Specifically, the project aimed to deliver on four key objectives, (1) to build and operate a deal engine for the CCRI and establish it as a sustainable service offering for cities in Europe; (2) to close the gap between circular economy projects in cities and regions and investors and finance partners, and to mitigate investment risks for circular economy projects; (3) to increase the investment viability of innovative, high-impact circularity projects by mitigating risk and increasing their investment readiness, and (4) to successfully launch four investments in circular economy projects.
The project worked to accelerate investment in circular economy initiatives by creating and operating a “deal engine” that helps cities develop bankable, taxonomy-aligned circular projects and connect them with investors. It works to close the gap between project owners and financiers by providing technical and financial support, improving investment readiness, and reducing perceived risks. The project refines methodologies through real-world pilots, supports high-impact initiatives using EU circular frameworks, and targets the successful launch of four financed projects—up to €20 million total—through end-to-end assistance, feasibility work, and innovative financing instruments.
Concretely, the project has achieved the following outputs and outcomes:
- A broad set of PDA services was delivered by all consortium partners to the four projects, including technical and impact-related services, as well as financial services. The services were in part delivered through physical workshops and technical working meetings at each project's location.
- Around eight different subcontracts were facilitated with local service providers to enable additional, tailored delivery of PDA support services by local, external experts.
- After the delivery of PDA due diligence services, four projects have been appraised by investors during two different appraisal events.
- The capacity building efforts have culminated in the production of 20 scripted education videos, that were professionally recorded and launched in March 2025. In the first two weeks after the launch, the videos were already viewed by 2.000 unique viewers.
- Web-based Evaluation Tool has been developed in launched in June 2025, consolidating the methodological elements of the Deal Engine. The tool guides users through all the project development steps of the Deal Engine, using the 20 narrated educational videos developed as well as visualized questionnaires and other features.
- Investment contracts have been facilitated and signed for three projects.
- A policy brief on the different types of projects supported, their investment challenges and required political and regulatory framework conditions has been written and disseminated widely.
- The Circular Investment Readiness Network (CIRN) has conducted a total of 3 sessions during RP2, amounting to 238 participants. A total of 538 participants have been reached for the entire project.
