Deadline: 22-Sep-2026
The European Commission is funding innovative projects under Horizon Europe to improve separation and purification technologies in industrial biorefineries. The goal is to enhance sustainability, efficiency, circularity, and scalability of biorefinery processes while ensuring product purity and safe design compliance. The total budget for this call is €6.5 million, and applications are open globally to eligible legal entities.
Overview
The European Commission is seeking proposals for research and innovation projects that advance separation and purification processes in industrial biorefineries. These technologies are essential for improving the transformation of biomass into high-value bio-based products.
The call supports innovations that improve:
- Process efficiency in biorefineries
- Environmental sustainability and circular economy integration
- Scalability of industrial bio-based production systems
- Safety and stability of intermediate and final products
- Compatibility with downstream conversion processes
This initiative is part of the Horizon Europe research and innovation framework, which promotes clean technologies and sustainable industrial transformation across Europe and partner countries.
Key Objectives of the Call
Projects funded under this call must focus on:
1. Advanced Separation and Purification Technologies
- Development of selective, efficient, and scalable separation systems
- Integration into existing or new industrial biorefinery setups
- Improved recovery and refinement of biomass-derived compounds
2. Sustainability and Circular Economy Impact
- Reduction of waste and energy consumption in biorefining processes
- Increased resource efficiency
- Promotion of circular bio-based value chains
3. Product Quality and Process Compatibility
- Ensuring high purity and stability of intermediates
- Compatibility with downstream conversion technologies
- Optimization for industrial-scale applications
4. Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD)
All proposals must apply the European Commission’s Safe and Sustainable by Design framework to:
- Assess environmental and health impacts
- Ensure early-stage sustainability integration
- Guide innovation toward safer bio-based products
5. Alignment with Existing EU Research
Applicants must:
- Demonstrate complementarities with existing EU-funded projects
- Avoid duplication of previously funded research
- Build upon ongoing Horizon Europe and related programmes
Funding Details
- Total budget for this topic: €6.5 million
- Overall programme budget: €170,760,699
- Funding programme: Horizon Europe
This funding supports collaborative research and innovation actions that can scale across industrial applications.
Who Can Apply? (Eligibility Criteria)
Applications are open to a wide range of participants, including:
- Any legal entity, regardless of country of establishment
- Organizations from non-associated third countries
- International organizations (if conditions are met)
- Universities, research institutions, SMEs, and industries
Additional participation rules:
- Affiliated entities and associated partners may participate under defined conditions
- Entities without legal personality may be eligible in specific cases
- EU bodies and the Joint Research Centre (JRC) may participate depending on project scope
Requirements for Applicants
To apply, participants must:
- Register in the Participant Register
- Obtain a Participant Identification Code (PIC)
- Complete validation before grant agreement signing
- Ensure compliance with Horizon Europe eligibility rules
How It Works / Application Process
Step-by-step process:
- Register in the EU Participant Register
- Obtain a valid PIC (Participant Identification Code)
- Form a consortium (if required for project scope)
- Prepare proposal aligned with call objectives
- Include SSbD framework integration
- Submit application via the official EU funding portal
- Undergo evaluation and selection process
- Finalize grant agreement upon approval
Key Evaluation Expectations
Proposals will be assessed based on:
- Scientific and technological excellence
- Impact on sustainability and industrial competitiveness
- Quality and efficiency of implementation
- Alignment with EU policy goals (circular economy, green transition)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not applying the Safe and Sustainable by Design framework
- Weak alignment with Horizon Europe priorities
- Ignoring previous EU-funded project linkage requirements
- Poor scalability or lack of industrial applicability
- Missing Participant Register validation or PIC registration
- Overlapping with existing funded research (duplication risk)
Why This Funding Matters
This funding opportunity supports the transition to a low-carbon, bio-based industrial economy. By improving separation and purification technologies, the EU aims to:
- Strengthen industrial biorefinery competitiveness
- Reduce environmental impact of bio-based production
- Enable scalable bioeconomy solutions
- Support innovation in sustainable materials and chemicals
- Accelerate the circular economy transition in Europe and beyond
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the main goal of this EU funding call?
The goal is to develop advanced separation and purification technologies that improve efficiency, sustainability, and scalability in industrial biorefineries.
2. What is the total funding available?
The total budget for this topic is €6.5 million under Horizon Europe.
3. Who can apply for this funding?
Any legal entity worldwide can apply, including universities, companies, research institutions, SMEs, and international organizations, subject to eligibility rules.
4. What is the Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) framework?
It is a European Commission methodology to ensure that materials and technologies are safe for human health and the environment from the earliest design stage.
5. Is collaboration required?
Yes, in many cases consortia are encouraged or required, especially for large-scale industrial or multi-country projects.
6. What is a Participant Identification Code (PIC)?
A PIC is a unique registration number required to submit and validate EU funding applications.
7. Can non-EU countries participate?
Yes, organizations from non-associated third countries can participate if they meet Horizon Europe conditions.
Conclusion
This Horizon Europe call represents a strategic investment in next-generation biorefinery technologies. It prioritizes innovation in separation and purification processes that are scalable, sustainable, and safe by design. Successful applicants will contribute to strengthening Europe’s bioeconomy while advancing global standards for sustainable industrial production.
For more information, visit European Commission.