International connections

Collaborating across regions and borders

At Catalisti, we are committed to supporting our members in their international innovation journeys. As an innovation cluster for the chemical and plastics sector, we recognize the value of European collaboration in tackling complex challenges and driving sustainable growth. That’s why we actively assist companies, knowledge institutions, and other stakeholders in engaging with European research and innovation projects. 

Whether you’re new to European funding or looking to expand your involvement, Catalisti is here to support you. 

Europe

How can Catalisti support you? 

We provide hands-on assistance in preparing your European projects, including: 

  • Dissemination of open calls for proposals through our newsletter and via LinkedIn
  • Eligibility assessment
  • Partner matching by sharing relevant Requests for Partners (RfPs)
  • Strategic review of your proposal
  • Application guidance and feedback

Additionally, we can help strengthen your project application by signing a Letter of Intent (LOI). 

Please note that Catalisti only supports those European projects after internal evaluation that align with at least one of the programs of our innovation agenda.

Do you have a project idea or any questions about the process? Contact Catalisti's Martijn Roosen at mroosenatcatalisti.be (mroosen[at]catalisti[dot]be) 

What are the open call for proposals for European projects? 

 

  • CETPartnerschip Joint Call 2025 (deadline is 9 October 2025 first round; and 12 March 2026 full proposal) 

    The Clean Energy Transition Partnership (CETPartnership) is a multilateral European initiative that brings together national and regional research, development and innovation programmes to accelerate the clean‑energy transition. Its Joint Call 2025, launched on 11 June 2025, makes available €80 million of funding and is organised into ten thematic Call Modules, each targeting specific technological or systemic challenges.

     

  • Interreg Vlaanderen-Nederland (deadline is 6 February 2026)

    The Fifth CrossRoads Vlaanderen-Nederland call supports innovation projects between Flemish and South‑Dutch SMEs, contributing to societal transitions, including sustainable entrepreneurship, sustainable energy, Industry 4.0 and health, with digitalisation playing an important enabling role. Each project consortium should consist of at least one Flemish SME and one South‑Dutch SME. Innovation projects run for up to two years and can receive a maximum of €250,000 in ERDF support, covering 50% of the total eligible costs.

     

  • CINEA Innovation Fund 2025 Heat Auction (deadline is 19 February 2026)

    With a total budget of €1 billion, the Innovation Fund 2025 Heat Auction Call seeks projects of various sizes and from all industrial sectors that advance electrified and direct‑renewable heat production. Eligible technologies include heat pumps, electric boilers, resistance and induction heating, solar thermal and geothermal solutions, as well as hybrid systems combining multiple approaches. Support will be auctioned to projects which can deliver the most cost-effective CO2 abatement, closing the cost gap between sustainable solutions and fossil fuel-based alternatives for industrial process heat.

     

  • CINEA Innovation Fund 2025 Net-Zero Technologies Call (deadline is 23 April 2026)

    The Innovation Fund 2025 Net‑Zero Technologies Call provides €2.9 billion to support projects that accelerate the EU’s transition to climate neutrality. It focuses on breakthrough technologies in areas such as renewable energy, energy‑intensive industries, carbon capture and storage, mobility and energy storage. Proposals should fit into one of the following topics: General Decarbonisation (Large‑Scale, Medium‑Scale and Small‑Scale Projects), Cleantech Manufacturing, and Pilot Projects.

     

  • Interreg Meuse-Rhine (NL-BE-DE) (only applicable for Flemish companies when located in Limburg) (submission possible between 3 November 2025 and 1 July 2026) 

    The Interreg Meuse‑Rhine Call 5 makes available over €45 million of EU funding for cross‑border projects between Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany. It aims to support solutions that address five major regional challenges: industrial transition, green transformation, healthier citizens, tourism in a high-quality region and removing cross‑border barriers. The call will be open until 1 July 2026, with the available budget allocated on a “first‑come, first‑served” basis. The project must involve partners from at least two member states and deliver tangible, innovative results that benefit the wider region.

Are you interested in participating in one of these calls? Contact Catalisti’s Martijn Roosen at mroosenatcatalisti.be (mroosen[at]catalisti[dot]be).

EU Flag

International partnerships 

Catalisti is building a trusted international network to bundle forces, share expertise and foster new collaborations across borders. These are some of our partnerships: 

Trilateral Chemistry Strategy

The Trilateral chemistry strategy is a cross-border collaboration between the Netherlands, Flanders, and North Rhine-Westphalia (Germany). Within this framework, Catalisti partners with industry associations, innovation clusters, and regional ministries to strengthen our regions’ global position. A trilateral networking event is organised each year to connect industrial and academic stakeholders.

Trilateral Innovation Summit - 29 September 2025

Axelera

Axelera is a leading innovation cluster based in the region of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes in France, dedicated to chemistry, the process industry, and environmental solutions. With over 400 member organisations, Axelera is one of Catalisti’s key international partners with whom we collaborate for industrial missions, sharing RfP's, looking for international partners and completing European projects.

Axel'One

Axel’One is a collaborative innovation platform located in Lyon, France, designed to support companies in scaling up their chemical innovations. As the development of new products and processes in chemistry is often time-intensive and capital-heavy, Axel’One offers shared pilot-scale infrastructure to help reduce the costs and risks associated with industrialisation.  

Flanders Investment & Trade

Catalisti collaborates with Flanders Investment and Trade (FIT) on industrial missions within Europe and connects foreign startups with the flemish chemical industry. 

Are you an international organisation interested in partnering with us? Feel free to contact Laurie Braeckmans at lbraeckmansatcatalisti.be (lbraeckmans[at]catalisti[dot]be)