"When we launched the first call, we received a lot of truly competitive and innovative solutions. It is important that the country's businesses are taking a decisive step towards sustainability by developing and deploying environmentally friendly products and technologies, thus contributing to a greener and more resilient Lithuanian economy," said Aušrinė Armonaitė, Minister of the Economy and Innovation.
The first call allocated €4.4 million for this activity out of the planned €1 billion to strengthen the country's economy and create more opportunities for Lithuania. Contracts have been signed with 96 operators. Companies have proposed solutions ranging from the use of renewable energy sources to the implementation of circular economy principles and waste recovery.
Project activities include both the development of new technologies and the improvement and market deployment of existing technologies. For example, one of the funded projects is the demonstration, substantial development and commercialisation of the innovative environmentally friendly agricultural machine Scarabaeus, invented in Lithuania, in a hot climate zone in an arid zone in Spain, which restores degraded or desertified soils.
"Of the €1 billion plan implemented by the Ministry, one third was for a greener and climate-neutral economy. We expect a breakthrough in this area. So I invite the country's businesses to take advantage of this call to develop and deploy green innovations," said Neringa Morozaitė-Rasmussen, Deputy Minister of the Economy and Innovation.
The additional call will provide funding to small and medium-sized enterprises outside industry that develop and implement an environmentally friendly product or technology. The maximum amount of funding available per project is €50 000.
The deadline for applications to the Central Project Management Agency is 31 March 2024. Full terms and conditions of the call are available on the website of European Union Investments.
