Deadline: 17-Sep-2026
The European Commission is inviting grant applications to support research, innovation, and standardisation activities that strengthen industrial competitiveness and environmental sustainability within the bio-based sector. The funding aims to accelerate the development of safe, sustainable, and circular bio-based products, technologies, and value chains aligned with major European Union environmental and industrial policy goals.
The programme supports projects focused on ecodesign, decarbonisation, pollution prevention, biodiversity protection, circular bioeconomy systems, and sustainable product development. Approximately €8,000,000 is available under this topic, with around €4,000,000 expected per project.
What is the European Commission Bio-Based Industry Funding Programme?
This funding opportunity supports research and innovation projects that improve the sustainability and competitiveness of Europe’s bio-based industry.
The programme aims to:
- Advance sustainable industrial innovation
- Strengthen European industrial competitiveness
- Support circular bio-based value chains
- Reduce environmental impacts
- Improve resource efficiency
- Promote safe and sustainable product development
- Encourage market uptake of bio-based innovations
The initiative focuses strongly on developing standards, methodologies, and ecodesign approaches that can support future industrial transformation across Europe.
What is the Bio-Based Sector?
The bio-based sector includes industries that use renewable biological resources to produce materials, chemicals, products, energy, and services.
Examples of Bio-Based Industries
These may include:
- Bio-based chemicals
- Sustainable packaging
- Bioplastics
- Biomaterials
- Bioenergy
- Sustainable textiles
- Forestry products
- Agricultural biomass solutions
- Circular manufacturing systems
The sector plays a major role in supporting Europe’s transition toward a circular and climate-neutral economy.
Main Objectives of the Funding Topic
The programme seeks to improve sustainability performance and industrial competitiveness through research and standardisation activities.
Core Objectives Include:
- Supporting industrial decarbonisation
- Enhancing environmental sustainability
- Reducing climate impacts
- Preventing pollution
- Protecting biodiversity
- Improving ecodesign practices
- Developing safe and sustainable products
- Strengthening circular bioeconomy systems
- Supporting market adoption of innovations
Key Focus Areas
Projects should address one or more strategic areas related to the bio-based economy.
Industrial Competitiveness and Strategic Autonomy
The programme supports technologies and innovations that strengthen Europe’s industrial resilience and reduce dependency on unsustainable or imported resources.
Decarbonisation and Climate Impact Reduction
Projects may focus on:
- Reducing greenhouse gas emissions
- Climate-neutral production systems
- Low-carbon manufacturing
- Carbon-efficient product design
Environmental Sustainability
Activities may include:
- Resource efficiency
- Waste reduction
- Pollution prevention
- Sustainable production processes
- Ecosystem protection
Biodiversity Protection
Applicants are encouraged to design solutions that:
- Reduce ecosystem degradation
- Protect natural habitats
- Support biodiversity-friendly production systems
Circular Bio-Based Value Chains
The programme promotes:
- Circular economy models
- Reuse and recycling systems
- Biomass valorisation
- Sustainable material cycles
- Resource-efficient production
Ecodesign Development
Projects should support the development of products and systems designed for:
- Durability
- Reusability
- Repairability
- Recyclability
- Reduced environmental impact
Pre-Normative Research and Development
Applicants must identify gaps in current standardisation systems and conduct research to support future standards development for sustainable bio-based products and processes.
What is Pre-Normative Research?
Pre-normative research refers to scientific and technical research conducted before formal standards are created.
This type of research helps:
- Develop testing methods
- Establish sustainability criteria
- Improve product safety methodologies
- Create measurable performance indicators
- Support future regulatory frameworks
Pre-normative research is essential for building reliable standards that industries can adopt at scale.
Expected Project Activities
Projects are expected to select a specific bio-based sector or industry and develop innovative solutions with measurable sustainability benefits.
Eligible Activities May Include:
- Research and innovation
- Technology development
- Sustainable product design
- Ecodesign methodologies
- Development of standards and frameworks
- Process optimisation
- Pilot demonstrations
- Stakeholder collaboration
- Market uptake strategies
- Circular business model development
Stakeholder Engagement Requirements
The programme emphasizes strong collaboration between different sectors and institutions.
Applicants Should Engage With:
- Bio-based industry stakeholders
- Standardisation organisations
- Policymakers
- National authorities
- European institutions
- Research organisations
- SMEs and startups
The objective is to create a community of practice that supports transparency, inclusiveness, and long-term adoption of innovative solutions.
Alignment with European Union Policies
The funding topic supports several major European Union strategies and policy frameworks.
