EU-India circular business exchange at WCEF2026

EU-India circular business exchange at WCEF2026 Sitra requests your tender for designing and implementing a targeted business exchange linked to WCEF2026. The exchange will support EU-India cooperation, with selective participation from other relevant EU CERC partner countries where this adds strategic value. The assignment will focus on a limited number of priority value chains aligned with EU strategic interests, CERC priorities and the thematic focus of WCEF2026 (appendix 9). It’s overall objective is to increase EU-India business collaboration in accelerating circular economy transition. Concreate activities are: - engage a curated group of European companies and relevant industry associations. - facilitate structured business interactions with Indian counterparts, and where relevant with selected participants from other EU CERC partner countries. - support concrete collaboration discussions in selected priority value chains. - identify investment-relevant business opportunities linked to these value chains. - use WCEF2026 as a platform for targeted business engagement before, during and after the forum. The assignment is intended to deliver a focused and practical process. It does not aim at broad participation, general promotion, or the development of investment cases. Target group The exchange will engage a curated group of approximately 30–40 European companies. The group will be selected based on a set of criteria, including relevance to the priority value chains defined for the assignment: ICT & electronics, batteries, manufacturing industry, build environment & infrastructure and related secondary raw materials. The primary focus is on companies with existing operations in India or a clear strategic interest in entering the Indian market. As a guiding distribution: − ~60% companies already active in India − ~40% companies exploring market entry (“India-curious”) The group should reflect key roles within selected value chains and include: − large corporations (value chain leaders and industrial actors) − small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) − start-ups and scale-ups with relevant circular In addition, a limited number of relevant companies or stakeholders from other EU CERC partner countries participating in WCEF2026 may be included, where this supports the selected value chains and adds strategic value. Engagement will be organised at value chain or cluster level, rather than through fully customised company-specific matchmaking, to ensure focus, efficiency and relevance. Scope of work The assignment is structured as a focused, facilitation-oriented process built around three phases: preparation (before WCEF2026), implementation (during WCEF2026), and follow-up (after WCEF2026). The approach should be value chain-driven, targeted and practical, building on existing knowledge, and networks. The assignment does not include in-depth analysis, transaction support, or long-term programme implementation. The focus is on quality and relevance of interactions rather than volume. Work packages 1. Mobilisation and preparation (before WCEF2026) 2. Curated participation at WCEF2026 3. Value chain matchmaking and deal rooms at WCEF2026 (core component) 4. Follow-up and continuity (after WCEF2026) A detailed description of work packages is provided in APPENDIX 1: Description of the Procurement. Expected outputs The assignment is expected to deliver the following outputs: − Engagement of a curated group of 30-40 European companies and relevant industry associations aligned with selected priority value chains. − Delivery of a concise India Opportunity Brief (approx. 8-10 pages). − Organisation of value chain-based matchmaking activities during WCEF2026, ensuring 3-5 meetings per European company with Indian counterparts. − Design and facilitation of 1-2 Circular Deal Rooms as part of the matchmaking process. − Organisation of at least 2-3 follow-up sessions to continue value chain-specific discussions after WCEF2026. − Identification of investment-relevant opportunities, including initial indications of potential financing pathways where relevant. Expected outcomes The assignment is expected to contribute to the following outcomes: − Initiation of concrete EU–India business collaboration discussions within selected priority value chains, supported by informed and committed participants − Strengthened connections between European companies and Indian counterparts in targeted value chains, including early signals of feasibility and stakeholders’ commitment. − Progress towards a limited number of investment-relevant circular economy business opportunities aligned with EU strategic interest and Global Gateway priorities. − Contribution to the development of potential circular economy collaboration pathways and project pipelines in selected value chains. − Enhanced positioning of EU CERC and WCEF as platforms for EU-partner country business engagement, particularly in advancing circular economy opportunities within priority value chains. Implementation approach principles − Value chain-driven, focusing on selected priority areas rather than broad thematic coverage. − Targeted and curated, prioritizing relevance and quality of participants over volume − Business-oriented, with a clear focus on concrete collaboration opportunities − Demand-driven, aligned with partner country context and needs − Light, practical and cost-efficient, building on existing networks and avoiding unnecessary complexity − Designed to ensure continuity of engagement beyond WCEF2026 During this assignment, the contracted service provider will work in close collaboration with Sitra’s EU CERC and WCEF teams, and the Indian Partner organisation (to be confirmed later). The estimated implementation period of the assignment is approximately from June 2026 to March 2027.,