EVEN-CLOSER strengthens the circular semiconductor value chain by enabling less developed regions to participate in the recovery, reprocessing and reuse of secondary semiconductor materials. 

The project, co-funded by the European Union’s I3 Instrument under grant agreement No 101228240, addresses two major challenges: the limited availability of specialised recycling infrastructure and Europe’s dependence on external sources of critical raw materials. Through coordinated investments, industrial collaboration and regional capacity building, EVEN-CLOSER supports the creation of new local capabilities for material collection, characterization and remanufacturing. 

The project involves 44 partners working together to develop circular practices, digital traceability solutions and market insights that can accelerate the deployment of sustainable semiconductor supply chains. MALTAccelerate is responsible for the Circular Kickstart – Electronics Challenge Work Package, which entails managing three acceleration programs (from 2026 to 2028) with global reach.

EVEN-CLOSER aims to build a more resilient and inclusive European semiconductor ecosystem, reduce material vulnerabilities and create new opportunities for regional innovation and industrial growth.