COPILOT Project to help Leverage Networking of European Bioeconomy Ecosystem

Deadline: 10-Oct-24

The European Commission is seeking proposals for its COPILOT project to engage Open Access Pilot and Demo Infrastructures (OC1) and Bioeconomy Innovators (OC2).

Objectives 

• There are several objectives dedicated to the COPILOT Open Calls:
  • Engage and stimulate Open Access Pilot and Demo Infrastructures (PDIs) as well as Bioeconomy Innovators (BIs) aiming to scale-up and grow.
  • Ensure the active participation of engaged third parties in the platform & service development so they become early adopters of the next generation Pilots4U platform.
  • Ensure the co-creation of the database, platform and related business model in collaboration with representatives of the most important stakeholder groups: the PDIs and BIs.
  • Expand the outreach and flexibility of the proposed platform & services with external input of the winners of the Open Calls by providing access to specialised and qualified resources within various disciplines and technologies.
  • Develop a set of success stories to foster the adoption and uptake the next generation platform services.
  • Provide direct support and guidance to third parties through incentive building.
  • Create real impact on the next generation Pilots4U platform and the COPILOT project key exploitable results.

Types of Open Call 

• In general, the funding programme aims to facilitate the access of innovators to scale-up and growth by offering two different types of open calls:
  • Stimulation and empowerment of the PDIs through co-creation dynamics and testing of the COPILOT business model – Call4BioPlants (OC1)
  • Creation and cultivation of a vibrant community that harmonizes supply and demand, supported by enabling stakeholders and supporting services to ensure the proper development of bioeconomy innovations – Call4BioInnovators (OC2)

Main Technology Area

• Open Call 1: Call4BioPlants – technology area
  • Size reduction and homogenisation
  • Thermal and pressure techniques
  • Pulping
  • Fermentation and digestion
  • Enzymatic catalysis
  • Chemical conversions
  • Thermochemical conversions
  • Material technologies
  • Separation technologies
  • Sterilisation technologies
  • Algae technologies
• Open Call 2: Call4BioInnovators – technology area
  • Biological processes
  • Chemical processes
  • Physical, physicochemical and electrochemical
  • processes
  • Feedstock/Raw Material Sources

Funding Information 

• A total of €200.000 has been budgeted for open calls planned within the COPILOT project. The division of funds between planned open calls within the COPILOT project is as follows:
  • Open Call 1: Call4BioPlants: will finance max. 10 eligible entities in the amount of €6.000 each.
  • Open Call 2: Call4BioInnovators: will finance max. 15 eligible entities in the amount of €6.000 each.

Eligibility Criteria 

• Applicants’ eligibility
  • All applicants must meet the requirements:
  • Submissions will ONLY be accepted through the F6S platform and respective page dedicated to the COPILOT
  • Fit within the target audience (types of applicants: respective audiences for OC1 or OC2)
  • Are based and registered in an eligible Horizon Europe country
  • The application and all requested documents are provided only in English language
• Types of applicants
  • Open Call 1: Call4BioPlants will fund Open Access Pilot and Demo Infrastructures (PDIs) active within the bioeconomy implemented by SMEs or RTOs. PDIs for bioeconomy defined as:
    • Open access, multipurpose Pilot and Demo infrastructures that provide scale-up equipment and related expertise for piloting (TRL 4-5) and demonstration (TRL 6-7) of innovative bio-based products and processes, for a fee.
    • Joint investments in equipment and expertise that can be used, for a fee, by any entrepreneur in need of scale-up.
  • Open Call 2: Call4BioInnovators will fund start-ups, spin-offs, scale-ups and SMEs3 developing a technology within the bioeconomy domain. The following additional conditions apply:
    • The participating organisations should not have been declared bankrupt or have initiated bankruptcy procedures at the time of applying.
    • The organisations or individuals applying should not have convictions for fraudulent behaviour, other financial irregularities, and unethical or illegal business practices.
    • Applicants can only apply to OC1 or OC2. Applicants applying for both open calls will be automatically rejected.

For more information, visit European Commission.