Deadline Date: September 22, 2026
The European Commission is inviting grant applications to support the development and scaling of biotechnology-based processes to convert residual biomass into high-value bio-based products and sustainable industrial applications.
The program focuses on increasing the added value of residual biomass for biorefinery applications, expanding the portfolio of sustainable bio-based products through industrial biotechnology, developing robust and scalable biotech processes for residual biomass, and improving efficient biomass logistics and supply chain cooperation across sectors.
The funding available for this topic is €14 million, with a broader total budget allocation of €170,760,699. Participation is open to any legal entity, including organisations from non-associated third countries and international organisations, provided Horizon Europe eligibility conditions are met.
This initiative contributes to major EU policy frameworks, including the EU Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing initiative, the EU Life Sciences Strategy, the updated EU Bioeconomy Strategy, the Clean Industrial Deal, the European Chemical Industry Action Plan, and upcoming EU Biotechnology and Circular Economy Acts. It aims to strengthen Europe’s strategic autonomy in bio-based production by improving the use of diverse biomass feedstocks.
Projects under this topic are required to demonstrate biotechnology-based processes at a minimum of TRL 6 that convert residual biomass into valuable outputs such as bio-based chemicals, intermediates, polymers, materials, ingredients, or enzymes. Biotechnology must be the core enabling technology, supported by other complementary unit operations where necessary. Optimization of cells, enzymes, microorganisms, or microbiomes is also included within scope.
The feedstock scope includes forestry and agricultural residues, livestock-based side streams such as manure and animal by-products, residues from aquatic biomass including fisheries, algae production and aquaculture, and urban or industrial bio-based waste streams. This also includes food industry waste, cellulose from post-consumer and post-industrial waste, sewage sludge, and mixed bio-based waste streams from industrial operations such as the wood, pulp, and paper sectors.
Proposals are expected to address both technical and systemic challenges associated with scaling biotech solutions from research to demonstration level. This includes integrating effective pretreatment and conversion processes tailored to variable biomass composition while ensuring high yield, efficiency, and sustainability. Strong cooperation with biomass suppliers, waste operators, and primary producers is also required to ensure reliable feedstock supply chains.
For more information, visit European Commission.
