or several projects across calls |
Application process and practical advice
Applicants are required to read the call documentation carefully and to form eligible consortia. The MINE.THE.GAP project provides an online collaboration platform where SMEs can create profiles, network and find cooperation partners. The organisers advise submitting early before the deadline to avoid technical difficulties during submission.
Context in EU innovation funding
MINE.THE.GAP is funded under Horizon 2020 and implemented as an innovation action under the INNOSUP-01-2019 call. INNOSUP calls have focused on using cluster organisations and cross-regional partnerships to build new industrial value chains and help SMEs scale and diversify. The project’s emphasis on ICT, circular economy and advanced manufacturing reflects broader EU priorities to increase resource efficiency and accelerate digital transformation in industry.
Critical perspective and likely limits
The MINE.THE.GAP call is consistent with EU policy goals to green and digitise industrial sectors and to leverage cluster networks. Innovation vouchers can lower entry barriers to external expertise for SMEs. However vouchers are typically modest in size and are best suited for early stage or preparatory work. They rarely cover later stage capital investments or major digital transformation programs. Success will depend on the quality of consortia, the capacity of SMEs to absorb and act on purchased services, and follow-on financing beyond the voucher. Administrative complexity and competition for limited vouchers also mean many viable projects may not be supported.
Next steps for interested SMEs
SMEs interested in the call should download and read the call documents, check eligibility rules, register on the MINE.THE.GAP collaboration platform, and start forming consortia early. Submissions should be made well before the 14 March 2022 deadline to reduce the risk of technical problems during upload.
Relevant definitions and clarifications
Publication and contact details
The call documents and application form were published on the MINE.THE.GAP website and related EU portals. The announcement urged applicants to read the call text carefully and submit early to avoid technical problems. SMEs may also express interest in the project’s collaboration platform and create a profile to begin networking.