Deadline Date: June 09, 2026
The BIONetZero initiative is seeking applications to support SMEs and startups developing biosolutions by providing funding, expert guidance, and ecosystem access to accelerate the transition toward net-zero production in Europe.
The focus areas, of this programme include the development of bio-based products, processes, and services, support for net-zero production, and the transition toward climate-neutral industry. It also focuses on strengthening innovation, improving competitiveness, enabling sustainable industrial transformation, and supporting agrifood and energy-intensive sectors. Additional priorities include product and process validation, commercialisation, market adaptation, internationalisation, and ensuring participation of SMEs and startups at different stages of technology readiness.
The BIONetZero accelerator programme is designed to support SMEs and startups working on biosolutions that contribute to climate-neutral production. It provides structured financial support across multiple stages of development, allowing companies to progress from early ideation through validation, commercialisation, and international expansion.
The funding model includes four stages of support, with grants of up to €3,500 in the ideation stage, up to €15,000 in the validation and development stage, up to €40,000 in the commercialisation stage, and up to €5,000 in the internationalisation stage. In total, each SME or startup can receive up to €60,000 in funding, with all grants requiring 25% co-financing by participating companies.
The programme is aimed at fostering a strong European biosolution ecosystem that encourages collaboration, innovation, and sustainable industrial development. It supports companies in building solutions that contribute to greener and more resilient industries across agrifood and energy-intensive sectors.
Eligible participants must be SMEs or startups developing bio-based products, processes, or services with a technology readiness level between TRL 4 and TRL 8. Companies must be based in EU or associated eligible countries, be able to provide co-financing, and participate in the mandatory kick-off meeting scheduled for September 2026.
The programme offers a total potential funding of up to €60,000 per SME, distributed across different stages, with each stage providing targeted financial support for specific development needs.
For more information, visit Food & Bio Cluster Denmark.
