The WORTH Partnership Project fosters connection opportunities for designers, crafters, SMEs and tech firms supported by EASME to encourage partnerships from fashion and lifestyle industries to:

• Enhance competitiveness
• Integrate creativity, design and innovative technologies in SMEs
• Foster new, innovative products developed in collaboration between designers and manufacturers or technology companies.

Sectoral and geographical coverage encompasses creative-minds, designers, artists, crafters, start-ups and SMEs from EU and COSME associated countries from sectors like fashion, textile, leather and footwear.

This third call is seeking applications targeting a combination of designers, crafters, SMEs manufacturers, start-ups and technology firms to develop innovative projects in fashion and lifestyle sectorsfor thereinforcement of the sectors innovation, competitiveness and internationalization.

The WORTH Open Call will provide the following type of support:

Financial support of 10.000 euros(per project) to 150 awarded partnership projects.

Tailor-made coachingto participant on either technical or soft skills to elevate the relevance of projects and increase capabilities of the partners

Facilitation of tailored professional links and market positioningbetween project partners and other players by organizing networking activities, international events and providing links with key stakeholders.

Facilitating access to marketby identifying and organizing participation of each of the partnerships in, at least, two relevant exhibitions or events to showcase results of partnerships.

The duration of the project is set at 9 months,but one extraordinary month can be requested by the consortium.

ELIGIBILITY

To participate to the WORTH Partnership Programme, applicants must be SMEs, a start-up, a freelancer or a self-employer legally established in a EU Member State or a COSME associate country at least six months prior to the signature of the partnership agreement.

The Worth call is open to partnership formed by at least two legal entities with different profiles and max three entities per proposal. Universities can participate but cannot by the lead partner. Participants must come from two different countries at least.

DEADLINE

Deadline for submission is 31 October 2019.

Official website and documentation are available here