Deadline Date: September 17, 2026
The European Commission is seeking applications for research and innovation projects aimed at harnessing the unique properties of marine organisms to develop sustainable blue bio-based products that can replace conventional and environmentally harmful materials.
This call provides a total funding envelope of €10,000,000, with an indicative contribution of around €5,000,000 per project.
The focus areas of this call include the development of safe and sustainable blue bio-based products derived from marine organisms such as algae, fungi, and invertebrates, the exploration of biomolecules with unique physical, chemical, and biochemical properties for industrial applications, integration of synthetic biology and digital technologies such as AI, machine learning, and bioinformatics, and assessment of environmental safety, effectiveness, and regulatory pathways for market adoption.
The objective of this initiative is to support the transition toward a greener and more competitive bio-based European industry by reducing reliance on hazardous chemicals and promoting sustainable alternatives across sectors such as textiles, polymers, construction materials, coatings, and industrial processing. The programme also aims to strengthen biodiversity conservation by ensuring that marine biodiscovery does not lead to unsustainable harvesting from natural ecosystems.
Projects funded under this topic are expected to develop innovative marine-derived solutions such as novel adhesives, antifouling coatings, biosensors, enzymes, biochemicals, and sustainable surfactants. Proposals should evaluate the costs and benefits of these alternatives compared to conventional market solutions, while also identifying regulatory, value chain, and market barriers that may affect deployment and scalability.
A strong emphasis is placed on assessing the safety, environmental sustainability, and effectiveness of developed products in comparison with existing materials, as well as providing evidence-based recommendations for policymakers and industry stakeholders. Projects should also consider the economic and societal relevance of the proposed innovations, particularly those with high potential for industrial transformation.
Eligibility is open to any legal entity, including those established in non-associated third countries or international organisations, provided they comply with Horizon Europe conditions. Applicants must register in the Participant Register and obtain a Participant Identification Code (PIC) before grant agreement preparation.
For more information, visit EC.
