H2020. Repurposing of manufacturing for vital medical supplies and equipment

Proposals for innovation actions targeted under this topic should address the re-orientation and repurposing of production capacities to meet the urgent needs of our societies for vital medical supplies and equipment.

Objectives

• The repurposing, adaptation and ramp-up of production lines to quickly adjust to new and urgent production needs, notably medical equipment (e.g. personal protective equipment (PPE), ventilators), diagnostic technologies already deployed based on advanced materials and/or biotechnologies, as well as service systems and automated systems of disinfection,
• Demonstrate flexibility models for the supply chain for the repurposing of production lines and proper risk management in case of disruption of supply chains (or other necessary means for enabling production, such as energy feedstock),
• Automation technologies that are less dependent on work force present in factories, certification/calibration/accreditation of production lines that have been repurposed or restarted after a shutdown,
• Qualification of operators/technicians for new/repurposed production lines.

The Commission considers that proposals requesting a contribution from the EU of between EUR 5 and 6 million would allow these specific challenges to be addressed appropriately. Nonetheless, this does not preclude submission and selection of proposals requesting other amounts.

Expected Impact

• To foster industry’s adaptation capacity and resilience in strategic sectors (e.g. manufacturing of medical equipment, PPE, etc.).
• Demonstrate a flexible 48-hour industrial response capability for requalification or release of repurposed production lines.
• To support industry and interested parties, in particular SMEs, by providing services for design, assessment, testing and regulatory issues.
• Deliver results within 3-18 months to end-users at scale.
• Solutions should foresee their application to other industrial sectors that might be explored in future calls.

Deadline

11 June 2020 17:00:00 Brussels time

More information

Call