Advancing the European bio-based innovation enabled by biotechnology and biomanufacturing concepts

Overview

Supports the advancement of bio-based innovation and biomanufacturing concepts in the EU and Associated Countries, focusing on sustainable, circular, and climate-positive solutions. Targets consortia developing pilot-scale biotechnology applications, excluding health biotech and biofuels.

Who Can Apply

Consortia of legal entities (e.g., SMEs, universities, research organizations, public bodies) from eligible countries. SMEs and newcomers to Horizon Europe Cluster 6 are strongly encouraged. Civil society stakeholders (e.g., NGOs, consumer organizations) must be engaged for societal acceptance.

Funding Details

• Maximum grant amount: €10,000,000 per project.
• Funding type: Lump sum.
• Funding rate: Not specified (standard Horizon Europe rules apply).
• Co-funding: Not explicitly required but may apply under general Horizon Europe conditions.

What Is Funded

• Development of key biotechnology and biomanufacturing technologies, including synthetic/molecular biology, gene editing, metabolic engineering, microbiome research, and biofoundry approaches.
• Integration of digital technologies (e.g., AI, machine learning, bioinformatics).
• Convergence of biotech with nature-based solutions for environmental applications, carbon sequestration, biodiversity protection, and circular economy principles.
• Policy recommendations for industrial actors and policymakers, based on risk-benefit assessments.
• Validation at pilot scale to enable future exploitation.
• Compliance with the "Do no significant harm" (DNSH) principle.

Technology / Maturity Requirements

• Target TRL at project end: 4–5.
• Starting TRL: Any (no minimum specified).
• Projects must advance toward pilot-scale validation.

Key Dates

• Open date: 2026-04-16.
• Deadline: 2026-09-16.

Application Process (High-Level)

• Single-stage submission via the [Funding & Tenders Portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal).
• Standard Horizon Europe application forms and evaluation criteria apply.

Post-Award Obligations

• Reporting: Standard Horizon Europe reporting requirements, including financial and technical progress.
• Data management: Produced data must be FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Re-usable).
• Synergies: Mandatory cooperation with parallel projects funded under related topics, with allocated resources for collaboration.
• Dissemination: Engagement with civil society and stakeholders to support market uptake.

Geographic Scope & Language

• Eligible countries: EU Member States, Horizon Europe Associated Countries (Norway, Iceland, UK, Switzerland), and select non-EU/non-associated countries with specific funding provisions.
• Application language: English.

Notes

• Excludes health biotechnology and biofuels/bioenergy to avoid overlap with other Horizon Europe clusters.
• Proposals must demonstrate quantifiable environmental benefits (e.g., climate, biodiversity, circularity).
• Encourages use of European research infrastructures (e.g., EMSO ERIC, ELIXIR, IBISBA).
• SSH (Social Sciences and Humanities) disciplines must be effectively integrated to enhance societal impact.