Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating in the textile sector will be eligible for €50,000 grant under the FutureProofTextiles Project, funded by the European Union. Applications for the call, which aims to accelerate digital, sustainable, and innovation-driven transformation in the textile industry, will remain open until 18 September 2026.
Launched under the FutureProofTextiles Project, co-funded by the European Union’s Single Market Programme (SMP), the first Open Call offers a significant funding opportunity for textile SMEs. The project aims to support companies in accelerating their green and digital transformation, developing innovative solutions, and strengthening their competitiveness in international markets.
In response to evolving manufacturing dynamics, increasing investment costs, the growing need for digitalisation, and rising expectations for sustainable production, selected SMEs will benefit not only from financial support but also from technical consultancy and capacity-building services.
€50,000 Lump-Sum Grant
Successful applicants will receive a lump-sum grant of €50,000 as part of a nine-month implementation programme. The funding may be used to cover personnel costs, equipment investments, software solutions, business development activities, and international networking initiatives.
In addition to financial support, participating companies will have access to training programmes and one-to-one mentoring on market access strategies, business development, and commercialisation. A key advantage of the programme is that all intellectual property rights generated during the project will remain with the beneficiary company.
Who Can Apply?
The Open Call is open to SMEs operating in ready-to-wear apparel, technical textiles, recycling, and other segments of the textile value chain. Consortium applications will not be accepted.
Machinery manufacturers and technology providers developing innovative production technologies for the textile industry are also eligible to apply, provided they meet the specified eligibility criteria.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Qualify as an SME in accordance with the European Union definition;
- Be established in a country participating in the SMP Programme;
- Propose an innovation with a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 5 or higher; and
- Demonstrate the financial capacity to provide a €10,000 in co-financing.
The application package must include a completed Needs Assessment Report, activity, budget and risk tables, together with SME and eligibility declarations. Applications must be submitted online via the EU Survey Platform after all required documents have been completed.
Application Deadline: 18 September 2026
The FutureProofTextiles First Open Call was launched on 22 June 2026. Interested SMEs may submit their applications until Friday, 18 September 2026, at 23:59 (CET).
The call represents an important opportunity for textile SMEs seeking to implement innovative projects with the support of European funding mechanisms and enhance their international competitiveness.
Official Application Portal:
https://ec.europa.eu/eusurvey/runner/FutureProofTextiles-1st-OpenCall
For enquiries regarding the application process:
fpt.eu.helpdesk@gmail.com
