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Open Call: Innovative Bioremediation Solutions for Aquatic Pollution

Deadline: 16-Apr-2026

The European Commission invites applications for projects developing innovative bioremediation solutions to tackle aquatic pollution, including contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) like PFAS, antimicrobials, and microplastics. Grants of up to €23 million support multi-disciplinary, scalable, and environmentally safe approaches that integrate biotechnology, nanotechnology, and environmental monitoring to restore freshwater, marine, and groundwater ecosystems.

About the Initiative

The European Commission’s 2026 call supports projects that develop, test, and deploy innovative bioremediation technologies to address aquatic pollution. The initiative prioritizes solutions that are affordable, scalable, and environmentally safe, aligned with EU strategies such as the European Ocean Pact and the EU Zero Pollution Action Plan. Projects are expected to enhance ecosystem resilience, improve water quality, and reduce environmental and human health risks posed by persistent pollutants.

Key Focus Areas

Projects should address the following:

  1. Bioremediation of Aquatic Pollution – Develop technologies using microorganisms, microbial communities, and nanoparticles to remove pollutants.

  2. Target Contaminants – Focus on persistent pollutants and CECs including PFAS, antimicrobials, and microplastics.

  3. Environmental Monitoring and Risk Assessment – Integrate high-resolution monitoring tools to evaluate pollutant pathways and assess ecosystem risk.

  4. Scalable and Site-Specific Solutions – Ensure technologies are adaptable to rivers, lakes, coastal areas, and groundwater.

  5. Stakeholder Engagement – Promote transparent collaboration with local authorities, industry, researchers, and communities.

  6. Multi-Disciplinary Approaches – Leverage life sciences, biotechnology, nanotechnology, and related fields to develop holistic solutions.

Why It Matters

Chemical pollution in Europe’s aquatic environments poses serious risks to human health and ecosystems. Many waters fail to meet regulatory standards, and pollutants such as PFAS and microplastics persist and accumulate over time. Innovative bioremediation technologies are critical to restore water quality, protect biodiversity, and enhance ecosystem resilience while complementing pollution prevention measures.

Who is Eligible?

  • Legal entities including SMEs, start-ups, research institutions, and consortia.

  • Multi-disciplinary teams combining expertise in biotechnology, life sciences, nanotechnology, and environmental monitoring.

  • Projects must not overlap with other Horizon Europe-funded initiatives on ocean and water restoration.

Funding: Total grants up to €23,000,000, with an average award of €7–8 million per project.

How to Apply

  1. Check Eligibility – Ensure your organization meets Horizon Europe requirements and the multi-disciplinary approach is met.

  2. Define the Problem and Solution – Identify specific pollutants, target ecosystems, and propose scalable bioremediation technologies.

  3. Integrate Monitoring and Risk Assessment – Include high-resolution environmental monitoring to validate effectiveness.

  4. Engage Stakeholders – Collaborate with local authorities, researchers, industry, and communities to ensure adoption.

  5. Submit Proposal – Follow Horizon Europe submission portal instructions and ensure alignment with EU strategies.

  6. Evaluation and Funding – Projects evaluated on innovation, feasibility, scalability, ecosystem impact, and stakeholder engagement.

Common Tips for Applicants

  • Focus on pollutants of emerging concern and site-specific remediation strategies.

  • Demonstrate scalability and adaptability to multiple aquatic environments.

  • Include detailed monitoring and risk assessment methodologies.

  • Highlight multi-disciplinary collaboration and stakeholder engagement.

  • Ensure proposals complement existing EU Horizon projects and strategies.

FAQs

  1. What pollutants are targeted? Persistent pollutants and contaminants of emerging concern (CECs), including PFAS, antimicrobials, and microplastics.

  2. Who can apply? SMEs, start-ups, research institutions, and multi-disciplinary consortia within the EU and Horizon Europe Associated Countries.

  3. What is the total funding available? Up to €23 million, with average funding of €7–8 million per project.

  4. Are monitoring and risk assessment required? Yes, projects must integrate environmental monitoring and risk assessment tools.

  5. Can this complement other projects? Yes, but proposals must not overlap with other Horizon Europe ocean and water restoration initiatives.

  6. Which ecosystems are eligible? Freshwater, marine, coastal areas, rivers, lakes, and groundwater systems.

  7. Is stakeholder engagement important? Yes, collaboration with local authorities, industry, researchers, and communities is essential for successful adoption.

Conclusion

The European Commission’s 2026 bioremediation funding supports the development of innovative, scalable, and environmentally safe solutions to combat aquatic pollution. By integrating biotechnology, nanotechnology, and multi-disciplinary research with effective monitoring and stakeholder engagement, funded projects will enhance water quality, protect ecosystems, and address the growing challenge of contaminants of emerging concern across Europe.

For more information, visit European Commission.