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.
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 mroosen
catalisti.be (mroosen[at]catalisti[dot]be)
What are the open call for proposals for European projects?
M-ERA.NET (deadline for pre-proposals is 12 May 2026; and 18 November 2026 for full proposals)
The M-ERA.NET Call 2026 is launched on 4 March 2026. 34 funding agencies participate with an indicative budget of about €39 million. The aim is to fund ambitious transnational RTD projects addressing materials research and innovation supporting the European Green Deal and the United Nations's Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).
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.
CINEA Life Calls (Submission deadline is 22 September 2026. Strategic Nature Projects follow a two-stage process: concept note due 3 September 2026 and full proposal due 4 March 2027)
The LIFE Programme is the EU’s funding instrument for the environment and climate action. Created in 1992, it has co-financed thousands of projects. The LIFE Programme 2021-2027 is managed by the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA) and has a budget of €5.4 billion. It is divided into four sub-programmes: 1) Nature and biodiversity, 2) Circular economy and quality of life, 3) Climate change mitigation and adaptation, 4) Clean energy transition.
Horizon Europe 2026: Circular economy and bioeconomy sectors (deadline is 17 September 2026)
Eureka Biotech Call (deadline is 25 September 2026)
Eureka’s Biotech Call for Network Projects is dedicated to fostering international cooperation in biotechnology. Eligible projects must demonstrate a clear innovation focus and concrete implementation plans in areas such as (bio)process technology, digitalisation, bioinformatics, life sciences, pharmaceuticals, and medicine.
Are you interested in participating in one of these calls? Contact Catalisti’s Martijn Roosen at mroosencatalisti.be (mroosen[at]catalisti[dot]be).
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 lbraeckmanscatalisti.be (lbraeckmans[at]catalisti[dot]be)