Relevant EU Policy Frameworks Include:
- Safe and Sustainable by Design approach
- EU Bioeconomy Strategy
- Circular Economy Act
- Clean Industrial Deal
- SME Strategy
- Chemicals Industry Package
- Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation
- Start-ups and Scale-ups Strategy
Projects should demonstrate clear alignment with these policy priorities.
Funding Amount
The total funding available under this topic is approximately:
- €8,000,000
Expected Funding Per Project
Approximately:
- €4,000,000 per project
Actual funding may vary depending on:
- Project scope
- Innovation level
- Consortium structure
- Budget justification
- Expected impact
Who is Eligible?
Eligibility is open to a broad range of organisations and entities.
Eligible Applicants Include:
- Universities
- Research institutions
- Companies
- SMEs
- Startups
- Industry associations
- Public bodies
- International organisations
- Nonprofit organisations
International Eligibility
Applications are open to:
- Legal entities from EU Member States
- Associated countries
- Non-associated third countries
- International organisations
Applicants must comply with Horizon Europe Regulation requirements and all applicable eligibility conditions.
What is a Legal Entity?
A legal entity refers to:
- A recognised natural or legal person with legal personality
OR
- An organisation without legal personality that can exercise rights and obligations under applicable law
Why This Funding Opportunity Matters
Accelerates Green Industrial Transition
The programme supports the transformation of European industries toward sustainable and circular production systems.
Encourages Innovation in Bioeconomy Systems
Funding helps organisations develop scalable bio-based technologies and solutions.
Supports Climate and Environmental Goals
Projects contribute to:
- Climate neutrality
- Pollution reduction
- Resource efficiency
- Biodiversity protection
Strengthens European Competitiveness
The initiative promotes strategic autonomy and innovation leadership within Europe’s growing bioeconomy sector.
Builds Future Sustainability Standards
Pre-normative research activities help shape future standards and regulations for sustainable industries.
How to Apply
Step 1: Identify a Bio-Based Sector Focus
Select a specific industry or value chain relevant to the bio-based economy.
Step 2: Define the Sustainability Challenge
Clearly explain the environmental, industrial, or market challenge the project addresses.
Step 3: Develop an Innovation Concept
Design a project involving:
- Sustainable technologies
- Ecodesign approaches
- Circular systems
- Standards development
- Research and innovation activities
Step 4: Build Partnerships
Collaborate with:
- Research organisations
- Industry partners
- Standardisation bodies
- SMEs
- Policymakers
Step 5: Address Standardisation Gaps
Identify research gaps that prevent effective sustainability standards or methodologies.
Step 6: Prepare the Proposal
Include:
- Project objectives
- Methodology
- Expected outcomes
- Sustainability impact
- Stakeholder engagement strategy
- Budget and implementation plan
Step 7: Submit the Application
Complete the Horizon Europe application process before the official deadline.
Tips for a Strong Proposal
- Demonstrate strong sustainability impact
- Align clearly with EU policy frameworks
- Include measurable environmental outcomes
- Show industrial scalability
- Build multidisciplinary partnerships
- Address market uptake potential
- Include robust stakeholder engagement plans
- Explain long-term economic feasibility
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Weak alignment with EU priorities
- Unclear sustainability benefits
- Insufficient stakeholder involvement
- Lack of measurable outcomes
- Overly theoretical proposals
- Weak standardisation strategies
- Limited market adoption planning
- Poor consortium coordination
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the main goal of this funding programme?
The programme supports sustainable innovation, ecodesign, and standardisation activities in the European bio-based sector.
How much funding is available?
Approximately €8,000,000 is available under the topic, with around €4,000,000 expected per project.
What sectors are eligible?
Projects must focus on bio-based industries such as sustainable materials, bioplastics, bioenergy, sustainable chemicals, or circular manufacturing systems.
Can international organisations apply?
Yes. International organisations and entities from non-associated third countries may apply if they meet Horizon Europe eligibility conditions.
What is ecodesign?
Ecodesign refers to designing products and systems that reduce environmental impacts throughout their lifecycle.
What is pre-normative research?
Pre-normative research helps develop scientific and technical foundations for future sustainability standards and regulations.
Are SMEs eligible?
Yes. SMEs, startups, and industry actors are encouraged to participate.
Final Thoughts
The European Commission Bio-Based Industry Grants 2026 provide significant support for organisations developing sustainable, circular, and innovative solutions within the bioeconomy sector.
By funding ecodesign, standardisation research, and environmentally responsible industrial innovation, the programme contributes to Europe’s long-term goals for climate neutrality, industrial competitiveness, biodiversity protection, and circular economic growth.
For more information, visit European Commission.