Deadline Date: September 17, 2026
The European Commission is seeking grant applications to support the development of sustainable bio-based solutions that advance scientific, technological, and societal transformation toward more sustainable ways of living.
The topic focuses on socio-economic transformation through bio-based sectors and bioeconomy development, innovative bio-based products and services, circular economy systems, resource efficiency, climate neutrality, improved public understanding of bio-based innovation, social acceptance of biotechnology, sustainable consumption patterns, environmental justice, gender equality, social inclusion, and better living conditions through reduced pollution and environmentally friendly solutions.
The initiative contributes to European Union policies related to biotechnology, biomanufacturing, life sciences strategy, circular bio-based systems, clean industrial transition, fair green transition, start-ups and scale-ups strategy, and cooperation frameworks such as the Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking and the New European Bauhaus.
Projects under this topic are expected to develop innovative and user-friendly bio-based products and services supported by biotechnology and biomanufacturing approaches. These solutions should enable more sustainable applications, including less resource-intensive consumer goods that reduce environmental and climate pressures. Projects are also expected to integrate digital technologies and tools such as bioinformatics and artificial intelligence to support innovation and development.
The scope includes assessing new socio-economic models for circular and bio-based systems, incorporating environmental justice, gender equality, diversity, and social inclusion, while drawing on international best practices. This may involve societal dialogue, innovation processes, social impact assessments, and contributions from social sciences and humanities.
Projects are also expected to strengthen public understanding and acceptance of bio-based innovation by addressing perceptions of benefits and risks, consumer perspectives, market acceptance, and social demand, while improving understanding of consumption patterns.
Collaboration with industry and public authorities is required to ensure feedback loops for proposed market solutions and to support practical implementation of innovations.
The funding available for this topic is approximately €8,000,000, with around €4,000,000 allocated per project.
Eligibility extends to any legal entity, regardless of place of establishment, including entities from non-associated third countries or international organisations, provided they meet the conditions of the Horizon Europe Regulation and applicable call requirements. A legal entity may include any natural or legal person with legal personality under national, EU, or international law, or an entity without legal personality capable of exercising rights and obligations.
For more information, visit European Commission.
